Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed the poetry scene grow and blossom into something truly remarkable, with a great number of event initiatives being established across London, presenting poets from all over the city with a platform to share their truth on. Needless to say, London’s poetry scene is booming, and with endeavours like Sky Art’s ‘Life and Rhymes’ hosted by renowned poet, Benjamin Zepeniah, thrusting the spotlight onto some of the scene’s finest, it’s only right that we take a moment to embrace how bright the future looks for the poetry scene. Having said that, London isn’t the only home for poetry in the UK, and it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge one of the most promising initiatives outside of the capital, just over 100 miles away in the city of Birmingham: Hayati Open Mic; a brand new enterprise founded in 2020 by author of ‘The World is Your Masjid’ and ‘Birmingham Boy’, Kate Rafiq. After what she deems “an epic flu induced dream”, and concluding that there was something missing from Birmingham’s poetry scene, Kate decided to make Hayati a reality, taking what she had been inspired with in her sleep and turning it into safe space for poets across the West Midlands, all the while maintaining an Islamic ethos in order to create a spiritually welcoming space for Muslim artists. Hayati held their first ever event in February 2020 at the Ort Gallery and it was a tremendous success, but unfortunately for Kate and the team, merely weeks removed from the event, the Coronavirus pandemic brought the world to a standstill, and threatened to derail Hayati’s momentum for good. Rather than throw in the towel and call it a day, Kate and Ort’s Artistic Director, Josie, came up with a way to keep things rolling throughout the pandemic, launching Zoom Hayati Nights where poets around the world could share their words, and due to Ort’s funding, be paid for it. In late 2021, nearly two years after the first ever Hayati event, Kate and the team were finally able to host their second event with some of the scene’s most gifted poets, including Asim the Poet, Hafsa Rehman, and author of the poetry collection, ‘Mute Men’, Kamil Mahmood, performing on the night. Now, with 2022 around the corner, two successful live events under its belt, and several transatlantic Zoom meets, Hayati Open Mic could very well be on its way to becoming one of the West Midland’s most prominent spoken word nights.
Tag Archives: Arts
Four Poetry Collections Every Poet Should Own
We have gathered four poetry collections by four exceptional poets that you should know about and dive into next year. 4. Helium Rudy Francisco’s ‘Helium’ is what all poetry collections aspire to be: memorable. Somehow, Rudy’s anthology manages to be thought provoking, resonant, occasionally funny, and incredibly honest. The award-winning poet skilfully addresses an array of relatable themes, including self-esteem, mental health, love, and trauma, with an artistic flair that compliments each poem delightfully. Francisco’s stunning use of metaphor is both majestic and admirable, and will have readers returning to select poems with hope of discovering new meaning with each individual read through. 3. Heterogeneous Anthony Anaxagorou’s ‘Heterogeneous’ is quite literally the literary embodiment of a powerhouse poetry collection. The 224-page anthology features poetry from the eminently gifted Anaxagorou on a wide array of pertinent subjects that range from politics and oppression to love and relationships. Anaxagorou combines a candid and forthright approach with a studious and eloquently artistic style to create a reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the final poem is read. 2. Medusa Wore a Weave ‘Medusa Wore a Weave’ is the debut collection from rapper and spoken word artist, Tommy A-Man Evans, and collects some of the wordsmith’s best work. Evans, known for his superb lyricism and intellectually driven wordplay, manages to adapt his work for the page in seamless fashion without compromising the integrity of his refreshingly unique and piquant style of poetry. As a result, the reader is treated to an extraordinarily well-written collection that is as much a glimpse into the author’s mind as it is a lesson in structure and storytelling. 1. Postcolonial Banter The debut anthology from Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, ‘Postcolonial Banter’, is as strikingly evocative as it is felicitous, collecting some of the 2016 Roundhouse Poetry Slam semi-finalist’s greatest work to date, such as ‘British Values’ and ‘This is Not a Humanising Poem’, along with many anthology exclusives. The author’s keen sense of purpose and altruistic motivation remains present throughout the collection, which features poetry on a variety of relevant topics including politics, oppression, and identity, and firmly establishes the writer as one of the most accomplished, and equally uncompromising, contemporary poets. Written by: Liam Spencer
