Bassey Ikpi – Writing Letters

Sep 14, 2009 |

Being a lover of the written and spoken word, I try to explore it as much as possible, often randomly surfing in search of interesting poets and writers (when I probably should be writing). A couple of years ago, I came across the website of Nigerian-American poet Bassey Ikpi and have been following her work since. I then discovered her on twitter and have interacted with her in that space extensively.  So, you can imagine my thrill when I found out that she had been invited to perform at the Arts Alive poetry show, Speak The Mind. I was blessed enough to spend some time with her while she...

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Poem – Musical Chairs

Aug 24, 2009 |

This is a potential performance poem I am currently working. While I am still going to be building it, I need to lock down the first part to possibly perform at a gig. My people at Twitter suggested I upload here for comment. It's also sitting on YouTube. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0j38Xp3ras Feeling a bit self-conscious about this one for some reason. It's probably because it is coming on two years since I really wrote and completed a new piece. I have notes, thoughts, scraps, scribblings, but nothing I consider any where near completion. I obviously still haven't found the rhythm or...

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The Collaboration

Aug 12, 2009 | ,

Recently, I was humbled by a comment on my Imperfect Poetry blog from Thesz Eyz about one of my poems, closed doors. This space served as my 'online poetry diary' where I wrote and posted the results of my almost daily writing sessions. The poems are raw, unedited and often really just residues of potential poems. Haven't maintained it much lately but Thesz Eyz wanted to combine the piece with a graphic. I am hoping she will honour me with a couple more collaborations like this. It is through interaction with others that we continue to be inspired.

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Kojo Baffoe – Staccato Rhythms

Jun 14, 2009 |

Some say poetry is meant to speak for those who cannot speak. It is a tool for revolution. And those who can speak it, have a duty to only reside in that space & that spirit. This is a debate I have had with some of my peers, over the years. I believe the Word must be a reflection of the human experience, in all its glory and folly. There are no boundaries to what it can and cannot speak, however serious or trivial. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JH6gu_Gcpw Every now & then, I actually write what I consider a political piece. This is one. Not necessarily my best performance of it,...

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Kojo Baffoe – Don’t Stop

Jun 12, 2009 |

Is it strange to have a favourite poem, that you wrote? Well, not necessarily wrote but you were there and the pen was in your hand. Who knows where the words come from. Are we merely channelers? Vessels through which greater, higher beings speak? This is my favourite poem. And I was there when it was written, but don't feel like I wrote it. Not necessarily the best performance of it, but it does make me feel good when I speak it. Something to keep me going. A reminder to never stop because this life is a journey. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3tSvoWt9FI What do you think? Let me know.

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Urban Soul Poetry Slam Videos

Jun 5, 2009 | ,

On May 29th, I was a judge at the Urban Soul Poetry Slam held at Maponya Mall in Soweto (video of winner, Buthelezi uploaded last week). It was actually in Ster Kinekor and it was the first time I've been at a poetry event that had to end quick because there was a movie starting after the show. Wolverine, I think it was; still haven't seen that. The venue did add a different energy to the experience. And watching poetry rocking popcorn and a slush puppie is poetic in itself. Anyway, a friend of mine (no names) filmed the performances and I've been gradually uploading them to YouTube. I did...

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