The Last Poets

On 19 May 1968, on the anniversary of Malcolm X's assassination in 1965, The Last Poets lit the torch of protest. Their music, with lyrics full of poetry, jazz, political rap and hip-hop, exploded onto the scene. Even before rap existed as a music genre, they gave a powerful voice to issues of racism and poverty. Today, they are still regarded as the undisputed Godfathers of Spoken Word & Hip Hop and remain a great inspiration to musicians and (lyric) poets worldwide.

2025 marks the 55th anniversary of their eponymous debut album, The Last Poets. You may recognise the single On the Subway, which was sampled by Digable Planets in 1992. Other songs from the album have also found their way into the work of iconic artists such as N.W.A, Notorious B.I.G. and Brand Nubian. Wake Up, Niggers was also featured on the soundtrack of the cult classic Performance, starring Mick Jagger and others, released the same year.

Revolutionary Poetry

Since their first recordings in the 1970s, their work has had a profound influence on the hip-hop landscape. Expressions they introduced, such as ‘Party and Bullshit’, have become part of the hip-hop vernacular. To this day, they continue to spread their message by touring the world and recording new music. They have also collaborated with some of today’s leading artists, including Nas, Common, Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Styles P. and Dead Prez.

In 2018, they made a remarkable comeback with the album Understand What Black Is. Combining reggae with razor-sharp lyrics in songs like Rain of Terror and How Many Bullets, they proved that their message remains relevant in a world still struggling with inequality and oppression. On their 2024 follow-up, Africanism, they once again tackle issues of inequality and racism, this time with the support of renowned musicians from the Afrobeat and jazz scenes, including members of Seun Kuti's Egypt 80 and British jazz icons such as Courtney Pine.

We are particularly pleased that The Last Poets will be coming to Leuven Jazz on World Poetry Day. This day, 21 March, is also the International Day against Racism and Discrimination. The concert will therefore be dedicated to tolerance and the fight against racism and discrimination. And of course, spring is also in the air!

A warm welcome to the Last Poets Abiodun Oyewole, Felipe Luciano, Sharrif Simmons and Baba Don!

Opener: UITWEG 

UITWEG is a 21-year-old Dutch- and French-speaking up-and-coming rapper from Leuven. With his honest lyrics, he casts a glance in the mirror. Thanks to his inovative mix of genres and a modern twist on oldschool lyricism, you immediately recognise a UITWEG track. This young artist has already performed at various festivals and events alongside names like, Yung Mavu, Fahad Seriki, and CEM. He also appeared on live radio in Mother Language's cyphers. After releasing a few singles, he made his mark on the Flemish rap game last year with his first project GRONDSLAG EP. At the end of 2024, he will come out with new music.

Aftershow: Nyumo & guests

Nyumo is the alter ego of Leuven-based DJ/musician Kris Putzeys, who made his name as Damented, a founding member of DJ collectives Killa Tactics (1996) and two-time world champions The Mixfitz (2008). Since 2020, the turntables have given way to musical instruments a little more often: Nyumo is a solo project from whom you could only hear instrumental tracks and a handful of remixes - for sounding names like Nightmares On Wax (UK) and local heroes Alpacas Collective. But now comes the debut album Currents, a compilation of 20 collaborations with singers, rappers and guest musicians. The whole thing lives somewhere between hip-hop, jazz and soul, with forays into some more electronic genres.

The digital version of the album will be out on 7 March, but it will be official two weeks later with a proper vinyl release. To celebrate, some of the guest artists on the album will be coming to our 30CC/Schouwburg. You can expect performances from Chillow & Walter Ego, WIM, Mel Ross & Sem Phi, CNN199 (Rival & Ramone), Mata Wangala, LoSaBeS & Zami Zulu, Ben's Orchard & Mc Six, Zara Tosta, The GMC, Renegade and Aminah, as well as Leuven rap icon Sanctum taking the stage for the first time in almost 20 years. The limited vinyl album (200 copies!) will also be available for the first time.

PROGRAM

• 20.30 – 21.00 h: opener: UITWEG
• 21.00 – 21.45 h: The Last Poets
• 21.45 – … h: Aftershow: Nyumo & guests (in foyer)

AND MORE

During the day, we will also organise a unique Masterclass and a Book Talk with The Last Poets.

More info

a collaboration of viernulvier, BURn Leuven, Straatrijk & 30CC