George the Poet – Track Record
Me, Music and the War on Blackness
WithGeorge the Poet
In conversation withGemma Cairney
On:23rd April 2024, 7:30pm - 8:45pm
We can't wait to welcome George the Poet to the bookshop for a special evening event to celebrate the publication of the acclaimed rapper and podcast host's ground-breaking memoir, Track Record: Me, Music and the War on Blackness. He will be in conversation with broadcaster and writer Gemma Cairney.
Please note that this event will now take place in the bookshop and not at the Pleasance Theatre as originally advertised. Books for the Book & In-person Audience option will be available to collect on the night. Doors due to open at 7.10pm.
This event will take place in the bookshop with an in-person audience, as well as a livestream for attendees watching from home. There will be a signing after the event.
In-person vouchers can be redeemed on the night of the event against a single copy of Track Record – we will have a list of attendees with vouchers to be redeemed. Please note that only one voucher can be redeemed per book. Livestream vouchers are valid until the day after the event and can be redeemed on the website against a single copy of Track Record.
About Track Record: Me, Music and the War on Blackness:
'When Grime became the soundtrack to our lives, it gave a voice to the hustle. We were all looking for money, but it was deeper than that; we were looking for a future.'
George the Poet knows better than anybody the importance of understanding your surroundings.
Born to Ugandan parents on the St Raphael's Estate in Neasden, north-west London, George Mpanga has always been aware of his community. It was both his teacher and his inspiration - giving him the language, the experiences, and the skills to become the person he is today.
In Track Record, George unveils the power dynamics that shape our world, shedding light on the forces that restrict Black creativity and put limits on Black excellence. By interrogating the history of colonialism and exploring capitalism's racist legacy, George offers a fresh perspective on the world around us.
Delving into the music scene, as well as crucial political and economic moments in history, this book provides the backstory of where we are today.
Honest, thought-provoking, and passionate, Track Record is a ground-breaking memoir by one of the UK's most unique voices.
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Participants:
George the Poet Author
George Mpanga, the British Ugandan artist better known as George The Poet, is a Peabody Award Winning London-born spoken word performer. His innovative brand of musical poetry has won him critical acclaim both as a recording artist and a social commentator, and seen his words broadcast to billions worldwide.
Gemma Cairney Chair
Gemma Cairney is a BBC broadcaster, magpie, and life enthusiast who has won awards for her documentaries. Gemma has presented shows across the breadth of the BBC. She is also founder of production company Boom Shakalaka Productions. Her first book, Open: A Toolkit for How Magic and Messed Up Life Can Be came out in Spring 2017 (Macmillan).
The venue
The Portobello Bookshop
46 Portobello High Street
Edinburgh
EH15 1DA
Telephone: 0131 629 6756
Website: www.theportobellobookshop.com
Wheelchair Access
We have a ramp at the front of the shop which has a ratio of 1:10 and loading capacity of 300kg, and so should be able to be used by most wheelchair users or those with mobility vehicles. The front doors are fully automated. Our shop interior is designed to allow access throughout for wheelchair users and prams, though please note there is only 700mm wide clearance to access the staff toilet.
Sound
We use a PA system to enhance the audio at our live events. We also have a hearing loop system installed, if you’d like to use our loop system during an event please let us know and we’ll make sure we have it set up and connected to the live audio feed during the event. If you wish to attend an event and require BSL interpretation, please give us a few weeks notice and we’ll do our best to arrange an interpreter.