Breaking Boundaries Through Spoken Word and Theatre with jodY
With another intense year coming to an end we wrap up our 2021 Flow Feature series with the magnificent writer and performance poet, jodY. With his comedic energy coupled with his free-spirited personality, we have enjoyed seeing this creative evolve over the last year both on and off the stage. With aims to break both personal and professional boundaries through his work we explore where jodY plans to take his art next. What has 2021 been like for you as a creative? 2021 has been an active year for jodY, but he never thought that he would be headlining multiple shows doing what he loved due to the pandemic. From open stages, to headlining events, to performing on the Bafta winning Sky Arts programme, Life & Rhymes, this year has been one of opportunity, growth, and development despite the global challenge we have all had to face. He began performing snippets of his play that blends spoken word with seamless acting and subtle comedy. His previews have received grand responses from all the audiences that have had the pleasure of getting to watch one of his biggest projects in the making come to life. The play is about specific memories relating to my childhood. I touch on themes such as masculinity, abuse, alcohol, and general mental health issues that aren’t spoken about as much as they should be. jodY – Poet & Creative What can you tell us about the play that you’re producing? I don’t want to rush it. I don’t believe in half-assed performances if you’re going to pay money to see me. I always think about people that sculpt ice. You can either rush it and get your 15 minutes of fame, or you can take your time delicately crafting away and people will remember you for years to come. jodY – Poet & Creative In order to make sure that what he reveals to the world through his play is worth it, jodY is working at his own pace; a trait that all creators should embrace where possible. He has been working on the project, entitled Divulge; Evolve, for over four years as he peeled back the layers of how he came to be the man he is today. Divulge; Evolve has revealed a lot about jodY’s capabilities to himself as he exposes the darkest experiences of his life in an artistic way. The semi-colon is used to support the semi-colon project that focuses on mental health. The semi-colon tattoo is used a message of solidarity against suicide, addiction, and other mental health issues. jodY – Poet & Creative Where do you want to take your craft in the upcoming future? Taking poetry to the theatre stage isn’t the only thing that jodY wants to achieve in the near future. He has grown to love the thrilling and competitive nature of slam poetry which he believes would fit his unique performance style. After making his mark within the UK poetry scene and being ready to take to the theatre stage, we have no doubt that slam poetry will bring out even more slick and comedic wordplay that we love so much. I believe I’m a great performer, and I’m a big believer in giving yourself positive words of affirmation. jodY – Poet & Creative If you’re a fan of slam poetry, then you definitely know that the US has some brilliant events featuring some of the best wordsmiths on the scene. jodY aims to go international to explore what the poetry community has to offer outside of London. He would love the opportunity to perform at The Poetry Cafe in LA and experience the Public Theatre in New York City which will allow him to connect new creatives, and develop his talents across the board. We look forward to seeing where jodY’s journey takes him in the New Year. Photographer: @souldiaries Creative director: @tannikataylor Writer: @tannikataylor Videographer: @themetaphorest
Are We Witnessing the Resurgence of the UK’s Battle Rap Scene?
