What is the Sound System Event with Linton Kwesi Johnson in Leeds?

Ever felt a bassline so deep it rattles your bones? Or heard a poem that speaks right to your soul? Imagine combining the two. That's exactly what's happening in Leeds next week. A massive event is set to explore how giant speakers and powerful words, born from the streets of Jamaica, ended up changing the world. It’s a story about music, poetry, and a whole lot more. This special evening is called Sound System: Music & Poetry of the Black Atlantic, and it's bringing some absolute legends to the city, including the incredible Linton Kwesi Johnson.

So what is this sound system culture all about?

Right, let's break it down. Think of a sound system as more than just a massive set of speakers. It’s like a mobile nightclub, a community hub, and a radio station all rolled into one. This whole cultural phenomenon started in Kingston, Jamaica, way back in the late 1940s. People would gather in the streets around huge, custom-built speaker stacks, and a DJ (or 'selector') would play records while an MC (or 'toaster') would chat or rhyme over the top. It was a way for communities to come together, share music, and create their own entertainment. This wasn't just about listening to tunes; it was an experience. This unique culture travelled across the Black Atlantic, finding a powerful new home in Britain and influencing everything from hip-hop to dance music. It became a vital part of Black British life, a space for joy, expression, and building a sense of belonging.

An all-star line-up comes to Leeds

This event isn't just a talk; it's a gathering of giants. Headlining is the legendary Linton Kwesi Johnson, a true pioneer of dub poetry and Black British activism. His work gave a voice to a generation, blending reggae rhythms with sharp, political poetry. If you want to understand the power of words mixed with music, he's the master. But he's not alone. Joining him on stage at the Royal Armouries is Conceição Evaristo, a hugely important figure in Brazilian poetry. Her work is celebrated for its power and emotional depth. And there’s also Roger Robinson, an internationally famous poet who has won the prestigious T S Eliot Award. The whole evening will be chaired by Malika Booker, a brilliant writer and artist. It’s a seriously impressive panel, bringing together different voices to talk about one powerful cultural force. This is a rare chance to see these masters of poetry together in Leeds, showcasing their connection to sound system culture.

More than just music: community, identity, and activism

As Dawn Cameron, co-founder of the organisers Out of Many People, points out, this was about so much more than just beats. “Sound system culture was synonymous with being Black and British and it helped forge a sense of identity and belonging. It went beyond music. It was something joyous too and we’re thrilled to have four such esteemed guests to help celebrate this important cultural phenomenon.”

It was a form of community empowerment. It was a space where people could feel seen and heard. For many, it was also a form of activism. Susan Pitter, the other co-founder of Out of Many People, shares this feeling:

“For Black British men and women like me, who came of age in 1970s and 80s Leeds, we know first-hand sound system culture’s impact and significance. For some it awakened a cultural awareness and consciousness, for others it was a call to defiance. But it was about joy and style and coming together too.”

“For many, Linton’s dub poetry spoke about their lives or life around them in a way that resonated totally.”

The panel will be digging into these themes, discussing how a music scene that started in Jamaica became a global force for change. The Brazilian poet Conceição Evaristo explained her excitement for the event:

“When you understand Jamaica marking a cultural space in England, we can see how the poetry of the colonized subject returns to the space of the colonizer, dictating another rhythm of text, of narrative, of performance that inserts the bodies that were once subjugated. It is a poetry that transforms the language that was imposed upon it. It is as if poetry causes breaches, holes in the demarcated language and fills it in another way, with another language. That is why I am very excited to participate in Sound System: Music & poetry of the Black Atlantic in Leeds.”

Part of something bigger: Rooted and the National Poetry Centre

This incredible event is part of a wider series called Rooted, which runs all the way until Spring 2026. Rooted is a project dedicated to showcasing Black arts and culture, and it's run by the Leeds-based organisation Out of Many People. Their mission is to promote Black storytelling through arts and heritage events across the North.

The event is a partnership with the National Poetry Centre. Its director, Nick Barley, commented:

"The National Poetry Centre, like Out of Many People, is passionate about poetry and bringing a love of words to a wide audience and so we're delighted to be collaborating to bring such an incredible lineup of internationally respected poets to Leeds."

This huge celebration of Black arts has been made possible by funding from Arts Council England through its National Lottery Project Grant programme, with extra support from the British Council and FLUP. It all points to just how significant this exploration of sound system culture really is.

How to get your tickets for this must-see event

Fancy being part of this unique evening of music, poetry, and culture? Of course you do. Here are the essential details:

• What: Sound System: Music & Poetry of the Black Atlantic
• Where: The Royal Armouries, Armouries Drive, Leeds Dock, Leeds
• When: Wednesday 8 October, starting at 6:30pm
• Tickets: £15

You can grab your tickets by visiting the Out of Many People CIC event page on TicketSource. It promises to be a powerful night of conversation and inspiration, exploring a cultural movement that continues to influence the world.