Home / Series / Omnibus (1967) / Aired Order / Season 1979 / Episode 18

Dread, Beat an' Blood

Omnibus presents the TV premiere of Franco Rosso's highly-praised film, made for the Arts Council. In Jamaica the poet is the voice of the people: 'toaster' poets chant improvised lines to a backing of reggae music at dance halls, parties, anywhere people go to enjoy themselves. Linton Kwesi Johnson, born in Jamaica now resident in London, is a poet, writer and musician whose style is rooted in the Jamaican tradition in which art, society, politics and music are inextricably bound together. This is a film not only about Linton Johnson but also about the community to which he addresses himself, the Black working-class community in London. 'I don't believe that politics changes anything ... You could write a thousand songs but that won't bring about the revolution.'

English
  • Originally Aired June 7, 1979
  • Runtime 60 minutes
  • Content Rating Great Britain PG
  • Network BBC One
  • Sensitive Content & Trigger Warnings Racism
  • Created October 31, 2023 by
    mikeru99
  • Modified October 31, 2023 by
    mikeru99