We are honoured to host the legend of spoken word and podcast royalty George The Poet to Bristol to mark the launch of his new memoir, Track Record: Me, Music, and the War on Blackness.

You’ll know him best from his Peabody Award-winning podcast Have You Heard George’s Podcast?, and through his international work as a poet and spoken word performer, but with his memoir George dissects and interrogates a post-colonial society and the effect it has on black creativity.

About George The Poet
George Mpanga, the British Ugandan artist better known as George The Poet, is a Peabody Award-Winning London-born spoken word performer. 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.

About Track Record
‘When Grime became the soundtrack to our lives, it gave a voice to the hustle. We were all looking for money, but it was deeper than that; we were looking for a future.’

George the Poet knows better than anybody the importance of understanding your surroundings. Born to Ugandan parents on the St Raphael’s Estate in Neasden, north-west London, George Mpanga has always been aware of his community.

It was both his teacher and his inspiration – giving him the language, the experiences, and the skills to become the person he is today. In Track Record, George unveils the power dynamics that shape our world, shedding light on the forces that restrict Black creativity and put limits on Black excellence. By interrogating the history of colonialism and exploring capitalism’s racist legacy, George offers a fresh perspective on the world around us.

Delving into the music scene and iconic films from his childhood, as well as crucial political and economic moments in history, this book provides the backstory of where we are today. Honest, thought-provoking, and passionate, Track Record is a ground-breaking memoir by one of the UK’s most unique voices.

Entry requirements: no age restrictions — Read more — Read less