Suburban cultures in Brazil and in the UK are strongly influenced by Jamaica, and this historical aspect is explored by “Sound System: Music and Poetry of the Black Atlantic”. The project is a collaboration between Festa Literária das Periferias (Flup) in Rio de Janeiro and the National Poetry Centre in Leeds.
It focuses on the Sound System, a Jamaican street cultural event that inspired the “paredões” of Rio, the “aparelhagens” of Pará, and the “radiolas” of Maranhão – all in Brazil –, as well as the urban youth culture of migrants that has profoundly influenced British society.
In Rio de Janeiro, the project is reflected in Flup, which this year celebrates the revolutionary political, artistic, musical, and poetic legacy of the Caribbean and its deep influence on the African diaspora. The guest of honour is the acclaimed writer Conceição Evaristo.
Meanwhile, in Leeds, the organisation Out of Many People prepares a series of cultural events over the coming months, aiming to strengthen Black British literature. In early October, it hosts a gathering of leading British authors with renowned Brazilian writer Conceição Evaristo.
The programme seeks to promote a cultural exchange between artists, writers and intellectuals from the margins of both Brazil and the UK. Focused on this exchange, the National Poetry Centre has selected three emerging writers from the North of England to travel to Rio and take part in Flup, where they will present their work.
At the Rio de Janeiro event, three other young poets will be awarded during the famous Grand Slam competition, and in 2026 the six selected artists will reunite for a second event held in Leeds.
Dates
- Flup in Rio de Janeiro: 19 - 23 November and 27 - 30 November
- Sound System: Music & Poetry Of The Black Atlantic in Leeds: 8 October
Partner organizations