The University Inn and Conference Centre was the perfect venue for a commemorative event marking International Literacy Day. The event, The Inner Self: Spoken Word for the Environment was another innovative initiative of Culture House as part of Project Aware (A Wonderful And Rare Earth), an environmental awareness programme designed to heighten awareness on wide ranging environmental issues. Aware 2015 was sponsored by Republic Bank Limited and supported by Nalis.
A release said several popular spoken word poets, storytellers, musicians and singers treated the small, but highly appreciative audience to top-rate entertainment centered around the theme, which explored the need for individuals to take responsibility for their inner environment, rather than seeking outside of their own selves for solutions.
Auntie Thea–The Mystic Storyteller, opened with a sincere and moving interpretation of Psalm 24–The Earth is the Lord's and the Fullness Thereof which she delivered in poetry, chant and song.
Yuklin Wellington-Christopher who chaired the proceedings, welcomed the audience and introduced the official segment of the evening, an address by Republic Bank social investment officer Nadia Williams and librarian Cheryl Quamina-Baptiste who brought a message from Nalis.
The show opened with Kern Solomon belting out a powerful rendition of Confusion–Our Only Commonality, followed by PrettiPat (Patricia Niles-Dalyrmple) with The Mirror. Bro Book (Hollis Peters) with his poem, Those Civilised Humans examined several environmental issues regarding man's "transgressions" against the environment. Carlet Holder was up close and personal, poised and confident with her rendition of I Can't Believe You Made Me Believe Not to Believe in Me. Ivory Hayes dug deep into her wellspring of life's experiences to come up with her poems Sanctification and Four-Minute Cell.
Solman (Richard Solis) with his cool reggae sounds rocked the audience gently with Child of the Universe. The Onilu brothers, Modupe and Baba came through shining with nature sounds created by their amazing percussion instruments made from natural beads, seeds and bamboo. They are definitely dedicated to the task of carrying on the legacy of their father, the great inventor and master drummer, Jajah Oga Onilu.
Accompanying herself on the guitar, Marge Blackman's two songs Be Aware and Oshay had a gentle, calming effect on the audience. Ayow (Randolph De Gannes) with his biting humour had the audience laughing with poem Man River. Osei Jackson was cutting in his presentation of Gospel of the Cobo followed by Arielle John with her dynamic pieces Like the Sky Wasn't Falling and Dwede of the Excel Spreadsheet. The show ended with a performance by Curious Ringo, who did two rapso pieces, I Rapso and I Remember. The vote of thanks was delivered by Elishan Ulerie, Culture House operations and event manager.
Culture House is organising tours of schools and communities with The Inner Self scheduled for 2016.