Скачать или смотреть Ghetts on influences, education and rap and grime as a form of poetry

‘We love words… and that’s just the essence of it, we love words.’

Ahead of his co-curation of our 2024 London Literature Festival, the grime MC, rapper and songwriter Ghetts sits down in our Queen Elizabeth Hall to answer questions on rap, poetry and his inspirations.

As well as discussing where rap and poetry collide, Ghetts also expands on his influences, both musically – in rappers Sharky Major and Namesbliss – and educationally, in the form of his former English teacher Mr Henry . He also discusses the complexities of whether art should reflect the time in which it’s created, or offer an escape.

In a celebration of the links between London’s poetry and music communities Ghetts curates the opening weekend of the Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival in October 2024. Of his curation he says ‘I want people to leave here thinking ‘wow, I thought [literature and rap] were worlds apart, and I couldn’t have been more wrong’.’

00:00 Introduction
00:15 Are rappers modern day poets?
00:30 Rap vs Poetry
00:54 First lyricist who inspired you?
01:36 The poetry scene, school and education
02:37 Rap & Grime on the curriculum?
03:07 Words or the music?
03:32 Reflecting the times
04:29 Co-Curating London Literature Festival

London Literature Festival, now in its 17th year, takes place at the Southbank Centre, 23 October – 3 November, 2024.Subscribe for the latest videos: https://southbankc.re/youtube

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