Bonnaroo Band of the Day: Malcolm London

As we’ve been doing for the past several years now, we’re making it our mission to help you get acquainted with many of our favorites acts from from Bonnaroo‘s impressive 2017 lineup. As we dig through the entire schedule, we’ll highlight a spread of performers spanning across genres and stages, big and small, new and old, to bring you some of the most interesting, lesser-known, or most highly-reccomened among this year’s crop of artists. Though we’ll be jumping around, we’re loosely working our way through by day, and we’ll also be bringing you some special features and longer guides along the way, to help you plan your weekend before the fest. While these previews won’t span every performer, and might omit some more obvious must-see acts, we hope they’ll serve as a way to help you navigate Bonnaroo’s gargantuan lineup, and to make the most of your busy weekend on the farm!

Grab your tickets right here if you haven’t already, and keep reading to learn more about our Bonnaroo Band of the Day…

LEARN

Dubbed the “Gil Scott-Heron of this generation” by esteemed philosopher Dr. Cornel West, Chicago’s Malcolm London is without a doubt one of the most multi-talented, socially conscious, and important figures to appear at Bonnaroo this year. Music is just a small portion of what London is known for, operating as an internationally recognized poet, activist, public speaker, and educator. After winning an esteemed poetry contest in his teens, Malcolm seamlessly and naturally transitioned into the medium of music, another longtime passion, culminating in the release of his debut full-length, Opia, last year.

Additionally, in recent years London has delivered a televised TED talk with Bill Gates and John Legend, addressing his high school experience in Chicago, befriended Matt Damon, worked with politicians, brands, and grassroots organizations on community outreach, sparked international attention for his social activism, and has become an indispensable part of Chicago’s changing youth culture. Friends with fellow Chicago rapper Chance the Rapper, with whom he runs the city’s largest youth open mic, we wouldn’t be surprised top see Malcom show up in Chance’s set or vice versa; regardless, his Who Stage set is guaranteed to be an enlightened, awe-inspiring event.

LISTEN | “Northstar” ft. Vic Mensa & Maceo Haymes