Our Flow Feature 2022 series kicks off with the formidable RED MEDUSA. An artiste. An educator. An inspiration to the masses. When we talk about spoken word, we take pride in sharing about the many high calibre wordsmiths that not only grace stages, but use their experiences to make a change by influencing one individual at a time. RED MEDUSA strips it all the way back for Wordplay & Flow with nothing but raw emotion, honesty, and the passion that has made her one of the most acclaimed and respected spoken word artists in London. What has shaped who we know as RED MEDUSA? An icon that has a strong stance as a catalyst for helping women to remember the power that they hold, RED MEDUSA has evolved through love, trauma, and transformation. I exist to challenge the boundaries, stereotypes, and behaviours about women. RED MEDUSA Stemming from a challenging life punctuated by ups and downs, the name ‘RED MEDUSA’ was borne of two significant life experiences – one as a young girl and one as a grown woman, and both are relatable to many. As a little girl RED was bullied for her thick plaited afro hair, and tall skinny frame. The children would call her ‘Medusa’ and said she was ugly and her hair looked like snakes. As a woman, RED survived domestic abuse but her confidence and sense of identity were stolen from her as a result of the trauma she experienced. She dyed her hair red as an act of defiance and as a way of forcing herself to be seen. RED has taken all of the past experiences that weakened her, and combined them with the rebellious energy of her grandmother – also known as Red in Barbados – to create the woman and artist now known as RED MEDUSA. A long-time student of Greek mythologies, RED views the beautiful and cursed gorgon MEDUSA as a Black feminist icon and a powerful symbol of defiance; a woman who, in some versions of her myth, reclaimed her power after being violated. This is a process that Red has endured and survived, and now weaves her learnings into her work as a poet, academic and mentor to inspire other women to do the same. I want to see Black women come together and collaborate. RED MEDUSA Where did your writing journey begin? Growing up as an undiagnosed child on the spectrum who was reluctant to speak, writing and poetry became REDs chosen form of communication. Her writing became more creative whilst attending an all-girls school in south London where she discovered her love for rapping and rap music. She loved rap because it was essentially poetry put onto a beat, but preferred the unstructured, unruly nature of poetry, and her love for the art form stayed with her into adulthood. As a teenager, she took inspiration from rapper and artist Lauryn Hill, and wrote poetry that reflected the oppressive realities of Black people across the globe. RED was always considered ahead of her time, and her love of the freedom of expression found in poetry followed her into adulthood. Being on stage in front of hundreds of people makes me feel more comfortable than being in a room with a few. RED MEDUSA RED has made the learnings from her life experiences accessible to those who need them through her art and her work as an academic. She has dedicated her craft to helping women navigate the world on their own terms, and has made it her mission to help elevate women and girls through mentorship into and through higher education, and poetry workshops centred on self-advocacy which she delivers in secondary schools across London. Her academic work is centred on researching the violence enacted on Black women in healthcare settings and the impact of social injustice on Black women’s health across the board. The importance of REDs work has been recognised by the London Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Doctorate Training Partnership, a prestigious organisation that will be funding her PhD research which uses poetry as a decolonising research method in order to re-centre indigenous practices of story-telling and platform marginalised women’s’ health experiences during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. What are the inspirations behind your piece Stripped? Acknowledging the stigmas attached to light skin women and how they areseen and treated as privileged in comparison to darker skinned women, RED MEDUSA has had her fair share of battles when it comes to accepting her appearance. She openly speaks of her experiences as a teenager, when she would often use fake tan as an attempt to fit in with her family and darker counterparts, as she would be (and still is) told she was ‘not Black enough to be Black’. It took the birth of her son, who is her twin in every way, for RED to fully love her Black. It’s taken me a long time to love my body, and I don’t want to wait until I’m 60 to celebrate that. RED MEDUSA Having learned to love accept her unique Blackness, as well as a body transformed by motherhood and long periods of study (RED has a Bachelors and a Master’s degree in Public and Global Health), she openly and unashamedly embraces her race, body and features through the sharing of her nude images, often accompanied by her poetry. RED unapologetically honours herself and in doing so, invites others to cultivate the confidence and audacity to do the same. ‘Stripped’ celebrates nakedness and acceptance of the naked body; it is a sensual celebration of nudity and rebellion – a clear middle finger to social norms that demand women ‘cover up’. My reason for taking nude pictures is to push back at the expectation that demand women carry themselves in a certain way. Women are beautiful dressed or undressed, which I know is a challenge to the ‘norm’ – a challenge I encourage. RED MEDUSA What do we have to look forward to from REDContinue reading “Stripping it Back with Red Medusa”
