Desert Island Dissent with Linton Kwesi Johnson comes to The British Music Experience in Liverpool for a powerful evening of poetry, music and reflection, shaped by one of the most influential voices in Black British cultural and political life.
Taking place on Thursday 28th May 2026 at 7:00pm as part of the Writing on the Wall Festival (WoWFEST), the event offers a rare opportunity to hear Johnson speak live about the ideas, influences and experiences that have defined his work across decades. Through conversation and performance, the evening explores the intersection of art, identity and activism.
Born in Jamaica in 1952 and raised in London from the age of eleven, Johnson emerged during a period of profound social and political change in Britain. As a member of the British Black Panther movement and later a key figure in the Race Today Collective, his work has consistently challenged racism, inequality and state violence, giving voice to the realities of Black life in Britain.
Widely recognised as the leading figure in dub poetry, Johnson combines the rhythms of reggae with spoken word to create a distinctive and powerful form of expression. His work, including Dread Beat An’ Blood and Mi Revalueshanary Fren, captures the language, experience and resistance of a generation, and continues to influence writers, musicians and activists around the world.
Set within The British Music Experience at Liverpool’s historic waterfront, the venue provides a fitting backdrop for an evening that connects music, heritage and social change. With its focus on voice, resistance and cultural legacy, Desert Island Dissent offers a deeply resonant and thought-provoking experience, reflecting the enduring power of art to challenge, document and inspire.
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