We are proud to introduce the brilliant Blessing Adetunji to the Wordplay & Flow family after scooping our Best Spoken Word Performance award last October at the Wordplay Awards. The poetry power house graced the stage with her winning piece ‘Outstretched’. From writing songs as a teen to working with organisations such as Hackney Empire, Blessing has made her mark with so much more to come. Where did the journey start for you? Around the age of 14, Blessing began to feel disconnected whilst singing at church. She wanted to think about what worship meant to her and decided to start writing her own songs. They were so long and didn’t mirror what I saw in school to be poetry but they were poems. Not long after finding her own way of expression Blessing went down a rabbit hole of American spoken word and battle rap that led her to discover artists like Jackie Hill Perry; one of her biggest inspirations today. What are some of your memorable moments? Blessing has had the opportunity to work with both Hackney Empire and the Royal Court Theatre. Her experience working with these organisations helped shape the performer we see today and highlights how crucial initiatives like these can benefit creatives in different ways. Hackney Empire helped me grow as a performer and writer. Joining the Royal Court Young Writers group gave me the chance to write and shoot my first screenplay. Winning our Best Spoken Word Performance award was another significant milestone for Blessing. Not because she had just achieved something amazing as a spoken word artist, but because her winning poem touched upon her family dynamics; a topic she was always taught not to share publicly. Her poem showcased what breaking barriers looked like and it was wonderful for our audience to witness. I hadn’t performed from memory in a long time and was filled with fear and self-consciousness, but I did it anyway. That piece ended up resonating with so many people and it opened the door to where I am now. What can we look forward to in 2026? 2026 will see Blessing writing more across different areas. The poet and musician is working on both a poetry album and a musical EP which she is really excited about. In addition, Blessing recently launched her hosting platform called Blessing Occasions for events that need that added special touch. I’ve been rocking the mic in more ways than one. I’m getting more involved in MC’ing and hosting. It doesn’t stop there. We can expect a full length one woman show and more as she explores her love for theatre and film. If you haven’t already, you should check out her latest single ‘Wanted’ out now across all streaming platforms. It’s safe to say that Blessing is one to watch this year and we look forward to seeing what’s next on her journey to greatness. Writer: Tannika Taylor Photographer: Tannika Taylor Editor: Shariar Graphic Designer: Torrin Westerman
Tag Archives: Events
Exploring the Creative Aura of Deborah Conteh
When we talk about the aura of an individual when they enter a room we have to talk about the stunning Deborah Conteh. The creative and poet scooped our Best Spoken Word Newcomer award at last year’s Wordplay Awards with her heartfelt piece ‘I’m From’, and has been inspiring young Black girls to own their stunning aura’s too. Her entrance into the writing world started at a young age where she would write stories, however what really sparked her love for poetry was a crush on a guy that also wrote poetry. Whilst she worked on trying to impress her new love interest she found that writing poetry was an art she wanted to take seriously for herself. As she became older Deborah’s experiences as a young Black girl in school became a common theme for her later writings. I’ve also been inspired a lot by the church and my faith. Practicing dictation was a form of expression for me. By day, Deborah works in a prison delivering creative courses and teaching podcasting. Prisoners are able to get involved in arts such as photography and music whilst building a foundation for future rehabilitation. Recently the wordsmith has discovered the immense pressure that comes with writing and performing poetry at weddings. Expressing the emotion of love and romance through poetry is how Deborah fell into her craft and it is wonderful to see her tap into those themes again in a unique way for others. I would have to say one of my proudest achievements is performing at my managers wedding; that I was trusted with their special day. Deborah recently launched her new initiative, Little Girl Big Dreams, which aims to recognise the barriers that young Black girls face in society and encourage participants to explore their identity in unique ways. With a strong focus on practical and creative skill-building, Deborah has designed a series of workshops that aid in the development of self-confidence, communication, and public speaking. As part of the initiative, Deborah facilitated her sold out exhibition for 14-15 year old girls that showcased images and letters that they wrote to their younger and older selves. Held at the FirePit Art Gallery, the success of Little Girl Big Dreams shows that creativity can build culture and culture can build community. We look forward to seeing what is next for Deborah Conteh and you should feel the same. Creative Direction: Tannika Taylor Photographer: Tannika Taylor Editor: Shariar Graphic Design: Torrin Westerman
How Groove Verse Bring Live Jazz & Spoken Word To Life
