Linton Kwesi Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential voices in the history of reggae music. Born in Jamaica but raised in the UK, Johnson brought a unique perspective to the genre, blending the rhythms of reggae with the powerful spoken word poetry of the UK’s black communities.
Over the course of his career, Johnson has released numerous albums and songs that speak to the experiences and struggles of black communities in the UK and around the world. His music has been a source of inspiration and empowerment for generations of listeners, and his powerful lyrics continue to resonate with people today.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Linton Kwesi Johnson songs of all time, showcasing the power and impact of his music. From the politically charged protest anthems of the 1970s and 1980s to the uplifting and celebratory reggae rhythms of his later work, these songs represent the best of Johnson’s prolific and powerful career.
Through this exploration of his music, we will gain a deeper understanding of Johnson’s unique voice and the lasting impact of his music on the world of reggae and beyond.
1. “Sonny’s Lettah (Anti-Sus Poem)”
“Sonny’s Lettah (Anti-Sus Poem)” is a powerful reggae poem by Linton Kwesi Johnson that portrays the racial and social injustice faced by black people in the UK during the 1970s. The song is a conversation between a Jamaican mother and her son, Sonny, who has been arrested and charged with being a “suspect” by the police under the “sus” laws of the time. The mother’s letter to Sonny highlights the pain, frustration, and anger felt by black communities who were subjected to discriminatory policing practices and the misuse of the law.
Through his powerful spoken-word performance, Johnson captures the emotions of the mother and the son and highlights the systemic racism that was prevalent in the UK at the time. The song became an anthem for the UK’s black communities, who were mobilized against the injustices of the “sus” laws and the broader racial inequalities they faced.
2. “Inglan Is a Bitch”
“Inglan Is a Bitch” is a scathing critique of the social and economic conditions faced by black people in the UK during the 1970s. Through his sharp lyrics and heavy reggae beats, Linton Kwesi Johnson paints a vivid picture of the struggles and challenges faced by the UK’s black communities, who were marginalized and excluded from mainstream society.
The song’s title, “Inglan Is a Bitch,” refers to England, which Johnson portrays as a cruel and unjust society that fails to provide opportunities or hope for black people. He highlights issues such as unemployment, poverty, and discrimination, which were rampant in the UK at the time and continue to affect many communities today.
With its raw energy and powerful message, “Inglan Is a Bitch” became an anthem for the UK’s black communities and a rallying cry against the systemic racism and inequalities they faced. The song remains a powerful reminder of the struggles and challenges faced by marginalized communities and the need to continue fighting for social justice and equality.
3. “All Wi Doin Is Defendin”
“All Wi Doin Is Defendin” is a powerful protest song by Linton Kwesi Johnson that speaks to the experiences of black communities in the UK who are subjected to systemic racism and police brutality. With its reggae beats and poignant lyrics, the song highlights the struggles and challenges faced by the UK’s black communities in the face of discrimination and oppression.
Through his powerful spoken-word performance, Johnson highlights the anger and frustration felt by black people who are forced to defend themselves against the violence and injustice of the police. The song’s chorus, “All Wi Doin Is Defendin,” echoes the sentiment of resistance and resilience that is central to the struggles of marginalized communities.
4. “Di Great Insohreckshan”
“Di Great Insohreckshan” is a powerful and politically charged song by Linton Kwesi Johnson that celebrates the spirit of resistance and rebellion. With its heavy reggae beats and powerful lyrics, the song pays tribute to the people of Jamaica who fought against colonialism and slavery and paved the way for a new era of independence and freedom.
Through his poignant spoken-word performance, Johnson captures the essence of the struggle for independence and the importance of resistance in the face of oppression. The song’s title, “Di Great Insohreckshan,” reflects the spirit of rebellion and defiance that has characterized the struggles of black communities throughout history.
5. “Reggae Fi Peach”
“Reggae Fi Peach” is a powerful reggae poem by Linton Kwesi Johnson that celebrates the power of music to bring people together and inspire social change. With its uplifting reggae beats and poignant lyrics, the song highlights the role of music in the struggle for social justice and the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of oppression.
