Between 1978 and 1985, the sociologist, atheist, and reggae
poet Linton Kwesi Johnson released four albums that demanded the
transformation of postindustrial Britain: the end of “sus” laws, the
improvement of immigrant rights, and, most importantly, the freedom to
party. What British racism blocked was black joy and black
happiness. LKJ, a very serious soul—he only wrote one love
song during his peak period—recognized the importance of
coupling radical politics with popular music and getting down to
a good groove. (Triple Door, 216 Union St, 838-4333. 7:30 pm, $20
adv/$25 DOS, all ages.)

Charles Mudede—who writes about film, books, music, and his life in Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, the USA, and the UK for The Stranger—was born near a steel plant in Kwe Kwe, Zimbabwe. He has no memory...