With so many poetry and open mic night events blossoming in London it can be easy to think that the scene has become over-saturated. This may be the case for some but the iconic event, Groove Verse, says otherwise. Ran by organisers Henry Beckwith and James Booth, this duo has curated one of the most beautiful spaces that fuses live improvised jazz with spoken word. They have raised the bar when it comes to providing entertainment through artistic expression, and people can’t get enough. Groove Verse have been supporting both musicians and poets since their inception in 2021. Fast forward to 2023, they have sold out over 13 shows in their home venue, Toulouse Latrec, and collaborated with some of the best creatives London has to offer. The duo have found the perfect balance between improvised jazz and spoken word that has inspired many to take their art one step further. What really makes this event so special is the range of opportunities that they provide for musicians. Their diverse team include drummers, bass players, and pianists that accompany poets on stage as they recite their stories. We’re unashamedly trying to mainstream spoken word. Groove Verse’s aim is growth and music is the key to that. Henry Beckwith aka Ted Temple – Groove Verse The process behind the launch of Groove Verse was a simple one. Henry and James felt as if the art of spoken word wasn’t as appreciated as it should be. In the US, spoken word holds a higher level of popularity compared to the UK and the duo wanted to bridge that gap. Surrounded by many talented musicians, it was a no-brainer to incorporate both arts together to create an experience that people keep coming back for. To go to America and host a show would be one of the greatest things for Groove Verse. It would prove our mission to be successful and we would be representing the talent of the UK spoken word and jazz scene. James Booth – Groove Verse After a successful run of London events the Groove Verse team is looking to expand its reach to new cities whilst giving new and established musicians more opportunities to perform live. They have already taken Manchester by storm, hosting an epic event at the Band on the Wall, and they have been featured on BBC Radio Manchester for the electric energy that they’ve introduced to the city. They have plans to take to the stage in Bristol and potentially set up another space in London. Spoken word has become more widespread over recent years and Groove Verse aims to pave the way for more creatives to gain mainstream opportunities within the art through events and quality content creation for their performers. We enjoy spreading the word of spoken word by combining it with the best talent on the London jazz scene. James Booth – Groove Verse Featuring at the Farrago Festival at Brixton Jamm on the 23rd July, Groove Verse is back to doing what they do best with their live band and a great line-up of talented poets. Their previous features have included Manchester based poets Skittles, Griot Gabriel, and others such as Myndstate and Temi Spoken Word. They will be back in Toulouse Lautrec for their regular Groove Verse event on the 26th July which will be headlined by the brilliant Nego True. Four poets will compete in an audience vote for the chance to headline their next London show; a clever incentive for the spoken word artists that want to try something new. Tickets to both events are out now. Creative Director & Writer: Tannika Taylor – @tannikataylor Photographer: Seun Sontan – @seunsontana Groove Verse Team: Henry Beckwith aka Ted Temple – @tedtemple_ James Booth – @jmsbth
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
Birmingham Poets Set To Launch New Poetry Event Aiming To Empower
Birmingham based poet, author, and actor Ryan Sinclair is launching his very own spoken word event in his hometown. Empower Poetry aims to showcase the brilliant poets that Birmingham have to offer by giving them a new safe space to perform their art. Ryan was inspired to launch his new event after exploring the London poetry scene which is filled with open mic nights where poets share their truths. After featuring at various London poetry events and attracting a growing audience, Ryan has inspired more poets from Birmingham to connect with events in London. Currently there are only a few consistent poetry events running in Birmingham and Ryan wants to change the narrative of how poets from outside of the capital city are perceived and received. Alongside his Empower partner Kohinoor, Ryan and his team are determined to put Birmingham and Midland poets on the map, and we are 100% here for it. Kohinoor Yasmin is a writer and poet that has featured on Hayati Open Mic by Ort Gallery in addition to performing for virtual poetry platforms based in the United States. She found her love for writing at the age of eight drawing upon her early experiences as inspiration, and has been indulging in the craft ever since. I love reading, travelling, and cooking. I’m especially passionate about alternative education, and investing in our youth. One of my goals in life is to change the lives of those around me; one poem at a time. Kohinoor Yasmin – Poet, Photographer, and Mentor Ryan Sinclair highlights that it isn’t easy for all poets based outside of London to access the poetry events we have to offer on a weekly basis. Empower Poetry will be another step in bridging the gap between poets from Birmingham and London, and we are eager to see the new talent that the spoken word circuit has underground. I think it’s only right that I use my resources to boost the poetry community in Birmingham and help poets to get paid. Ryan Sinclair – Poet, Author, & Mentor Empower Poetry’s debut event is on the 24th November from 7pm onwards at the 7 Sins Lounge based in Digbeth. The night is set to be one to remember with feature performances from Birmingham based poets that have something to say.
