Poetry Jam's 12th birthday: Everyone needs to hear this
Poetry Jam’s 12th Birthday: Everyone needs to hear this.
Review by Ellie Blackwell
Real and raw, Poetry Jam is freedom of speech like you’ve NEVER felt before. Strikingly unapologetic, get a glimpse inside innovative minds and incredible stories with this well-kept Brum secret.
This February, people from every walk of life flocked to the first floor of Birmingham’s grand Symphony Hall to celebrate, enjoy and hail the free event that has been shaping artists for over a decade. Though many of us new to the poetry scene will never have heard of the invaluable work of We Don’t Settle, Poetry Jam happens right under your nose every first Thursday of the month. I still can’t believe it took me over a year of Brummy living to discover it! (Thanks @poetnamedev)…
The slick beats of the live DJ set the mood, and we were greeted by charismatic host Sipho Eric Ndlovu who ensured seamless open mic transitions and kept up the epic vibes and anticipation with his endless energy.
First poet, Ryan Sinclair, hit hard with an emotional tribute to Poetry Jam and all those who’s passions, talents and even careers it has helped define. Second up was Kris who slammed us into reality with the hottest, spiciest spoken word of the night (although trigger warnings are given in advance so any children are always free to step out). Full of raw emotion, their words are so real that they almost become your own vivid memories– Kris is definitely someone to look out for.
Rising star Wajahad’s words leapt off the pages of his green-velvet notebook and the room was filled with his beautifully stirring and politically motivated verse. Straight after, we had renowned writer and activist Jasmine Gardosi who almost brought tears of frustration to my eyes and many clicks to the fingers of the audience (by the way, clicking is what you do when you love what’s being said – for those who have yet to experience the fun).
This Former Birmingham Poet Laureate had brutally brought to light the world’s ever-present misogyny by ingeniously piecing together the words of Donald Trump vs those of 1950s ‘perfect housewife’ adverts. Their following ‘beatbox’ poem was like a joyous flick of the finger to these horrific, female stereotypes whilst also giving us a crystal-clear snapshot of neurodivergence. We loved every second.
Gardosi’s work in local schools was also celebrated by four of their students who shone on stage. But this time, I couldn’t hold back a few tears after one of Gardosi’s young poets, Ashrita, poignantly marked world cancer day with thoughts that everyone had undoubtedly thought.
Current Poet Laureate Ayan Aden took my breath away. On the modest stage, entire lives, countries and even histories were condensed into a few phenomenal minutes by the flaming feelings that captured the enraptured audience. I think everyone needs to hear this.
In between these weighted words, there were mini-intervals for socialising, networking and even congratulating artists on their trail-blazing work. Though only my second ever Poetry Jam, its warm and encouraging atmosphere is beautifully striking.
Oozing elegance, singer Latifa also graced the stage with sublime covers well as her own lyrics. More songs were sent our way as 365bmmusic Rebecca Michael’s sweet voice, sprightly ukulele and shamelessly gritty lyrics set the world to rights.
Whether it was words of kinkiness, coming out, inequality, humour or unrequited love... the open mic was ON FIRE from start to finish. For those who have a story to tell, want to be inspired, or have only ever known this art as boxy iambic pentameter and stuffy sonnets, it’s just revolutionary, really.
Watch the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC7audj8-Cg
Discover more here: https://bmusic.co.uk/events/poetry-jam-live-14
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