Black History Month: Poetic Temple x A River Called Time

Free and open to all.

Join us for an evening of poetry, performance, and live art as we transform the Darkroom Bar into a space for expression, connection, and creativity.

Poetic Temple will provide a safe and inspiring environment for everyone to share their work and for audiences to connect with the incredible range of talents that exist in London.

Borrowing from the book by Courttia Newland entitled A River Called Time, Poetic Temple uses this Black History Month as an opportunity to get poets reimaging the stories of African people and the diaspora. “What if?” is the question as we explore alternate endings to ground-breaking moments in our past that have had significant impact on particularly the Black communities.

Come along, bring your words, and be part of the celebration!

Free drinks available on arrival (first come, first served).

Schedule

• 5:00 – 6:00 – Networking and open mic sign-ups
• 6:00 – 7:15 – Open Mic performances
• 7:15 – 7:30 – Break
• 7:30 – 9:00 – Headline poetry performances from Watusi87, LyricL and Nate the Lyricist

Stella B and Nat Nye are co-founders of Mansa hArts Ltd, a mission-driven organisation that uses the arts to inspire and improve society. Their vision is to bring out the brilliance of society through art, creativity, and self-expression.

“We believe in the healing that spoken word and poetry can provide for everyone as they channel their inner worlds into the pen and upon the paper” – Mansa Harts

@poetictemple

@natnyetla

@sbellgam

Watusi87

Born in London and raised in the culturally rich heart of Ladbroke Grove, Watusi87 is a visionary wordsmith whose sound is a deep fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz, reggae, soul, and R&B, all intricately woven into his ground-breaking brand of Hip Hop. A prodigious lyricist from the early days of UK garage and house, he has spent over a decade refining his craft—melding percussive brilliance with melodic depth to create a style entirely his own.

A seasoned performer, he has graced legendary stages like The Barbican, Jazz Café, Scala, and Foyles, delivering electrifying live experiences that blur the lines between music, poetry, and pure energy.

@watusi87

Born in London to Nigerian parents, LyricL’s early and enduring musical influences came from home. A drummer/DJ Daddy, who “loved African Jazz, Gospel and High Life, entertained with chest-tap percussion, beatbox and skilfully played his hands as wind instruments, as Mommy dances and sings in her own key of happiness to this very day.

Support act to Patrice Rushen, The Roots, Omar, Incognito, Big Daddy Kane, Black Thought, DJ Jazzy Jeff & Jill Scott, LyricL is an often sought after keen creative ally.

@lyricl_

Nate The Lyricist is a spoken word poet and founder of Revolutionary Minds, a monthly event dedicated to studying the lives of Black history figures and creating poetry in their honor. A member of Natalie “Floacist” Stewart’s coalition of Flo Poets, Nate uses the stage as a space for empowerment, reflection, and revolution through rhythm and word.

@natethelyricist

Throughout the event, artist Stella B will create a live artwork inspired by the performances, capturing the energy and voices of the night. Stella B is a British Nigerian multi-disciplinarian artist. The self-nuture of each of her natural gifts in: spoken word poetry, visual art, film, music, dance and acting – has enabled her to have a selection of exquisite art forms at her disposal or ability to utilise them all to give a multidimensional, multi-sensory experience. Stella takes inspiration from her heritage as an Ijaw woman. Her main influences are from artists Lina Iris Viktor, Solange Knowles, Tracy Emin and the golden era of ancient Egypt and Babylon.

@stellabeestees

Accessibility: London College of Communication strives to provide an inclusive and accessible environment for our students and visitors. For full access and route guides for our building, please view our AccessAble accessibility guide.

Content Guidance: Exhibitions at London College of Communication often address a range of social issues and mature themes. We recommend that children and vulnerable adults are always accompanied.

Space, lighting and sound levels will vary. Sounds can be high-volume and play suddenly without warning. Some visual effects may be disorientating.

Find us: London College of Communication is located close to central London in Elephant and Castle. The College is based on a single site within easy reach of various parts of the city, and is well-served by Underground, bus and rail networks. Find out more about getting here on Find Us page.

Filming and Photography: Please note that filming and photography may be taking place at this event. Both bigger crowds, smaller groups and individuals may be captured on camera. All imagery and footage may at some point be published on the College website, social media channels, and in print.

If you have any specific access requirements for an event or exhibition at all please contact us by email ([email protected]) or phone (020 7514 8498) in advance of your visit, so that we can make any necessary preparations or adjustments.

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