Performance Poetry vs Spoken Word

Jul 24, 2012 | ,

In response to my post inviting requests for blog posts on specific topics, I was asked to share my thoughts on ‘performance poetry vs spoken word’. It has been a while since I was involved in the poetry scene and, therefore, I’m out of touch with what the trends, thoughts, etc. that currently exist within the scene. Having gone from regularly writing, performing, promoting and hosting shows, and doing a lot of poetry in corporate spaces, I’ve been on an indefinite sabbatical/ retirement, so my views might be out-dated and/or out of sync with those who are driving the word forward. I...

read more

Creative Ambassadors (CP)

Jan 16, 2011 |

Written on September 15th, 2009 Music is an amazing creature. It caresses the heart. It strokes the spirit. It inspires the intellect. It has served as soundtrack to a multitude of souls since the dawn of mankind and it continues to provide refuge, comfort and happiness. Despite the millions of songs created, across countless genres, through the centuries, artists continue to lay their creativity and souls on the line, mirroring our lives. As former President Thabo Mbeki said, in 2006, “As life is like a kaleidoscope that is dynamic and ever-changing, music follows suit. Yesteryear's music...

read more

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...

read more