Caleb Femi Among Forward Prizes Winners 2021
It’s been a great year for arts and culture as we recover from the pandemic, and it’s been an even better year for poet Caleb Femi as he wins Best First Collection for his poetry publication, Poor. The 28 year-old poet, film-maker, and photographer from London has been praised for his debut poetry collection by the likes of Michaela Coel that draws upon his personal experiences over time living on North Peckham estate. One of these experiences include recollecting the tragic murder of 10 year-old Damilola Taylor in 2000. Poor draws upon some of the dark themes that we rarely see in the world of written poetry. His work provides a visualisation of the raw reality of what it’s like living in a working-class area that has long needed nurturing and investment. Luke Kennard won ‘Best Collection’ with Notes on the Sonnets; a collection of responses to Shakespeare’s sonnets, and Nicole Sealey won ‘Best Single Poem’ for ‘Pages 22-29, An excerpt from the Ferguson Report: An Erasure’. All three winners received mass praises for their work by the judges, the poetry community, and across social media. The Forward Arts Foundation is a charity organisation dedicated to promoting poetry in the UK and Ireland. Their programmes allow people to enjoy the art of poetry whilst supporting the talented writers behind the words. The organisation is also responsible for National Poetry Day, an annual celebration that brings together poets, publishers, booksellers, and organisations of all kinds to embrace the art of poetry in different forms. Find out more about this years winners here.
How Arts And Culture Has Changed Since The Pandemic
From virtual events to live protests – we take a look at how arts and culture has changed since the pandemic.
How To Make Your Virtual Event Stand Out Beyond Covid-19
The pandemic may be coming to an end but virtual events live on. Make yours one to remember.
What You Should Know About Our Women’s Poetry Brunch
Wonderful food, drink and poetry, what more could you ask for? Our Women’s Poetry Brunch is a breath of fresh air as the weather gets warmer and the world opens up again. Perfect timing for any poetry fans that would like to forget the lockdown, and start socialising in an intimate setting. Sharing our experiences with others is a great way to bring people together. Everyone has had a different successes and struggles over the last year, and our Women’s Poetry Brunch provides a space for ladies across London to express. The event has a a full female line-up of poets that are ready to inspire and entertain you. Following the poetry performances, there will be a networking brunch to allow everyone to connect with the other women over a selection of beverages. Our performers on the day include the amazing SamiRhymes, author of the ‘Random Rambles’, and the fabulous Curly Wordy, author of ‘If Walls Could Talk’, whose warmth and emotion touches everyone that hears her perform. Hosted by Wordplay & Flow founder, Tannika Taylor, we are creating an experience filled with female empowerment to celebrate the women making their mark in the industry of the arts. The event will take place at the beautiful Serpentine Suite in Paddington on the 26th June, and will run from 12pm-3pm. Guests will be greeted with a drink upon arrival before the show begins. Tickets are limited and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
How Do You Feel About The Return Of Live Events?
From comedy events featuring @jamalimaddix & @sophiedukebox to brunch’s with us, the return of live events is here and we’re here for it.