Tag Archives: Poetry
Wordplay Awards x WAF Festival 2022
We are proud to finally announce that we will be hosting our first awards show dedicated to poetry and musical spoken word in collaboration with the Wandsworth Arts Fringe Festival this Summer. The Wordplay Awards will recognise the amazing talent that has emerged from the underground poetry circuit with a wonderful line-up of spoken word poets doing what they do best. All roads lead to The Bedford on the 19th June for a night of celebration and good vibes. Last month we made a call out to all poets and musical spoken word artists for submissions that allowed us to shortlist our nominees for this special event. Not only were we blown away by the amount of poets that got involved, but we were inspired by the level of quality and wordplay delivered in different ways. We have selected our nominees for the following categories: Best Female Spoken Word Poet 2022 Best Male Spoken Word Poet 2022 Best Spoken Word Newcomer 2022 Best Spoken Word Performance 2022 Best Musical Spoken Word Project 2022 Best Poem 2022 Nominees will be announced on our website and across our social media accounts on Monday 9th May when voting opens, and you decide who takes home the award for each category on the night. Our collaboration with Wandsworth Arts Fringe Festival has given us a platform to spread our wordplay and flows to a whole new audience which we can educate and inspire with our art. We look forward to coming together and making this evening one to remember. Tickets are limited and are now live on the Wandsworth Arts Fringe Festival website here.
The Choice is Yours!
It’s been three weeks and you haven’t even looked at that poem you started working on almost two months ago. In fact, it’s gotten so bad, you’ve barely even thought about it. You’ve pushed the very idea of it into the deepest, darkest corner of your mind and left it to rot away like spoiled fruit… Okay, so that last part was definitely hyperbole, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re currently bound by procrastination, desperately trying to liberate yourself from its vice-like grip and return to the land of the writing… Bit much? Okay, so, here’s the thing: as a writer, you are most certainly going to encounter difficult times throughout your writing journey. To tell the truth, it will become so frustrating at times just trying to finish a poem it’ll feel like you’re trying to draw blood from a stone. This, of course, will lead to you avoiding it altogether, believing that leaving it for a while will somehow reignite the spark you found when you first commenced writing the piece. And sure, that might work from time to time, but that doesn’t mean it’s the answer to your problem. Remember, whether that poem gets completed or not is entirely up to you. It’s in your hands… literally. Well, if you’re ambidextrous that is otherwise it’s… Okay… I’ll stop. Seriously, though! You’re in control. Don’t let procrastination dictate the pace at which you get something done. Push through that creative block. Even if you’re only writing one line (or bar) a day, that’s something. It’s better to be proactive than to run the risk of leaving that half-finished masterpiece locked away forever. Undoubtedly, procrastination is one of the most difficult trials a writer is faced with having to overcome. It’s always going to be much easier to just put things off and tell yourself that you’ll get to it eventually than it is to muster the courage to sit down and fight through it. The difference, however, is in the results. On the one hand, taking action means you reap the reward for your efforts while on the other, doing nothing means you risk seriously hindering your creative progression. In the end, it is up to you to take the steps necessary to break free from the shackles of procrastination, take control of your destiny, and continue on your journey to greatness. The choice is yours. Written by: Liam Spencer
Donald Glover’s ‘Atlanta’ Returns for its Third Season After Four Year Hiatus
