George Mpanga, known professionally as George the Poet, is a Ugandan-British spoken-word artist, author and podcaster whose work examines race, identity, inequality and the legacy of colonialism. Born and raised in north-west London to Ugandan parents, he has built a career that moves between music, literature, broadcasting and academic research.
His transition from rap to spoken-word poetry, the success of his podcast Have You Heard George’s Podcast? and his decision to reject a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2019 have helped define his public profile.
Mpanga has also used his work to examine the relationship between Britain and its former colonies, drawing on his family background and experiences growing up in London.
Early life and Ugandan family background
Mpanga was born in London in 1991 to Ugandan parents, Edith and Kato Mpanga, who moved to Britain during the 1980s. He grew up on the St Raphael’s Estate in Neasden, north-west London, an experience that later informed much of his writing about race, class, identity and urban life.
His family placed considerable emphasis on education. His mother encouraged him to apply to Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet, where he received his secondary education.
Mpanga is also the grandson of Joyce Mpanga, a Ugandan educator and politician who served as Minister for Women and Development. Her public service and connection to Uganda form part of his wider family background.
Although he was raised in Britain, his Ugandan heritage has remained an important influence on his artistic and political outlook. Questions about belonging, colonial history and the relationship between Britain and Africa recur throughout his work.
Education and the transition from rap to spoken-word poetry
Mpanga studied Politics, Psychology and Sociology at King’s College, University of Cambridge, graduating in 2013. His university education gave him an opportunity to examine social structures, political power and questions of identity, subjects that would later become central to his artistic work.
He had developed an interest in hip-hop and grime while growing up, listening to artists including Tupac Shakur, Nas, Wiley, Kano and Dizzee Rascal. He began writing lyrics as a teenager and performing rap at about 15.
His approach changed during his time at Cambridge. He increasingly favoured spoken-word poetry, which allowed him to place greater emphasis on the meaning and delivery of his words rather than the musical conventions associated with rap.
The change also shaped his ambitions beyond music. While studying at Cambridge, he entered The Stake, a social enterprise competition organised by Barclays and Channel 4. He won £16,000, which he used to establish The Jubilee Line, a programme of poetry workshops for disadvantaged secondary school students in London.
The project reflected his interest in using creative work to engage young people and encourage critical thinking.
Music career and departure from the record industry
Mpanga’s growing profile brought him a recording deal with Island Records. In 2014, he released his debut spoken-word EP, The Chicken and the Egg, which received critical attention and helped establish him as an emerging British artist.
The release also brought nominations and recognition, including a place on the BBC Sound of 2015 shortlist and a nomination for the BRIT Awards Critics’ Choice prize.
His relationship with the conventional music industry later became a source of disagreement. In an interview with The Standard in April 2024, Mpanga described tensions over the direction of his music and the industry’s willingness to support his social and political ideas.
He said he believed his more experimental and progressive work had received less institutional support. His experience eventually led him to move away from the traditional record-label model and concentrate on spoken-word performances, writing and audio storytelling.
Rather than abandoning music altogether, he developed a format that combined poetry, narrative and sound, allowing him to explore subjects that extended beyond conventional song structures.
Have You Heard George’s Podcast? and international recognition
Mpanga expanded his work into podcasting with Have You Heard George’s Podcast?, which combines spoken-word poetry, music, fictional storytelling and social commentary.
The series explores subjects including colonialism, race, belonging, inequality, work and the experiences of Black communities. It uses personal narratives and fictional elements to examine wider political and historical questions.
The podcast received major recognition in 2019, winning five Gold awards at the British Podcast Awards, including Podcast of the Year. It also received a Peabody Award, one of the major international honours for broadcasting and digital media.
The Peabody Awards recognised the production for its examination of European colonialism and the cultural and social consequences that followed. Mpanga’s official website identifies him as the first non-American winner of the Peabody Award for radio and podcasting.
The podcast’s success established him beyond the British poetry and music scene. It also demonstrated how spoken-word performance could be adapted into a longer audio format capable of combining entertainment, historical discussion and political analysis.
Notable poems and literary publications
Mpanga’s poetry covers a range of subjects, from personal experiences and relationships to racism, education, mental health and environmental protection.
Some of his best-known works include:
- Only One You: Released in 2015 in collaboration with the Prince’s Trust, the poem addresses loneliness and anxiety among young people. It was developed alongside the charity’s Youth Index, which examined the wellbeing of young people in the United Kingdom. The Independent
- The Beauty of Union: Written for the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the poem was performed at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. It also featured in the BBC’s coverage of the ceremony. The work explores love, commitment and the relationship between two people.
