George the Poet and Guests On Music
British Library, London.
George the Poet and Guests On Music
Friday 31 May 19:00 – 20:30
An evening hosted by acclaimed spoken word artist and podcast host George the Poet, with special guests including Shystie and Tinchy Stryder
More information about George the Poet and Guests On Music tickets
This event will take place in the British Library Knowledge Centre Pigott Theatre and will be simultaneously live streamed on the British Library platform. Tickets may be booked either to attend in person (physical) or to watch on our platform (online) either live or within 48 hours on catch up. Viewing links for the online version will be sent out shortly before the event. In his new book Track Record: Me, Music and the War on Blackness. George reflects on the role of music in Black life alongside the structures of power, capitalism, colonialism and race. He sheds light on the forces that restrict Black creativity and excellence and offers a fresh perspective on the world around us. At this event he talks to special guests including the multi-talented performers Shystie and Tinchy Stryder about these ideas and their own experiences. The event takes place in The British Library Theatre 19:00 – 20:30 and is followed, for in-person attendees on the night, by free access to the British Library exhibition Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music as well as live performance in the Entrance Hall from the next generation of UK RnB artists. Discounts available for BL Members and half-price tickets for students and under 26s. This event accompanies the British Library exhibition Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music (26 April – 26 August). Image of George the poet by Feruza Afewerki. The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Donate today.
George Mpanga, the British Ugandan artist better known as George the Poet, is a London-born spoken word performer. In 2019, ‘Have You Heard George’s Podcast?’ won the Peabody Award, the first podcast outside of the US to do so. His innovative brand of musical poetry has won him critical acclaim both as a recording artist and a social commentator, and seen his words broadcast to billions worldwide.
Chanel Cali, better known by her stage name Shystie, is a rapper, songwriter and actress. She grew up in Hackney, East London and became famous in 2003 with her white label response to Dizzee Rascal’s I Luv U. A tour with Basement Jaxx, The Streets and 50 Cent led to her being signed to major label Polydor. Shystie’s debut studio album, Diamond in the Dirt, was released in the UK in 2004. Her debut single One Wish peaked in its first week on the UK singles chart at number 40. Shystie’s debut album went on to sell 60 000 copies across the UK, and the same year she was nominated for Best Newcomer at the MOBO Awards. She was one of the creators of, and lead actress in the Channel 4 television series Dubplate Drama.
Tinchy Stryder stage name of Kwasi Esono Danquah III is a Ghanaian British rapper, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur and investor. Stryder has released three solo studio albums. He was one of the founding members of Ruff Sqwad who originated from the Bow area of London. He was also a part of legendary grime crew Roll Deep, but it was as a solo artist that he had the biggest impact, starting with the independently released debut album Star In The Hood in 2007. After signing with Island Records, Tinchy Stryder had three chart topping singles from the album Catch 22, making him the biggest selling artist of 2009 in the United Kingdom across all genres. Stryder has collaborated with Professor Green, Tinie Tempah, Taio Cruz, Dappy and Example.