Last Friday marked the return of the vastly popular Netflix series Top Boy, and now, just a week later, another series is making its much-anticipated return with Donald Glover’s (Aka. Childish Gambino) series Atlanta returning to screens on March 24. The series, which stars the multi-talented actor, writer, rapper, and singer Donald Glover, Joker actor Zazie Beetz, The Harder They Fall actor Lakeith Stanfield, and Brian Tyree Henry of Widows and A Quiet Place: Part II fame, first landed on screens in September of 2016 to a hearty reception, receiving critical acclaim and a number of awards, including two Golden Globe awards for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Actor – Television Series or Musical, as well as two Primetime Emmy Awards, including Glover’s Emmy for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series – the first awarded to an African-American. Atlanta has often been commended for its sagacious handling of rapier-like themes, balancing satiric humour and real issues to provide a mordant critique of America’s political climate while examining the Black experience. The popular series, which currently sits on an impressive 8.6/10 on IMDB, will be available for UK residents to stream on the Disney Plus streaming service shortly after it has premiered in the US, although as of this writing there is no confirmed date for when this will be. With the release of DC’s The Batman, the second season of Top Boy, Atlanta this week, and Marvel’s new series Moon Knight next week, it seems fair to say that by its conclusion March will certainly be a month to remember. Written by: Liam Spencer
Popular Netflix Series ‘Top Boy’ Returns To Screens On March 18
On Friday, March 18 the Netflix series ‘Top Boy’ makes its much-anticipated return to the streaming service for its second season. Ashley Walters, Kane “Kano” Robinson, and Michael Ward will all reprise their roles while grime artist NoLay and ‘The Green Knight’ actor Erin Kellyman are set to debut in the popular drama this season. Top Boy first landed on screens over a decade ago in 2011 when it was broadcast on Channel 4. The crime drama starring Ashley Walters and Nicholas Pinnock ran for two seasons before Channel 4 opted not to renew the show, ending the series after just two seasons. Top Boy made its return to the streaming giant Netflix in 2019 to a great reception, becoming the most-watched show in the UK following its release. The series takes place in fictional Summerhouse estate in Hackney, East London, and follows the pursuits of Dushane (Ashley Walters) and Sully (Kano) as they looked to reign supreme over London’s drug distribution. The series continues to spark debate over its potent depictions of drug dealing and other crime-related activity, drawing praise from some for its harsh look at real issues, and condemnation from others for glorifying a criminal lifestyle. Despite that, the series boasts a 95% fresh Rotten Tomatoes Score and currently sits on a staggering 8.4/10 on IMDB. In any event, Top Boy: Summerhouse is available to view on Netflix in its entirety along with Season 1 of the renewed drama, giving fans the opportunity to binge the series before it returns on March 18. Written by: Liam Spencer
Let Your Truth Overcome Your Fear
Some of the greatest writers of our time will never set foot on a stage for no reason other than that they simply cannot, no matter how hard they try, quell their anxiety long enough to perform in front of a live audience. The truth is, there is nothing more difficult for an aspiring performer than mustering the courage to walk onto a stage for the very first time and render the contents of their innermost thoughts in front of a room full of strangers. Which, as you can surely attest, takes a lot more than just courage. It takes something greater – it takes an unwavering sense of passion, so deep-rooted that even the most potent deterrent couldn’t weed it out. It also requires a genuine, sincere love for the craft that somehow supersedes every other possible feeling the performer anticipates experiencing before, during, and even after a performance. Still, even that may not be enough to calm the raging storm of nerves coursing through you, shaking you to your very core until… you realise the poetry scene just isn’t as judgemental a space as you might have imagined it would be and come to learn that it is quite frankly the most forgiving creative space there is. And that’s because poets don’t just want to see you succeed, they want to be part of the reason you do. For the first-time performer having only ever written for an audience of one with no real desire or yearning inclination to share with anyone else but the reflection in the mirror, terrified over whether or not your work is good enough, ask yourself this: “If I do this, who am I doing it for?” When the answer to that question is yourself – or for those with faith-inspired motivations: God – you’ll stop worrying about what everyone else thinks. You’ll no longer concern yourself with the prospect of adulation and praise, or with judgement and a poor reception. The only thing you’ll be concerned with is your truth. And it’s only then that you’ll find the solace required to stand on that stage completely free from fear of judgement. Written by: Liam Specer
Is All Wordplay Good Wordplay?
