#7 - The Last Poets. Interview with Abiodun Oyewole

Explicit content warning

05/20/20 • 28 min

"The Last Poets are the birthplace of rap" (Chuck D).

The Last Poets were founded in Harlem on May 19th 1968 - Malcolm X's Birthday. They've influenced everyone from Erykah Badu to Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan and countless others.
In this episode of Cassette Tape Radio I chat with Abiodun Oyewole, one of the founding members of The Last Poets; one of the fathers of hip hop. We talk about how The Last Poets turned up the volume on poetry, transforming it from a whisper to a war cry.
For a transcript of this episode go to:
https://taliarandall.com/2020/05/20/ctr7transcript

Cassette Tape Radio is written and presented by Talia Randall. Music and audio engineering by Jamie Payne.
You can support us with the cost of making future episodes of Cassette Tape Radio with a tip or donation by clicking here: https://www.paypal.me/taliarandall

Previous Episode

#6 - What Words Are Ours?

A tongue-twisting, thigh-slapping, tear-jerking poetry-cabaret show featuring poets and performers Zia Ahmed, Lisa Luxx, Jackie Hagan, Cheryl Dole, Amina Jama, The Repeat Beat Poet and of course me - Talia Randall.
Most of today's episode was recorded live at my poetry knees-up What Words Are Ours?Today's partner is Free Word Centre in London. The venue and I were due to collaborate on my show What Words Are Ours? a night that showcases D/deaf and hearing artists on the same stage. Like so many other live shows, it was cancelled due to Covid-19. So instead Free Word Centre commissioned me reimagine What Words Are Ours? for their new digital season called Finding Power in Isolation. Along with this podcast episode I'll be bringing you Visual Vernacular and BSL interpreted poetry videos in the coming weeks and months. This is all part of us trying to keep What Words Are Ours? alive during the pandemic. Support the show by listening, watching, subscribing sharing with your pals and leaving us a lush review!
A transcript of this episode is available here:
https://taliarandall.com/2020/05/07/cassette-tape-radio-ep-6-what-words-are-ours-transcript

For bios, photos and social media details of all the featured artists check this out:
https://taliarandall.com/2020/05/07/cassette-tape-radio-episode-6-what-words-are-ours-featured-artists/
To see a BSL and Visual Vernacular poetry set by the fabulous Deaf artist Zoë McWhinney filmed live at What Words Are Ours? click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njTeGIRAZVU&feature=emb_title
In the podcast I mention something funny about Theresa May shoehorning her way into my work. Want to see photos? Click this link:
https://taliarandall.com/2020/05/07/theresa-i

Today's partner is Free Word Centre. The project is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Cassette Tape Radio is written and presented by Talia Randall. Music and audio engineering by Jamie Payne. You can support the podcast with a tip or donation by clicking here: https://www.paypal.me/taliarandall