Linton Kwesi Johnson

Date of Birth: August 24, 1952

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Linton Kwesi Johnson, often known as LKJ, is a highly influential Jamaican-British poet and musician whose work has significantly shaped the genre of dub poetry. Born on August 24, 1952, in Chapelton, Jamaica, Johnson moved to London in 1963. He attended Tulse Hill School and later studied Sociology at Goldsmiths College in New Cross, South East London. Johnson’s poetry is characterized by its political consciousness and its reflection of the experiences of the black British community. His works often address issues of race, social justice, and the struggles of the working class. Johnson’s unique style merges traditional Jamaican oral culture with contemporary themes, making his voice a powerful tool for activism and cultural expression. His first poetry collection, “Voices of the Living and the Dead,” was published in 1974. He gained further recognition with his second collection, “Dread Beat an’ Blood,” which was also the title of his first album, released in 1978. Over the years, Johnson has continued to produce thought-provoking poetry and music, earning numerous accolades and honors, including the Golden PEN Award for Lifetime Literary Achievement in 2012.

5 Interesting Facts about Linton Kwesi Johnson

1. Linton Kwesi Johnson is the first black poet to have his work included in the Penguin Modern Classics series.

2. He was a member of the British Black Panther Movement in the early 1970s.

3. Johnson has performed his poetry and music all over the world, including at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall.

4. In 2005, he was awarded the Musgrave Medal by the Institute of Jamaica for his contribution to poetry.

5. Johnson has a long-standing collaboration with British reggae band Dennis Bovell Dub Band, who have provided the musical backdrop for much of his work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Linton Kwesi Johnson

1. “Writing was a political act and poetry was a cultural weapon.”

2. “Poetry is a cultural weapon for me; it’s a way of reflecting and refracting the world.”

3. “I see myself as a poet who writes in the oral tradition.”

4. “If I was not a poet, I would have been a politician.”

5. “The voice of the people is the voice of a poet.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Linton Kwesi Johnson’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

Linton Kwesi Johnson has two children, a son and a daughter. He has always kept his family life relatively private, focusing public attention on his work and activism.