Wordplay has rapidly become a staple in the work of many of today’s contemporary poets, with verse-makers all over the world incorporating impressive variations of double entendre and unique puns in order to elevate a piece of work to even greater heights. So, then, what is wordplay exactly? Wordplay is a literary device whereby writers employ a clever or witty approach to the meanings and arrangements of words to create imaginative schemes where a particular subject has more than one meaning. Its mode of application certainly varies from poet to poet, but there is no denying just how popular the incorporation of wordplay is to modern-day verse-makers. That said, is all wordplay good wordplay? Well, the answer to that question, as is the case with every opinion-based discussion, is it’s subjective. There are no specific parameters for determining what comprises laudable wordplay. What is considered the ideal components to one listener may be completely different to another. I guess you could say: beauty is in the ear of the beholder. Nonetheless, if wordplay is a sum of its constituent parts then it can be surmised that the more meaningful its application is, the more impactful it will be. Granted, this depends on the subject matter, since inventive wordplay is also a common product of comedic work, it stands to reason that any wordplay entry that exists in a more serious piece of poetry should be the result of some judicious or utilitarian consideration. Truthfully, wordplay is often positively received regardless of its application or the meaning (or lack thereof) that it encompasses. This is largely due to the fact that it sounds fascinating and is thereby subsequently judged to be appealing even if when broken down it makes little to no sense, and that’s because it rarely ever sounds less than alluring. But, be that as it may, wordplay has equal potential to elevate a piece of work as it does contrariwise to attenuate it. In the end, it is up to the poet to decide when and how to incorporate wordplay without risking the integrity of the piece’s intended message. Written by: Liam Spencer
Creative Block and Why It’s So Important to Find a Way to Push Through It
As a creative, it’s expected that there will be times throughout your artistic journey when those creative juices simply aren’t flowing quite as fluidly as you would like. Needless to say, creative blocks can be extremely daunting, and leave an individual hard-pressed to find a solution, especially when there’s a deadline to meet. But, the truth is, these creative blocks are unfortunately common territory for someone that relies on or is relied upon for their creativity. There is no definitive solution for how to overcome a creative block, especially considering there is more than one reason for a one to exist in the first place. That said, the arrival of this inauspicious mindset does not need to be so mind-numbingly frustrating as to foreshadow complete ruination. Granted, a creative block is undoubtedly difficult to move past, but provided you’re able to find the motivation, there is great benefit in utilising other creative works for inspiration. As it concerns poetry, inspiration can certainly be found in listening to the work of other artists, particularly those with a similar purpose, approach, or style. Then again, inspiration can also be sourced from work that is completely contrary to your own. It’s all just a matter of actively seeking the means to conquer that stifling mindset. So, attend events, engage in productive conversations on the topic, listen to spoken word offerings from your favourite poets online, or even look to some of your older material to help you decide what comes next, do whatever you think will help; the important thing is to keep at it. It may take some time, but you will eventually get over that creative slump, and when you do, you’ll look back and realise the experience, as vexing as it was, was just a minor bump on the road to greatness. Written by: Liam Spencer
Is There Ever a Right Way to Write and Perform Poetry?
For centuries poets have used poetry as a medium for unfeigned, heartfelt expression, and taken to the stage to dazzle audiences with mesmeric displays of oral mastery and tradition. As with all creative mediums, poetry has certainly evolved over time with poets finding a profusion of ways in which to deliver their message, and it is this versatility that has allowed poetry to stand the proverbial test of time. Similarly, it is for this reason that it cannot be said that there is a “right” or “proper” way to write and perform poetry. The poet is entitled to share their truth in whichever manner they so choose. Whether that be a lyrical, wordplay-heavy rendition of some politically-motivated spoken word or an eloquently, well-crafted piece of purposeful prose. It’s all welcome, and any contrariwise suggestion is, well, false. Poetry is for everyone. And no vastly limited award ceremony or circumlocutory commentary can prove otherwise. There is no definitive style or integral component with which to evince its structural integrity; and by the same token, prolificacy is not confirmation of its excellence, nor is reading off a sheet of paper or one’s phone an attestation to its lack thereof. While contemporary poets may draw on the past for inspiration, it is indubitably apparent that each individual poet seeks to carve out a very distinguishable niche for their own body of work. The scope with which an individual enjoys success varies from poet to poet, and while it appears prominence is the appreciable yardstick for eminence, it is in the composition of these poems that greatness is truly derived. Written by: Liam Spencer
Three Powerful Performances Every Poet Should See
Every now and again a poet delivers a performance so powerful it lingers in the mind long after they’ve uttered their final word. These are the performances that are remembered long after the poet calls it a day on their poetry careers. “OCD” by Neil Hilborn Neil Hilborn’s “OCD” is not only incredibly affecting but also masterfully delivered. The performance, which can be found on Button Poetry’s YouTube channel, is a perfect example of what performance poetry can be when a poet has complete command of the stage and their subject matter; and knows exactly the impression they want to leave on the audience before it’s all said and done at the end of the night. “Miss America” by Ramya Ramana Ramya Ramana’s performance of “Miss America” at the NYC 2014 Slam Final is the type of performance every poet strives to accomplish at least once in their poetry career. What makes this particular performance so stupendous isn’t only that it is delivered with such spellbinding ardour, but that it is so uncompromisingly honest. “Miss America” is relevant. It’s brilliant. But most importantly of all, it’s necessary. “The System” by Prentice Powell Prentice Powell’s performance of “The System” on Season 3 of Rhythm and Flow will surely go down in the annals of performance poetry history as one of the most legendary performances… period. Many a poet has taken to the stage to speak about the corruption caused by the “system”, but none have done it quite like Prentice Powell. An aspiring poet looking for a lesson in performance, delivery, storytelling, and stage presence need not look any further than Powell’s “The System”. Written by: Liam Spencer