Through his powerful spoken-word performance, Johnson celebrates the power of reggae music to inspire and uplift people and bring them together in common cause. The song’s title, “Reggae Fi Peach,” reflects the idea that music can be a source of peace and unity in a world that is often divided by violence and conflict.
Overall, these songs by Linton Kwesi Johnson represent powerful and politically charged works of art that speak to the experiences of black communities in the UK and around the world. With their raw energy, powerful lyrics, and heavy reggae beats, these songs continue to inspire and uplift people and speak to the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.
6. “Fite Dem Back”
“Fite Dem Back” is a powerful reggae poem by Linton Kwesi Johnson that speaks to the experiences of black communities in the UK who were subjected to racist violence and attacks by fascist groups during the 1970s and 1980s. With its heavy reggae beats and poignant lyrics, the song highlights the need for resistance and solidarity in the face of hate and violence.
Through his powerful spoken-word performance, Johnson captures the anger and frustration felt by black communities who were targeted by fascist groups and the need to stand up against racism and hate. The song’s chorus, “Fite Dem Back,” echoes the sentiment of resistance and defiance that is central to the struggles of marginalized communities.
7. “Bass Culture”
“Bass Culture” is a powerful and politically charged song by Linton Kwesi Johnson that celebrates the power of reggae music to inspire social change and resistance. With its heavy reggae beats and powerful lyrics, the song highlights the importance of music in the struggle for social justice and the power of unity and solidarity in the face of oppression.
Through his poignant spoken-word performance, Johnson celebrates the role of reggae music in the struggle for social change and the importance of standing up against oppression and injustice. The song’s title, “Bass Culture,” reflects the idea that reggae music is more than just entertainment, but a source of cultural resistance and political power.
8. “Liesense Fi Kill”
“Liesense Fi Kill” is a powerful and poignant song by Linton Kwesi Johnson that speaks to the experiences of black communities in the UK who were subjected to police brutality and violence. With its heavy reggae beats and powerful lyrics, the song highlights the need for justice and accountability in the face of police violence.
Through his poignant spoken-word performance, Johnson captures the anger and frustration felt by black communities who were targeted by police brutality and the need for accountability and change. The song’s title, “Liesense Fi Kill,” reflects the idea that police violence is a form of state-sanctioned murder that must be addressed and brought to justice.
Overall, these songs by Linton Kwesi Johnson represent powerful and politically charged works of art that speak to the experiences of black communities in the UK and around the world. With their raw energy, powerful lyrics, and heavy reggae beats, these songs continue to inspire and uplift people and speak to the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.
9. “Street 66”
“Street 66” is a powerful reggae poem by Linton Kwesi Johnson that speaks to the experiences of black communities in the UK who were subjected to poverty and unemployment during the 1970s and 1980s. With its heavy reggae beats and poignant lyrics, the song highlights the struggles and challenges faced by marginalized communities in the face of economic hardship.
Through his powerful spoken-word performance, Johnson captures the frustration and anger felt by people who are forced to live in poverty and struggle to make ends meet. The song’s title, “Street 66,” reflects the idea that poverty and unemployment are not just individual problems, but structural issues that affect entire communities.
10. “Want Fi Goh Rave”
“Want Fi Goh Rave” is a powerful and upbeat song by Linton Kwesi Johnson that celebrates the power of reggae music to bring people together and inspire joy and unity. With its heavy reggae beats and catchy lyrics, the song highlights the importance of music in the struggle for social justice and the power of community and solidarity in the face of oppression.
Through his lively spoken-word performance, Johnson celebrates the role of music in uplifting people and bringing them together in common cause. The song’s title, “Want Fi Goh Rave,” reflects the idea that music can be a source of joy and celebration in a world that is often marked by struggle and hardship.
Overall, these songs by Linton Kwesi Johnson represent a diverse and powerful body of work that speaks to the experiences and struggles of black communities in the UK and around the world. With their raw energy, powerful lyrics, and heavy reggae beats, these songs continue to inspire and uplift people and speak to the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
