DE CENTRALE and VIERNULVIER welcome With great enthusiasm several legendary members of The Last Poets — Abiodun Oyewole, Felipe Luciano, Sharrif Simmons, and Baba Don — in Ghent, on the eve of World Poetry Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
THE LAST POETS
On May 19, 1968, the birthday of Malcolm X, who was assassinated in 1965, The Last Poets ignited their verbal fire of protest. With a unique fusion of poetry, jazz, political rap, and early hip-hop, they established themselves as pioneers of revolutionary art. Widely regarded as the ‘Godfathers of Spoken Word & Hip-Hop,’ they remain a lasting source of inspiration for artists across the globe. Before rap had even emerged as a genre, these young artists gave a powerful voice to issues such as racism and poverty. Their influence can still be felt today in the work of contemporary icons like Nas, Common, and Erykah Badu.
Although some original members no longer perform, Abiodun Oyewole and Umar Bin Hassan continue to be active, using music and spoken word to foster awareness and self-empowerment within the African American community. Their 2018 comeback album Understand What Black Is marked yet another milestone. Combining reggae rhythms with sharp, thought-provoking lyrics in tracks such as Rain of Terror and How Many Bullets, they demonstrated that their passion remains as strong as ever.
Since the 1970s, The Last Poets have made an indelible mark with their powerful, revolutionary poetry and socially conscious lyrics. Their message remains highly relevant in a world still grappling with inequality and oppression.
Following their successful 2018 return, The Last Poets released a new album in 2024 titled Africanism. The project began in 2019, when the late Nigerian drummer Tony Allen laid down its rhythmic foundation, but completion was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Africanism, Abiodun Oyewole and Umar Bin Hassan breathe new life into classic poems such as When The Revolution Comes and Niggers Are Scared of Revolution, once again addressing themes of inequality and racism. They are joined by renowned musicians from the Afrobeat and jazz scenes, including members of Seun Kuti’s Egypt 80 and British jazz legend Courtney Pine. The result is a distinctive blend of live Afrobeat, jazz, and revolutionary spoken word.
SLAM ALEIKUM
In the basement hall, you can enjoy a special free edition of Slam Aleikum, where a new generation of spoken word artists showcases how they carry on the legacy of The Last Poets.
Slam Aleikum is an open and diverse platform for word art in all its forms. Spoken word, slam poetry, storytelling, comedy, and rap are regular features of these events. During a Slam Aleikum evening, professional word artists share their stories and, often drawing from personal vulnerability, offer critical reflections on the world around us.
The evening will be skillfully hosted by Hind Eljadid, with DJ Selay providing the musical backdrop. Additionally, Kristien Desmettre, a specialist in artistic sign language, will translate the performances into sign language.
During the Open Mic session, everyone is welcome to step onto the stage and make their voice heard. Registration for the Open Mic happens on-site, during the event.
The Last Poets + Slam Aleikum is organized by De Centrale and VIERNULVIER, in collaboration with the UMOJA Student Association, Orbit vzw, Broederlijk Delen, AMAL, ABVV, ACLVB, ACV and Hussle Events.
Slam Aleikum is an initiative of Voem vzw and Hind Eljadid, in partnership with the Vermeylenfonds, Victoria Deluxe, and Cultuur Gent.
More info :
Practical
Thursday 20 March 2025
- 6:00 PM - Doors open (Basement Hall)
- 6:30 PM - Slam Aleikum
- 8:15 PM - Doors open (Turbine Hall) + DJ Grazzhoppa
- 8:45 PM - The Last Poets
- 9:45 PM - DJ Grazzhoppa
Slam Aleikum (Basement Hall) = Free!
Presale: €22
Presale with Uitpas & oKo-pas, under 18s, & groups (10+): €19
At the door: €25
Uitpas opportunity rate: €5
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