- The Natural World: Released in May 2022 as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Nextdoor Nature initiative, the poem encourages communities to appreciate and protect green spaces. The programme was delivered by The Wildlife Trusts to support community-led environmental projects.
His first poetry collection, Search Party, was published in February 2015 by Virgin Books. The collection brings together autobiographical writing and social commentary, with poems including Go Home, Full-time, My City and School Blues.
In 2024, he published Track Record: Me, Music, and the War on Blackness. The book examines the relationship between music, race and identity, drawing on his experiences in the British music industry and wider discussions about anti-Blackness.
The publication extends themes that have featured throughout his poetry and podcasting, particularly the influence of historical inequalities on contemporary Black experiences.
Academic research and public recognition
Mpanga has continued his academic interests alongside his creative career. He is pursuing doctoral research at University College London’s (UCL) Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, where his work examines the socio-economic potential of Black music.
His research considers the economic and cultural value of Black music and its contribution to society. The work also connects with his wider interest in how creative industries can influence public life and social development.
In 2021, the University of London awarded him an honorary doctorate in literature in recognition of his contribution to the arts.
His other awards and nominations include:
- Peabody Award (2019): Recognised Have You Heard George’s Podcast? for its creative treatment of colonialism, race and Black Atlantic experiences.
- British Podcast Awards (2019): The podcast received five Gold awards, including Podcast of the Year, Best Arts and Culture and Best New Podcast.
- NME Award: Recognition for his podcasting work.
- Audio and Radio Industry Awards (2021): Won Gold for Best Speech Presenter.
- University of London honorary doctorate (2021): Awarded an honorary doctorate in literature.
- BRIT Awards (2015): Shortlisted for the Critics’ Choice award.
These honours reflect his work across broadcasting, literature and spoken-word performance. The Peabody Awards+3
Public controversies and political positions
Mpanga’s outspoken views on racial inequality, colonialism, policing and the music industry have occasionally placed him at the centre of public debate.
Police stop and search in 2018
In June 2018, Mpanga said he had been handcuffed and strip-searched by Metropolitan Police officers outside his parents’ home in north London.
The incident occurred on 28 June, after he had performed at a sold-out show in Islington. In a statement published on social media, he questioned why officers had stopped him and alleged that the search was unjustified.
The incident attracted attention from politicians and campaigners concerned about the treatment of Black people by British police.
The Metropolitan Police later said the vehicle involved had incorrectly appeared on the Police National Computer as uninsured. The force said a review had found that the search had been carried out satisfactorily.
Rejecting an MBE in 2019
In May 2019, Mpanga declined an offer of an MBE, explaining his decision publicly several months later through his podcast.
He initially indicated that he would accept the honour after a friend recommended him. However, he reconsidered because of the historical relationship between Britain and Uganda and the wider consequences of British colonial rule in Africa.
He argued that accepting an honour bearing the name of the British Empire would conflict with his position on colonialism and its continuing effects.
His decision attracted considerable attention in Britain and Uganda, prompting discussion about the country’s colonial history and the significance of honours associated with the former empire.
Mpanga said he appreciated the gesture but could not accept the title until Britain took institutional measures to address the consequences of its colonial history.
Criticism of Kendrick Lamar in 2024
In April 2024, Mpanga attracted further attention after criticising American rapper Kendrick Lamar during an interview with The Guardian.
He questioned Lamar’s record of speaking out on important political and social issues, describing the rapper as someone who was “cosplaying as a revolutionary”.
His comments came amid the public dispute between Lamar, Drake and J Cole. Mpanga questioned whether the attention surrounding the rivalry represented a meaningful return to politically conscious hip-hop.
The remarks generated debate because Lamar is widely associated with music addressing racial inequality, police violence and other social issues. Mpanga’s criticism reflected his broader argument that commercially successful musicians should use their influence to engage with issues affecting their communities.
George the Poet’s continuing influence
Mpanga’s career has developed across several disciplines, including music, literature, broadcasting and academic research. His movement from rap to spoken-word poetry and podcasting has allowed him to explore subjects that extend beyond conventional entertainment.
His Ugandan heritage, upbringing in north-west London and education at Cambridge have all informed his approach to questions of identity, race, class and colonial history.
Through his poetry, publications and broadcasting work, George the Poet has established a body of work that examines the relationship between artistic expression and social change.