It’s no secret that UK battle rap isn’t quite what it used to be. Long gone are the days of Don’t Flop classics pitting the UK’s finest against the finest American talent from “across the pond”. A time that gave us all so many memorable moments and epic clashes including Shotty Horroh vs. Arsonal, Tony D vs. Chilla Jones and Charlie Clips vs. Quill. Needless to say, we are a far-cry from that prodigious time in UK battle rap, but could we finally be witnessing a long-awaited change and resurgence for the scene? Across the last 24 months, in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic, UK battle rap has seen a drastic change, a revitalisation if you will, with battle rap legends like Tony D and Shotty Horroh exiting retirement and returning to stages across London and Manchester to reintroduce audiences to an unmatched level of quality that has been sorely missed, while newcomers like spoken word artist MOAK and Georgie Roots have taken to the stage and quickly risen up the ranks after several very impressive displays. In all fairness, it seems more than reasonable to say that the UK battle rap scene is in the best state it’s been in for a very long time, as newer battle rap leagues such as Premier Battles and No Loose Chat have proven over the last year, putting together exciting event after exciting event, reminding fans that it isn’t only the Americans that can wow audiences with mind-bending wordplay and awe-inspiring lyricism, not to mention an aptitude for crafting incredibly layered stories that blur the line between reality and fiction. And while Smack’s Ultimate Rap League in the United States remains the standard for world battle rap with the absolute best battle rappers on the planet performing under the URL banner, there’s no denying that the resurgence of the UK’s battle rap scene is not only greatly welcomed, it is also incredibly restorative, allowing battle rap fans to once again rejoice over potential international dream matches that have, for so long, seemed impossible. As we look towards the year 2022, fantasy booking battle match-ups we thought we could only dream of seeing, the UK battle rap scene is unquestionably thriving, generating levels of buzz and anticipation only seen during Don’t Flop’s glory days. So, who knows, maybe this is the year we get to see multi-time Champion of the Year, Geechi Gotti, clash with, arguably, the UK’s greatest battle rapper, Shotty Horroh, or see wordplay enthusiast and lyrical genius Tony D step into the battle rap arena against, quite possibly, the best puncher in the game, Rum Nitty. Of course, this is indeed wishful thinking on my behalf, as politics have in the past derailed plans for international dream matches on British soil (Shotty Horroh and Tay Roc being a fine example of such unfortunate circumstances), but with UK battle rap exiting obscurity and beginning it’s highly-anticipated ascent towards greatness (again), there’s no telling what the future has in store for this incredible art form. Written by: Liam Spencer
Wordplay & Flow: One’s to Watch 2022
Wordplay & Flow have handpicked a sensational selection of creatives across poetry and music that will continue paving the way for emerging artists with their inspiring stories, and the different ways that they have navigated their creative journey’s. There is never one way to get to the same destination, and these four creatives highlight this is the best way. Anusha Anusha’s life as a musician started at the tender age of three as she used music to communicate the complex feelings that she felt she couldn’t express with words growing up. After joining local choirs, music groups, and learning cover songs on the high street she started to realise that she was good at relaying stories through music. Whether it was fabricated or not, I could put on a show. That feeling of entertaining people, whether it be through my lyrics, my vocal ability, or just the feeling I get being on stage was what encouraged me to start making music the way that I wanted to. Anusha – Musician What is the story behind your latest single, Loser? Loser is a single that is so much fun and I think people would really like it. I wrote the song about a conversation I had in 2019 where I wanted clarity on a friendship, but instead I got called all sorts of horrible names. The who song is sarcastic. I had fun with it. Anusha – Musician Anusha likes to confront things that are uncomfortable through her craft. She isn’t one to shy away from topics that are close to her such as sexual assault, her disabilities, and what she feels about the functionality of society. Confronting her own emotions is what inspires her to translate those feelings in a positive way through her music. What are we watching out for in 2022? Anusha reassures us that 2022 is looking like an exciting year for her creatively. From exploring new sounds to moving to a new home, the New Year will be one of growth, development, and savouring the joys of doing what you love. Without revealing too much, I’m going to be releasing more singles and multimedia projects that expand on my last single Loser. It’s going to be a transitional year personally. Anusha – Musician You can stream her latest single ‘Loser’ across all major platforms and keep up with what’s next: @anushaldn Marc Marcel Marc Marcel is an American based poet that found