What is Dub Poetry

What is Dub Poetry – Jamaican Dub Poetry Lyrics

Dub Poetry is performance poetry originating from the West Indies.  This genre advanced from dub music consisting of the “spoken word” over reggae balanced rhythm. Dub Poetry was started in Jamaica in the 1970’s. Compared to  Dee Jaying (also referred to as Toasting), which  advertises the usage of the spoken word, the Dub Poet’s blazing inferno of words are normally prepared in advance, in comparison to the Dancehall Dee Jay rapping to the beat. In artistically musical settings; the Dub Poet will present him or herself on a stage setting with a band executing music specifically catered to guide each poem. This is done instead of performing over dub plates, or riddims (beats), as in the Dancehall genre. Synchronized Melody is then input into Dub poems. These amazing poems are then performed without any additional music. This in turn transports speech with chant, rhythmical accentuation, and a dramatic, unique gesture. The effects of dub music, by either echo or reverb, are spontaneously dubbed by a poet.  He or she then makes a live version of a poem. Thousands of Dub Poets also use response and call devices to populate a more prestigious audience.

Dub poetry is can be extremely political and social by nature, and not associated with the “show off,” in the dancehall.  It was often part of “underground music” until the arts community formally recognized its significance. The bizarre love-song or requiem debuts from time to time in this genre. Dub poetry, in effect, promotes politics and social justice. This poetry can be often voiced through a critique on current events. These elements are often fused with Dancehall, “Roots” or reggae music. Some popular topics that were written about this music range from ganja, sex, police brutality, and Rastafarian religious themes.  The opposition would tell you it’s all about “screaming and cursing” and how it just “doesn’t make any sense.”

Dub genre shined the brightest in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Many dub poets are still creating music to this very day.  It was during this era that the poetry emerged as more metaphorical, and less imposing. Many poets tried to broaden their styles and give a new life to the poetry. Some notable Dub poets are: Lillian Allen, Malachi Smith, Afua Cooper, and Benjamin Zephaniah.  They have also collaborated their music with versions of published volumes of written poetry and written music with poetry.

Toronto, Canada, has the second highest collaboration of Dub Poets foreshadowed by Jamaica, and England follows at a close third according to Wikipedia (and the site is always correct, :P). I hope you have found this article to be as informative and as interesting as I have. You can now see what the hoopla of dub poetry is all about.