Column: Bringing light to poets
We live in a world where our lives have become dull, and instant.
Our lives aren’t poetic anymore. The truth around poetry is it is loved by some, dislike by many, and bought by few.
Poetry is still a major art but has a minor audience.
It may never be as big as the music industry, but that’s the joy and mystery of moving in silence. Poetry is language, it is a way of life.
I am hoping to bring some poets to light who I find are powerful, great storytellers, and will bring out different emotions once hearing or reading their material. These two poets mainly focus on Spoken Word.
Spoken Word is poetry performed to an audience using rhymes, slang, rhythm and improvisation. The following two artists often center their attention to God or their lives.
Artist Ezekiel Azonwu has painted a new, compelling picture in the world of spoken word. Raised in Los Angeles, CA, Azonwu is the son of Nigerian immigrants. He has five children with his wife, Kiyanna Azonwu.
He began as a street battle rapper but now fights to spread truth and poetry to audiences worldwide about the gospel and other life situations.
Here is a list of some of his work: “Identity Crisis of a Misfit,” “Silence is Deadly,” and “Almost (saved).”
Joseph Solomon is a singer-songwriter and spoken word artist from Texas.
He is originally known for his YouTube channel but has since evolved into a successful recording artist and spoken word performer, featured on the PIA and P4CM tours with other talented individuals like Lecrae, KB, and Azonwu.
He revolutionizes the way people hear God’s word in an open, honest, and raw manner that is not only captivating, but relatable. His also uses his platform to tackle mental illness like depression.
His work includes: “Depression Is,” “Standing Tall,” and “A Shadow of Doubt.”
Both artists possess different backgrounds and different perspectives, yet the same passion and talent for spoken word with a strong dose of gospel ministry. It is my hope that you all will dive into their work and uncover the hidden messages within their phrases and words.
Columns written by editors and writers of Pacer Times do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff members or leadership. Letters to the editor may be emailed to coordinating Editor-in-Chief, Cecilia Maddox at cmy@usca.edu, and will be published at the editorial staff’s discretion.