his love for poetry through writing and publishing his first novel, Saint Thomas. He used the art to provide an overall view of his longer body of work; writing a poem that gave the reader the same feeling that his novel did, but in a shorter version. I started writing other poems that wasn’t associated with the book and started to fall in love with the way I could get an idea out in a much shorter time than a novel. Marc Marcel – Poet & Author What is the poetry scene like in the United States? The scene in the US has changed a lot over time. I came up during a time when social media wasn’t as big as it is now. To get a gig today is much easier than before. We really had to grind. I would get in my car and drive around the country going to poetry venue after poetry venue, city to city selling my CDs. Marc Marcel – Poet & Author Technology may have changed the way Marc pushed his work out to the world, but it didn’t change the authenticity that went into each poem and performance. He has engaged with the poetry community across the globe and feels as if the friendly, ambitious vibe is always the same. What are we watching out for 2022? Like many creatives, writing is just one of Marc’s many talents. He has created his very own cartoon called Guru’s which he hopes to get streaming in the near future. Although the cartoon doesn’t have poetry involved, Marc expressed that all the years he has spent working on poetry made it possible for him to come up with the idea. I used to draw when I was younger, so all those years of drawing came in handy when I decided to animate the cartoon. Marc Marcel – Poet & Author If launching a new cartoon wasn’t enough, the wordsmith is looking forward to releasing his 20th spoken word album which we’re sure will encapsulate some of the great moments Marc has achieved over the years doing what he does best. Be sure to keep up with what’s next: @marcmarcel @guruscartoon Curly Wordy The last 15 months have been a soul-warming experience as Curly Wordy after fully immersing herself back into the poetry scene to share what she had to say. Since renewing her vows with her pen she feels as if she has gone full circle, having returned to a path that was always intended for her. ‘I feel woke.’ I have always been a writer; it’s in my bones. Poetry is my power. Storytelling is in my DNA. Curly Wordy – Poet & Creative What are some of the inspirations behind your poetry? Curly has always been inspired by the stories of others when writing. As a journalist, she enjoyed shining a light on the heroes that walked among us; the underdogs that triumphed. Writing poetry is a form of release for her; a sacred and personal experience that she picked up again a decade after her mothers passing. Now, through my poetry I have found the confidence to shine a light on my own story, my rising, and how I triumphed over adversity and trauma. Curly Wordy – Poet & Creative What are we watching out for in 2022? Not only will she continue to grace stages across London with her powerful performances, Curly Wordy is keen to expand on her journalism work by pursuing new areas such as voice overs and musical spoken word. SheContinue reading “Wordplay & Flow: One’s to Watch 2022”
How the Poetry Community Survived Through the Pandemic
The year 2020 was, without a doubt, one of the most difficult and event-filled years in the last decade (perhaps century), as panic and pandemonium filled homes all over the world, leaving nations in complete and utter disarray, with concerned parties being forced to ruminate over the very essence of their day-to-day living, expecting answers from a government often incapable of providing a solution. Some chose to clash over false notions of a shortage of everyday necessities such as toilet paper, inevitably enkindling mass hysteria, while others used news of the pandemic’s origin to blame and brutally attack members of the East Asian community, ignorantly making scapegoats of the innocent, as though expecting them to take responsibility for matters outside of their control. It was… terrifying. Fast forward to 2021, where, after an extremely harrowing and undeniably frustrating year, we witnessed the revitalisation of the poetry scene. Event venues once again opened their doors to breathe life back into the scene we all so dearly missed. For the first time in a year we listened in awe as poets returned to the stage to share their thoughts on the Coronavirus pandemic, government ineptitude and vaccine passports, and suddenly, despite everything that suggested otherwise, all seemed right with the world again. Poetry… was back. Now as 2021 draws to a close and we approach the year 2022 with talk of new Covid variants, vaccine passports and another potential lockdown firmly on the tips of most tongues, I want you to remember, no matter what, we still have this. Whether it’s in front of an audience of many at the FLO Vortex or Poetics, or in front of an audience of one at home stood before a mirror, poetry is always relevant. And more importantly, YOUR poetry is always relevant. Keep writing. 2022 is just another year to be great. How great? Well… that depends on you. Written by: Liam Spencer
The Power of Healing Through Words with Kali Gld
