Anthony Joseph

Anthony Joseph is a poet, novelist, musician and lecturer described as “the leader of the black avant-garde in Britain”. His written work and performance occupies a space between surrealism, Jazz and the rhythms of Caribbean speech and music. His hypnotic blend of rapturous spoken word and groove has been delighting festivals and audiences across Europe over the past year, capable of moving people's minds and their waistlines!

In 2005 he was selected by the Arts Council of England and Renaissance One as one of 50 Black and Asian writers who have made major contributions to contemporary British literature. He is the author of 4 poetry collections and a novel The African Origins of UFOs. He released his first album Leggo de Lion in 2007. His sixth album Caribbean Roots was released in 2016 to hugely positive reviews:

Tremendous sixth album from the innovative poet, author, lecturer and musician. (Mojo ****)
A charged mash-up of militant Afrobeat, martial funk and Caribbean polyrhythms that is never less than thrilling. (Uncut)

Joseph’s tumbling, stream-of-consciousness plays with rhythms from Cuba and Jamaica as well as Trinidad. (FT ****)

Nothing is wasted here: every note counts as the band play up a hurricane, while Joseph sounds assured as he speak-sings stories with real resonance. (Songlines ****)

Anthony is a perfect artist for TalkingGigs - expect a challenging exploration of Black African Caribbean history and futures, as well as a stunning set from one of the UK's funkiest bands playing an amazing fusion of grooves and rhythms.