The Black British Book Festival made history this weekend by hosting the first-ever Black Literature panel at the renowned Glastonbury Festival. In collaboration with Bristol-based event organisers Team Love, the panel titled “Going Against The Grain” took place in the prestigious Silver Hayes field on 25th June 2023.

Glastonbury Festival, known as the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world, provided an ideal backdrop for this groundbreaking event. The Black Literature panel aimed to delve into the remarkable rise of Grime music, a genre that emerged from the streets of London and defied mainstream trends, carving its own unique path to success.

Led by esteemed chairperson Magdalene Abraha, a writer and publisher at Jacaranda Books known for her A Quick Ting On series, the panel boasted an impressive lineup of experts, artists, and industry professionals. One of the panellists was George the Poet, a London-born award-winning spoken word performer of Ugandan heritage, whose innovative brand of musical poetry has garnered critical acclaim both as a recording artist and a social commentator.

Joining George the Poet was Franklyn Addo, a multifaceted talent hailing from Hackney. Addo, an author, journalist, and rapper, brought his unique perspective and firsthand experience to the discussion, further enriching the conversation surrounding Grime’s unconventional journey.

Completing the panel was Metal Messiah, a renowned archivist of UK culture. With their vast knowledge and passion for preserving the essence of British creativity, Metal Messiah added valuable insights into the significance of Grime’s cultural impact and its implications for the wider creative industry.

The panel discussion was a resounding success, captivating the audience with thought-provoking insights, personal anecdotes, and powerful performances. Attendees were able to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contributed to Grime’s meteoric rise and the challenges faced by artists who choose to go against the mainstream. Moreover, the discussion sparked a broader conversation about the importance of embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity within creative fields.

Selina Brown, CEO of the Black British Book Festival, expressed her enthusiasm for this historic event, stating, “We are thrilled to have hosted the first-ever Black Literature panel at Glastonbury Festival. This momentous occasion represents a significant step towards amplifying Black voices and narratives within the literary and music realms.

We believe that the power of storytelling knows no boundaries, and through initiatives like this, we aim to create a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape.”Tom Paine, Director of Team Love and area manager of Silver Hayes at Glastonbury, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are honoured to have partnered with the Black British Book Festival to create the ‘Going Against The Grain’ panel at Glastonbury Festival. This collaboration represents a powerful fusion of music and literature, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and cultural impact of Black artists. We believe that events like these have the potential to shape and redefine the creative landscape, fostering inclusivity and celebrating diverse voices.”

The Black British Book Festival and Team Love extend their gratitude to Glastonbury Festival for providing a platform to celebrate Black literature and music. This historic event marks a significant milestone in the cultural landscape, highlighting the rich contributions of Black artists and voices.