Our 2021 Flow Feature series continues with the one and only Kali Gld. The musician, producer, and poet gave a magnificent performance at ATL’s Word On The Street’s debut open mic event earlier this year, and has so much more to come as the New Year approaches. The Jamaican-born creative is determined to make her mark whilst sharing her raw truths with the world. What encouraged you to start writing? Kali started writing at the age of 12 after her mother passed away. The loss of a parent isn’t easy at a young age, but the bereavement was a significant trigger for her creative process, and over time her process of expressing through a pen evolved into a passion that has brought her to many stages across London. Although she had love for her craft, life took Kali in a different direction where she became a chef for eight years. Whilst in this line of work she still had a great passion for music and poetry which led her to study music production at London Metropolitan University. This was the first step towards her pursuing what she believed was the path that was truly meant for her. My Dad was also a musician who used to sing. I performed with him once and loved the feeling that I felt. I knew that this was what I wanted to do. Kali Gld – Musician, Producer, and Poet Tell us about one piece that explains the inspirations behind your writings? My piece called Anxiety was written when I was in a delicate place in my life. Kali Gld Kali eventually came to a crossroad when it came to what she wanted to pursue in life. After being a chef for so long, it seemed like the most secure option, however her love of music and poetry wasn’t going anywhere. The more she was inspired by the life around her, the people she met along the way, and the world in general, she realised that these art forms need to be a part of her life, and took a leap of faith. Kali works from a place of healing. When people listen to her music, she wants them to feel a sense of progress; a sense of power. She is an advocate for overcoming hardship by doing the things you love the most where possible, and we couldn’t agree more. What are you currently working on? Music has been Kali’s main focus recently. She hasn’t been working on poetry as much, but alongside studying music production, she is now working on her debut EP. The project titled ICU (Intensive Care Unit) draws upon her experiences this year between April and July. All the lyrics for this project were written during that period of time, and now I’m working on the music side of things. Kali Gld – Musician, Producer, and Poet Tapping into our life experiences is something that many creatives do and use to produce some of their best work. The same goes for Kali Gld. Despite her personal experiences, music and poetry has been arts that have allowed her to discover her own way to deal with those experiences. It’s safe to say that Kali Gld’s new project is going to be one of a kind just like her, and we can’t wait to hear what this great talent has coming in 2022. Keep up with her journey on socials via: @kaligld_ Photographer: @souldiaries Creative director: @tannikataylor Writer: @tannikataylor
Discover the Endless Creative Talents of Abdul-Ahad Patel
The term ‘hard worker’, reserved for an individual with an outstanding work ethic, is often used to describe and commend any individual that displays a keen and determined inclination for ‘going above and beyond’ to achieve their goals. And when it comes to spoken word artist, actor, and writer Abdul-Ahad Patel, I can think of no designation more fitting to describe the aforementioned creative’s remarkable resolve, industrious attitude and conscientious work ethic. In a span of just three years, Abdul-Ahad has catapulted himself from the open mic to headliner, from aspiring writer to self-published author, and from occasional extra to facing off with Joel Kinnamon in ‘The Informer’. These feats are all incredible in their own right, but when you factor in that Abdul-Ahad does all this while holding down full-time employment, it becomes even more impressive. Abdul-Ahad’s indubitable commitment to quality is both confirmed and exemplified by his diligent approach toward each individual project he undertakes, wholly applying himself to every endeavour, determined to give the absolute best of himself regardless of the role. Whether it’s performing in front of an audience of poets at BBC’s Word First competition, painstakingly handcrafting his debut short story ‘Ghost of Shaolin’, or intimidating Joel Kinnamon’s Pete Koslow as Vermin, Abdul-Ahad exudes excellence, embodying a resoluteness that can only be found in the most ardent of individuals. As we move towards 2022, the future looks bright for the incredibly gifted Abdul-Ahad. With his sights set on releasing a fourth book in the summer of the new year, and later, in the year 2023, a sequel to 2019’s ‘Ghost of Shaolin’ (a story aptly titled ‘The Shadow of Shaolin’), as well as his upcoming debut in a brand new Netflix show ‘The Last Bus’, the sky’s the limit for this uber talented individual. Abdul-Ahad is a spoken word artist, actor and writer. He is best known for his role as Vermin in 2019 film ‘The Informer’. He is the author of the novel ‘Native’, short story ‘Ghost of Shaolin’, and novella ‘Escape’. He has appeared on BBC Xtra’s Word First competition and the Cheltenham Literature Festival. He currently writes for Link Up TV and MMA UK. Written by: Liam Spencer
Three Local Theatres That Are Keeping Performing Arts Alive
