Food for thought: Soweto Kinch, jazz and hip hop artist

Soweto Kinch (Benjamin Amure)

Jazz/hip hop artist Soweto Kinch is up for an award at this year’s MOBOs on 19 October and the Soweto Kinch Trio are at the London Jazz Festival next month. His album The Legend of Mike Smith is out now. He tells about his current reading, watching and listening...

Sunday

Setting off for a gig in London, I stop to watch some of the street music happening in Birmingham as part of the City’s 4 Squares Weekender.

Monday

In the morning, I skim sections of Dante’s Inferno, the inspiration for my show The Legend of Mike Smith. In the evening I listen to Earl Sweatshirt’s album Doris. Earl is a new rapper with the LA-based Odd Future collective – he’s only 19 and a lyrical wunderkind.

Tuesday

In the evening I watch the final episode of the last season of Dexter – the cliff-hanger endings annoy me, but I fall for them every time.

Wednesday

I visit the stunning new Library of Birmingham. At the door, people are queuing in their hundreds.

Thursday

On my way to rehearsals, I listen to Bach’s St John Passion – perfect music for the car.

Friday

In the evening, I settle in at home to watch a fascinating documentary on the Sugarhill Gang.

Saturday

Off to the opening of a new performance space, The Back Yard in Handsworth, set up by my dad to host poetry, theatre and music.