Linton Kwesi Johnson: Dub, Language and Riots

Linton Kwesi Johnson is the pioneer of the literary genre known as dub poetry, a sub genre evolved out of reggae music, consisting of spoken word over reggae rhythms. In the dub panorama, LKJ covers an outstanding position, also thanks to the millions of records sold worldwide. In my article I will pause on the part of his production linked to the Brixton riots, occurring in the 80s. The personal involvement of the author in the facts and the use of both Standard English and Jamaican Patois, give the poems a rare authenticity and strength, endorsed when performed live by a spiritual connection with the audience. The article is divided into two main sections, the first aiming at introducing the dub poetry and the Jamaican language, and the second in which the analysis will focus on the writing strategies the author uses to deal with the current socio-political issues depicted in some of his poems over three decades