Empire Windrush's Most Famous Passenger Lands Again in England

70 years ago, a young Trinidadian, born Aldwyn Roberts, but better known as Lord Kitchener, disembarked the Empire Windrush to a flurry of excitement and Pathe News cameras. On 21 June 2018, Kitch lands again, as Peepal Tree Press releases a stunningly inventive novel, based on the life of the young man who became an icon, setting Britain alight with his calypsos.

Written by Anthony Joseph, also once a young Trinidadian immigrant to England, Kitch blends factual biography, imagination and beautifully poetic prose to illuminate the story of the man behind the famous soubriquet and iconic calypsos such as "London Is the Place for Me."

Anthony Joseph says, "I didn't want to write a standard biography. Most biographies are a singular light that shine on a life, and I don't believe that's the case with Kitchener."

By presenting a multifaceted view from his friends, colleagues and rivals, Joseph gets to the heart of the man behind the music and the myth.

Joseph says, "I believe that we made Kitchener, we created the idea, the mythology and the legend that is Kitch."

Anthony Joseph will be going on tour to promote Kitch. Highlights include the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Bradford Literature Festival where Anthony's performance will feature musicians Jason Yarde and Crispin "Spry" Robinson, and the Cheltenham Literature Festival where he will open for Roger Robinson and Nick Mahloha's Mixtape show.

About the author
Like Kitchener, musician and writer Anthony Joseph also left Trinidad for London in his mid twenties. He has always felt a powerful connection to the calypsonian, seeing similarities in their role as diasporic artists, and since his introduction into the world of poetic language came from listening to calypsonians such as Kitchener on local radio.

A poet, musician and lecturer, he holds a PhD in Creative and Life writing, and in 2015 he presented 'Kitch', a documentary for BBC Radio 4. Anthony is the author of four poetry collections and a novel. He lives in London.

Notes For Editors

Kitch by Anthony Joseph is published by Peepal Tree Press on 21 June RRP: £10.99. 264pp. ISBN: 9781845234195

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