From the fast chat pioneers of the Saxon Sound System era of the 1980s, to today’s contemporary wordsmiths, experience performances that honour Lewisham’s vibrant culture and celebrate its future.

Curated by Emma Warren, the event will include sets from Lezlee Lyrics, Belinda Zhawi, Cecil B, SignKid, No Hats No Hoods (DJ set) and more; all accompanied by atmospheric and immersive soundscapes from the acclaimed Anja Ngozi. This one-of-a-kind evening bridges generations of creativity, capturing the heart and soul of Lewisham through spoken word and music. Join us for a celebration of music, language, rhythm and community that’s uniquely Lewisham.

Emma Warren
Emma Warren has been documenting grassroots music culture for decades. She is the author of Make Some Space: Tuning Into Total Refreshment Centre (2019), which was a MOJO book of the year and was re-released by Chicago record label International Anthem; a pamphlet Steam Down: Or How Things Begin (2019), which was published by Rough Trade Books and was named an Irish Times read of the year; Document Your Culture: A Manual (2020). And the widely acclaimed Dance Your Way Home (2023) published by Faber. Emma was a founding contributor to Jockey Slut magazine, worked on staff at The Face and worked as the editorial mentor at youth-run Brixton publication Live Magazine. Her monthly radio show on Worldwide FM ran for six years.

This event is part of Deptford Literature Festival. Visit their website to see the full line-up.