Theatres are a crucial part of arts and culture in the UK and beyond. The pandemic hit the theatre industry hard, and now we’re moving forward we’re introducing you to three local theatres that are giving opportunities to the talents that deserve it whilst keeping performing arts alive and kicking. Kiln Theatre – Kilburn Winner of the Best London at the Stage Awards 2021, the Kiln Theatre has made a brilliant comeback supporting creatives across the arts since restrictions have eased. The 292 seat theatre alongside a 300 seat cinema, bar, restaurant, and rehearsal spaces provide the local community with much needed creative support and opportunities that benefit the people of Brent and beyond. Kiln Theatre creates beautifully crafted work that amplifies unheard voices and directs them to the mainstream stage. Internationally recognised for high quality productions, the theatre is known for telling big stories that focus on human connections across cultures, race, and languages that have been strengthening the diversity within the performing arts sector for years. They offer free opportunities that allow creatives to express who they are and develop their skills to be the best at what they desire to do, and this is an establishment that is essential to the elevation of the hidden talent based in Brent. Theatre Peckham – Peckham Theatre Peckham is part of the Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, and we are proud to share how much they have contributed to not only the poetry community, but the arts community as a whole. Winner of the Drama and Theatre Magazine Editor’s Award in April 2021, Theatre Peckham boasts an amazing 200-seat theatre alongside studios, and thrives on showcasing new talent in addition to raising awareness about different art forms that contribute to stunning theatre productions. They have supported some of the best poetry platforms based in London that primarily focus on mental health and the development of youth. These platforms include Poetic Unity and Mind Over Matter which have both been a crutch for those that heal from expressing their truths through the pandemic until now. Theatre Peckham is an integral part of the Peckham community for those interested in pursuing the arts or discovering new ways to develop their talents. Connected to both the local and national creative community, they invite all to get involved and feed their creativity. Bush Theatre – Shepherds Bush Known for discovering and nurturing the best new playwrights from all backgrounds, Bush Theatre is one to watch for 2022. They showcase contemporary stories with wit, style, and passion that are nothing less than entertaining. Located in the heart of Shepherds Bush, the establishment has two theatre spaces in addition to their Library Bar Cafe which is approximately a ten minute walk from Shepherds Bush Station. Throughout the year, Bush Theatre offers multiple ways for artists to work with them. They have have announced a new season of productions that is nothing short of the quality productions they released before the pandemic. The theatre takes pride in giving a voice to the underrepresented whilst delivering memorable entertainment that will be appreciated for years to come. Written by: Tannika Taylor
Exploring the Poetic Rise of Maryam
Every so often, a very special poet comes along, graces the stage and reminds us here at Wordplay of exactly why we love this. In 2021, that poet has been none other than the graceful and incredibly gifted wordsmith, Maryam. Since her emergence, Maryam has wowed audiences with spellbinding wordplay and breathtaking manipulation of the English language; captivating audiences with mesmeric storytelling and unmatched attention to detail, Maryam has quickly become one of the best poets performing on London’s poetry circuit. In less than a year, Maryam has catapulted herself from largely unknown to one of the scene’s most valued and sought after wordsmiths. Maryam combines a distinct and profoundly eloquent delivery with a masterfully complex and thought-provoking writing style to create an idiosyncratic experience like no other. What makes Maryam’s poetry so distinct and memorable isn’t only her astonishing command of the English language and poetic technique, but also her ability to construct pieces of work that transcend the quintessential composition of a modern day poem. It is bountifully clear with each individual performance and poem shared that Maryam not only wants you to hear her poetry, she wants you to feel it. With a catalogue of work that addresses and explores a plethora of pertinent topics including faith, politics, identity and injustice, Maryam has already found herself front and centre headlining poetry events across London, an expanding list that includes renowned spoken word nights like Mind Over Matter and Bring Your Own Bars Poetry, and brand new initiatives like Poetics. By meticulously interweaving layers of depth and substance into every sentence (or ‘bar’ for the poetry scene aficionados), and passionately exploring current affairs with faith-inspired poetry that is as relevant as it is enthralling, Maryam hasn’t just quietly arrived on the poetry scene, she’s effectively kicked the door wide open and announced to the entire scene: “I’m here… and this is just the beginning!” Written by: Liam Spencer