George shares how going to Cambridge and the fear of being stereotyped kickstarted his transition from Grime & rap to poetry, and why he never looked back due to the greater freedom he feels there is to talk on vulnerable topics in poetry. George talks about the impact of coming across black poets Def Poetry Jam and connecting to it emotionally instantly and why he feels poetry has maintained a grassroots quality compared to music because of the struggle to truly commercialise it. On this theme George talks about the process of writing his non-fiction book, Track Record, drawing on his PhD in understanding why, despite the huge commercial success of Black music, Black communities haven’t truly benefitted and been empowered by that success and unpacking how Colonialism and its continued presence is core to this. George also tells Jayda why he didn’t accept the MBE offered to him in 2019 and how it relates to Colonialism and being Ugandan, but conversely how writing a poem for Harry and Megan’s wedding opened him up to love and led him to falling in love with his wife shortly after. Jayda and George talk about marriage and George shares how partnership with his wife has helped him stay grounded as an artist.

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George the Poet is an award winning London-born spoken word performer and sociopolitical poet. George’s innovative brand of musical poetry has won him critical acclaim both as a recording artist and a social commentator. He is the author of multiple poetry books and the non-fiction book Track Record which explores the power dynamics that impact Black creativity. George is also the host of the podcast ‘Have you Heard George’s Podcast?’ which has won 5 British Podcast Awards! In 2019, George was offered an MBE, but turned it down due to due to the British Empire's history of exploitation. In 2021 The University of London presented George with an honorary doctorate in literature. George is now embarking on a PhD at UCL'S Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, focusing on the socio-economic potential of black music.

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In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the amazing high fashion model, activist and creative director, James Corbin - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.

If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…

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James Corbin

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Here's Hoping Podcast

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In this episode James shares with Jayda what it was like becoming a model as a plus size dark skinned man and the self-actualisation that his first ever shoot had, and the feeling of figuring it out what it is you want to do in life. James also unpacks tokenism that happens in modelling and what the difference is between feeling tokenised versus fashion being truly inclusive, and how what you see in the people behind the scenes makes all the difference. On this he also spoke about the competition and colourism between plus size and dark skinned models and why he wants to see more space made in fashion for people like him. Jayda also asks James about the male experience of body image and James’ journey with body acceptance and James shared how it really doesn’t matter how you look on the outside but it’s how you internally feel about yourself. Lastly, James also spoke about the importance of brotherhood for men and how he draws on this theme in his work as a model and documentary maker.

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James Corbin is a high fashion model, activist and creative director. He was scouted for his first modelling job in Vogue Italia during 2020 by photographer, Campbell Addy and is now represented as a model globally across the world. Some of his fashion credits include: Vogue Italia, Gucci, Valentino, BOSS, Lacoste, Dazed, British Fashion Council, Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, GQ, Perfect Magazine, Christian Cowan, S.S Daley, Mr Porter, Charles Jeffrey, Levi’s and many more.

James has a passion for discussing and writing on social issues and helping facilitate conversations of importance, that result in change. He has been interviewed and featured in profiles for The Guardian, Vogue, Dazed, Port Magazine, British Fashion Council, ES Magazine & The Independent. He is currently working on a personal documentary that delves into colourism within the UK, alongside a podcast project that aims to engage in conversations with industry insiders promoting self-confidence.

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