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C*LTURE: Linton Kwesi Johnson


Pioneering dub poet and author, Linton Kwesi Johnson used the power of spoken word to highlight police corruption, racism and inequality in British society. Born in 1952 in Jamaica, Linton moved to London in 1963 at a time of racial tensions.


Linton went on to read Sociology at Goldsmiths College, University of London. He joined the Black Panther movement in 1970, organising a poetry workshop and working with Rasta Love, a group of poets and percussionists.


Linton Kwesi Johnson's dub poetry called for an uprising and freedom for people living under the injustices. His haunting chants over a rhythmic baseline reflected the pain and suffering of the people. Linton has influenced a generation of poets, hip-hop artists and political activists. He became the second living poet, and the only black poet, to be published in the Penguin Classics series.


Residing in South London, Linton Kwesi Johnson's poetry for cultural expression and social change still resonates today.



?UESTIONS: Goldi Gold

Expressive, bold and powerful. Artist Goldi Gold uses his creativity as a foundation of unity. Thought provoking, his art is an honest expression of Black culture, with a nod to Hip Hop. A visual illustrator, Goldi Gold has an amour of art, including a clothing line, CDs and more.


A true creative with a real sincerity for what he does. Check, check, check him out!

What does your art represent?

My mission with my art is often to create a relatable reality, as close as possible without getting extremely complex to lose the viewer. To feed them more then enough information with the visuals that they won't feel uncomfortable to ask questions and learn from the experience. Overall, I try to rep for the people and culture.


Who are your major influences?

Honestly I can name a bunch of famous very well know people, but my crew/brothers influences me the most. Off top, Flux, Mr. Soul, Miya, Shah Wonders and Kermin Middleton. Their dedication to their art is alien like. I feed off it to be a better artist constantly.


Then you have talented people like Ash Nash, a thinker. I love the way she thinks which adds to the thought process to be better. Also my humble but very passionate artist peers Lex Boogie, Will Feagins, Keef Cross. All just dedicated in their craft in their own way to influence me heavily.

If your artwork were music, what would it sound like?

It would have to be a dope beat with a change up in the middle. It's the best unexpected 2 for 1 deal you can get when listening to music. That's usually my thought or approach when creating art for the massive. Have them thinking I'm gonna have something one way but give them something different for the win..hopefully. hahaha




What is your vision?

I don't really know, sometimes I stay with a game plan but it's tough to have a vision when you still figuring things out with self. That's why my alone time is very important to me, it helps me figure out what I already know.


I soak everything up day by day, so I won't miss that moment of reflection to projection.  



All images by and courtesy of Goldi Gold

?UESTIONS: Amelie

Bold lines and vibrant colours, Amelie creates art that encapsulates freedom and empowerment. Born in the Congo, raised in Paris and based in Atlanta, Amelie's work is a reflection of light and the spirit of life.

How has your background influenced the Art you create?

My Art is an healing space.


Born in Congo, raised in France by a single mother, who made me grow through arts, music, visiting the world, no matter what! I’m Afropean!


Experimenting life in Paris, and falling in love with an American poet now I’m in Georgia!


The colors and the warmth of motherland. The European painters: Picasso, Modigliani, Egon Schiele, Dali, Miro...


Hip Hop culture.

What themes do you pursue? 

Women. Love. Empowerment. Freedom. Sometimes I just desire to create an emotion. I let my brush be!

What inspires you? 

Life! But also legends like Sarah CJ Walker, Mandela, Lumumba, Nipsey Hussle.


When I go through something in my life, it becomes therapeutic and the inspiration is a blessing.

What impact would you like to make on the world?

If I can help the world to be better at my level, I will be so glad. I know we are butterflies, but I really would like to create a positive action. I’m working already on the plans!


That’s my leitmotiv. Create an Art School in Congo, for young kids, orphans and help them (if they have traumas) to heal-grow and shine through art....


Art saved my life.

All images by and courtesy of Amelie

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