In this interview spoken word poet TJ Dema discusses the changing landscape of Botwana’s poetry, the importance of anthologies, the difficulties of making it as a full-time writer in Botswana, and why she needs to hear words.
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In this edition of The Writer’s Block, we sit down with TJ Dema, a Motswana performance poet, to discuss her craft and collaborations. The Writer’s Block is an ongoing video series of interviews with visiting writers at City of Asylum/Pittsburgh.
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On September 8th, 2012, City of Asylum/Pittsburgh hosted its 8th annual Jazz Poetry Concert at the New Hazlett Theater in Pittsburgh’s North Side. The concert featured highlight performances by Oliver Lake’s Steel Quartet with Meshell Ndegeocello.
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An interview with Pamela Pennywell, development manager of the Young Men and Women’s African Heritage Association. This interview is the first in a series featuring the Northside community leaders emceeing at this year’s Jazz Poetry Concert.
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Trumpeter Freddie Hendrix already has a lifetime worth of accomplishments with five albums as a sideman for George Benson, Bradford Hayes, Melvin Davis, New Jersey City University Jazz Ensemble, and most recently Rufus Reid. In this video, Hendrix shares his thoughts of City of Asylum/ Pittsburgh’s 2010 Jazz Poetry Concert.
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This video features Trumpeter Eddie Allen. Known for his versatility, Eddie Allen participated in the 2010 Jazz Poetry Concert. He is also the founder of Sãlongo, a 7-piece band that brings together Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music to create a fresh and inventive sound.
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In this video, Saxophonist Bruce Williams, member of Olive Lake’s 17-piece band and participant in City of Asylum Pittsburgh’s 2010 Jazz Poetry Concert, explains his views on a jazz ensemble.
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The poet Terrance Hayes is “bringing the National Book Award home to Pittsburgh,” as he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Hayes’ Lighthead beat out the works of four other poets, including established writers such as C.D. Wright. Watch Hayes read at the 2010 Jazz Poetry Concert and read Sampsonia Way’s interview with the author.
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Writer, musician and radio producer Hinemoana Baker reflects on her experience of the 2010 Jazz Poetry Concert.
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Poet Yusef Komunyakaa on the 2010 Jazz Poetry Concert.
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