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Fronted by Malik Al Nasir, the protege of Gil Scott-Heron, Malik & the OG’s perform an innovative set, utilising an eclectic blend of musical and vocal elements, with a politically charged poetic polemic that we haven’t seen in the UK since Billy Bragg, Linton Kwesi Johnson and John Cooper Clarke.
Malik’s work is reminiscent of his mentors and lifelong friends, the late great Gil Scott Heron, & Last Poet – Jalal Nuriddin – a.k.a “Lightnin’ Rod’ who schooled Malik ever since meeting them both in Liverpool back in 1980’s.
Malik spent years touring with Gil and also had the great privilege to write a song for him before he died. Gil recorded the song called ‘Black & Blue’ which features on Malik & the O.G’s newly released double album, entitled “Rhythms of the Diaspora Vol's 1 & 2.”
Malik’s repertoire with his band “The O.G’s” features a tribute to Richie Havens, the black folk music legend, who opened Woodstock in 1969 with the song “Freedom – Motherless Child” which has been covered by Paul Robeson, Eric Clapton and more recently John Legend, but ‘Malik & the OG’s’ take on it has a twist, blending spoken word verses (à la Gil Scott Heron).
Malik described his work, as “A quiet revolution” saying, “Poetry and music can be a force for good and revolution is nothing but change that should bring benefits. So when you combine revolution and poetry and set it to music, you can make people think how to make a change that is beneficial.”
Makhou N'Diaye - Percussion
With special thanks to:
XL Recordings
The Cambridge Arts Picture House
Yesternight Productions Ltd
Cambridge Wine Merchants
Classic Album Sundays
20:30 - 23:00