Have You Heard George’s Podcast? launches new chapter

Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is back with an exploration of the African independence movement and its legacy today.

In this new chapter titled After Empire, George The Poet explores African history through the lens of Cold War intrigue; a true crime saga weaving in poetry, music and archive footage with George’s style of storytelling.

Coinciding with Black History Month, George looks into the African independence movements of the 1960s, telling tales of struggle and sacrifice that have framed some of the most important and least discussed events of the last six decades, from the perspective of some of history’s unsung heroes.

There are stories from people like Patrice Lumumba, the independence leader and the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president.

George’s verses together with a soundtrack of original compositions by long-time collaborator Benbrick, are recorded with the BBC Concert Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.

George The Poet said: “I’m so grateful to be delivering a fourth season of Have You Heard George’s Podcast? at a time when there’s so much to discuss.

“From the rise of Afrobeats to the uprisings in Central Africa, the black liberation struggle continues to centre my poetry with era-defining music.

“Previously, I wrote about cultural aspects of the struggle, but this time it’s about the political and economic realities constricting our parents and grandparents. As always, I hope this chapter helps us understand each other better.”

Benbrick added: “I continue to be exceptionally proud to play a part in the creation of Have You Heard George’s Podcast?. This year, we were fortunate enough to record in the iconic Abbey Road Studio Two with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

“Our aim this season is to take the listener on an immersive journey through history and my role is to create an ambience and space for George’s poetry to breathe. George’s writing doesn’t just entertain; it educates and enlightens, exploring a foundational history and shared starting point.”

The first two episodes of After Empire, Chapter 4 of Have You Heard George’s Podcast? are available now on BBC Sounds with new episodes released every Friday.