Rewriting the North: Testament

Who was The Bard of Colour?
Hip-Hop MC, writer and theatre-maker Testament takes us on a historical journey from Salford to Manchester to explore the life of 19th-century poet Robert Rose, known as The Bard of Colour, one of the first famous people of colour in Manchester's history. Along the way, Testament performs his own raps alongside poems by Rose including Reform, a rallying cry to end slavery all over the world.


Transcript available here.


Rewriting the North is hosted by Joe Fenn and produced by Nija Dalal-Small. Concept and programming by Sarah Hill.
This series was made with support from Arts Council England.
Our theme tune is The Kaveri Water by Arizona Pope. 


This episode features:Sankofa by Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra (ft. Testament of Homecut). With permission from the artist.Bring It All Together (Instrumental) by Homecut. Composer (A.Brooks, S. Jones). With permission from the artist.Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor. Public domain. Source.Mendelssohn's String Quarter in E Flat Major. Public domain. Source.
Join the Portico Podcast conversation and follow us on social media!

#PorticoPodcast #WhatsYourNorth


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from The Portico Podcast

  1. 20:55Rewriting the North: John MurrayFeb 14, 2022
  2. 21:07Rewriting the North: Amina AtiqJan 17, 2022
  3. 20:57Rewriting the North: TestamentDec 14, 2021
  4. 22:55Rewriting the North: Adam FarrerNov 22, 2021
  5. 15:22Rewriting the North: Jennifer ReidNov 01, 2021