Omnibus (1967)

Dread, Beat an' Blood (1979x18)

Air date: Jun 07, 1979

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.'