Legendary dub poetry and Black British activism pioneer Linton Kwesi Johnson is in Leeds next week for a special evening exploring the global impact of sound system culture on music and poetry.

Johnson will be joined on stage by Conceição Evaristo, a giant of Brazilian poetry, and internationally acclaimed T S Eliot Award-winnerRoger Robinson for Sound System: Music & Poetry of the Black Atlantic, at the Royal Armouries, in Leeds, on Wednesday, October 8.

Two-time Forward Prize-winning writer, poet and artist Malika Booker will chair this not-to-be-missed evening of poetic excellence.

The event is part of Rooted, a series of events showcasing Black arts and culture, run by Out of Many People, a Leeds-based organisation that curates and promotes Black storytelling through arts, heritage and cultural programming in the North.

The panel will discuss how sound system culture has influenced broader world culture, music and poetry since it emerged in Kingston, Jamaica, in the late 1940s, as well as the important role it has played in activism and community empowerment.

They will also share their favourite sound system-inspired tracks with the audience.

Susan Pitter,Out of Many People co-founder, said: “We are honoured and delighted that Linton Kwesi Johnson has agreed to take part in this event. He is one of the greatest writers and poets of our time, as well as being a hugely respected activist.

“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.”

Dawn Cameron,fellowco-founder of Out of Many People, said: “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.”

Speaking ahead of the event, Conceição Evaristo said: “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.”

National Poetry Centre 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.”

Sound System: Music & Poetry of the Black Atlantic at the Royal Armouries, Armouries Drive, Leeds Dock, Leeds. Wednesday 8 October, 6:30pm. Tickets £15.  To buy tickets visit Out of Many People CIC event tickets from TicketSource.