Linton Kwesi Johnson – Forces of Vicktry

   • Linton Kwesi Johnson - Forces of Vicktry  

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Linton Kwesi Johnson is a Jamacian born, reggae/dub poet and activist. He moved to the UK with his family as part of what is known as the Windrush Generation.

The Windrush Generation refers to the Empire Windrush boat, and is symbolic of the post-war immigration into Britain of migrants from the Caribbean. At the time the UK needed immigrants to help rebuild its economy due to the shortage of workers. Many of the Windrush Generation became manual workers, bus drivers, cleaners and nurses in the NHS (the then new free healthcare system in the UK). Notably, in 2023, King Charles held a Windrush reception at Buckingham Palace for what he described as their profound and permanent contribution to British life.

Johnson graduated from Goldsmiths College in London and used his poetry and music to reflect the difficult times his generation faced, poor social conditions and racial aggression. In his latter years he became an honorary visiting Professor at Middlesex University in London. When he was young, he lived in Brixton, South London a multicultural area which to this day still reflects a rich Black history.

Forces of Vicktry comes from his 1979 album of the same name, and reflected the struggles of his generation, with rising right-wing fascist groups prominent in the UK at that time, and a dissillutioned and disenfranchised youth. These right-wing groups were a problem across the UK and I remember myself being chased on the streets by fascists many times, usually with chants about colour and go back to where you came from – despite being born in London.

The song is classic, dub reggae/poetry song with a kind of London-Jamaican patois, with lines such as ‘We dressed in red, and we’re feelin’ dread’. Drums, bass, rhythm guitar and brass sections really drive this song along.