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Louise Bennett was a Jamaican author, poet, and playwright who used her words to promote the culture and history of her home country. She was fondly known by many as Miss Lou. Her poetry and writing were instrumental in developing a uniquely Jamaican cultural identity, and her work is still celebrated and revered today. Louise …
One of the UK’s most prestigious music festivals welcomes Grace Jones for the 27th edition of Meltdown, which features an eclectic blend of artists and music genres. For her line-up, Jones brings together artists from across the globe, including Peaches, Skunk Anansie and Baaba Maal. With her fierce individuality and fearless self-expression attitude, Jones is …
Today is World Poetry Day, and to celebrate, we’re highlighting a poet some may not have heard about in mainstream circles. Today, we feature Paul Laurence Dunbar, poet, novelist, and short-story writer. He was one of the first African American poets to gain national recognition. Paul Laurence Dunbar was born on 27 June 1872 in …
Benjamin Zephaniah headlines this year’s Sydenham Arts Festival. This is a rare chance to hear this iconic poet and musician hot from his international schedule. Zephaniah is a British Jamaican Rastafarian writer and dub poet. He is a well-known figure in contemporary English literature, and was included in The Times list of Britain’s top 50 …
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s sizeBut when I start to tell them,They think I’m telling lies.I say,It’s in the reach of my armsThe span of my hips,The stride of my step,The curl of my lips.I’m a womanPhenomenally.Phenomenal woman,That’s me. I walk into a roomJust …
I’m on a madness, Thinking about the badness, humans visit on each other. Sent my petition for Troy’s stay of execution They killed him. Why did I bother? Still, gotta keep up the fighting Using my writing Though the human condition gets on my nerves. Try’na change the world with my pen a handful of …
On Wednesday, Jamaican poet and folklorist Louise Simone Bennett-Coverly, who became the voice of the island’s culture at home and abroad, died in Toronto. She was 86 years old. Jamaica Information Service announced her death without giving a cause. After collapsing late Tuesday night, she was hospitalised in Toronto. As a social commentator who used …
World Poetry Day is an annual event held on 21 March, established by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) in 1999. It celebrates the power of poetry and its ability to captivate our imaginations, inspire our creativity, and encourage us to express our deepest emotions. The idea for a specific day to …
Am I Black Enuf for ya?B. Keith Wilson If I don’t call my brothas and sistas niggas,would I be Black Enuf For Ya?If I told you that I couldn’t rap or sing,that I couldn’t dance to save my life,and that I don’t even shoot hoops that wellwould you say that I’m not black enuf for …
Langston Hughes, born James Mercer Langston Hughes on 1 February 1902, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of American literature. Revered as one of the key figures in the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes’ work offers a vivid portrayal of African American life through the use of rich language, sharp wit, and a keen understanding …
Sista, please”Time out!I need a word with youyou messin’ up my good thangand this just ‘aint gon’ doNow, understand – you can do what you want with your life”but your triflin’ ways are causin’ REAL sistastoo much stress and strife See, when you runnin’ behind this brother and the next”acceptin’ his lies and cashin’ your …
