MIC CHECK! ROUND UP
Mic Check! A brilliant evening of Black poetry, spoken word and music
The volume was turned up at a lively Leeds Central Library this week thanks to a special open mic night celebrating Black poetry, spoken word and music.
Mic Check! – hosted by the multi-talented Leeds poet and literary activist Khadijah Ibrahiim – brought together established poets alongside amateur spoken word artists, with a Lovers’ Rock tribute from reggae songbird Paulette Morris and music from DJ Fluid providing the evening’s soundtrack.
Booklovers enjoyed browsing the ‘bring one take one’ Book Swap Station, while the colourful Black artisans’ marketplace curated by Ebony Milestone went down a storm.
The event, part of Out of Many People’s Rooted programme showcasing Black storytelling, also featured writers from the Peepal Tree Press Sanctuary Anthology. Roving poets surprised guests with pop up performances reflecting this year’s Black History Month theme Standing Firm in Power & Pride.
Speaking afterwards, Khadijah Ibrahiim was full of praise for the event that brought together artists, poets and writers from across Leeds and beyond. “It was an inspiring evening that highlighted some of our regional literary talent. The atmosphere was vibrant and it was evident that the audience enjoyed the performances, alongside the music, Black artisan marketplace and book stalls.”
Barsa Ray, one of the Peepal Tree Press Sanctuary Anthology Showcase writers who shared their work at the event, said: “I’ve attended and read at various events and festivals, and I just wanted to say what a fun, energy-filled event this was. I’ve never been to anything like it.”
Mycall Isrell, a spoken word performer and poet from Bradford, also took part in the open mic. He said: “The truth of our stories may remain the same, but over time perspectives and perceptions change.”
He added, “We need creative ways like Mic Check! to tell our stories in order to keep our narratives alive. It was amazing and I learnt a few things about poetry performance through tips from other performers too.”
Dawn Cameron, co-founder of Out of Many People, said: “Events like this are important not only because they give a platform to Black artists and performers. The responses to our audience feedback surveys help to shape our future plans so we can continue to create vibrant appealing programmes that form a part of strong bids for arts funding at a time when funding is under pressure.”
To complete a short Mic Check audience survey, click HERE
Fellow Out of Many People founder, Susan Pitter, added: “No one can tell our own stories better than us, and no one will. Poetry and music are powerful ways to ensure our stories are protected, preserved and championed – and we saw that at Mic Check tonight.”
Photography by Jonathan Turner