George The Poet successfully kicked off the first weekend of the London Literature Festival last night. Joined by guests including Sophia Thakur, and Henry Stone, his inventive anthology Part of a Story That Started Before Me, was brought to life. The project takes readers on a thought-provoking poetical journey through Black British history. The event is also inspired by George the Poet’s memoir Track Record, a fascinating and deeply personal account of his search for purpose. The event also featured Capital XTRA DJ and stand-up comedian Leah Davis, who conducted the Q&A for the evening.
After welcoming the audience, the London-born spoken word performer exhibited his unique style and delivery, paying reference to the importance of Black History Month. Underlining that ‘he is the living future of his ancestor’s history’, his opening material focused on acknowledging civil rights and questioned how black lives matter if there is an absence of justice.
Unquestionably, George the Poet’s guest artists, with thought-provoking and powerfully charged material, contributed to a great evening’s entertainment, Henry Stone, the first guest poet to come on stage, provided striking poetry, addressing a spectrum of personal experiences, from self-harm and mental health to observations on the oppressive state of the world. His second poem, titled 2005, comprehensively addressed the experiences of black communities in East London during the early 2000s and was particularly moving.
Nigerian Poet Inua Ellam’s powerful contributions addressed war, pain, suffering, love, and humanity. His poem titled ‘Fuck History’ succinctly described colonialism in his country. His poems, ‘Fuck Nigeria’ which focused on the country’s civil war, and ‘Fuck Bakhom Haram’, which addressed the organisation’s accumulation of weapons and recruitment of young boys were equally formidable. Sophia Thakur contributed to the evening with the delivery of raw, poignant, and arresting poetry about appreciating life and all that comes with it.
In conclusion, it was a great night of art, poetry, and music. It was moving and memorable. The 2023 edition of the London Literature Festival also features, Yu Miri, Teju Cole, Sir Patrick Stewart, Jada Pinkett Smith, Kerry Washington, Jacqueline Wilson, and more. The festival runs until the 29th of October. For further information, please visit the https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/
Photo by India Roper-Evans, George the Poet photographed by Feruza Afewerki, courtesy of Southbank Centre
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