In 2005, in collaboration with Subtext, we decided to bring together some of the most prodigious and prolific of the emerging talent into a team called the SLAMbassadors. These are a group of emerging artists who work alongside more established names to create original and challenging spoken word. Their work is a complex mix of poetry, beat box, rap and vocal visualisations that assault the senses and pose serious socio-political questions. They have performed before 1,600 people as a part of Human Rights Watch at the Globe Theatre, at the Trafalgar Square Memorial for the victims of the 07/07 attacks, as well as variously at the Millennium Dome, City Hall, the Royal Court, the ICA, the IMAX and a wide range of high profile venues across the capital. In addition, Korbel and PACE launched their solo careers in an all group gig at Virgin Megastore in Oxford Street in London.
Korbel
is at the forefront of original East London experimental hip hop and grime, and produces tracks under the name of Joey Leng. His first album is called ‘My First Philosophy’, and was launched at Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street. A documentary about Korbel appeared on Channel 4. He has performed at live events including the 7/7 bombings vigil at Trafalgar Square, the Globe Theatre, the Royal Court and made an appearance on Blue Peter with Ms. Dynamite. Korbel facilitates workshops in a peer-to-peer setting, enabling and empowering other young people to write and produce as he does.
→ Korbel on MySpace
→ DOWNLOAD Korbel on Channel 4 – 3 Minute Wonder (mov 24.0MB)
Jay
is a poet and spoken word artist from London. She is currently studying English Literature at Oxford University. Jay works in free-verse poetry but also displays a strong commitment to rhythm throughout her writing, which often follows a surreal and confrontational narrative. She has been mentored by the late Michael Donaghy and also by Editor of Poetry London, Pascale Petit. As well as being a winner of the Slam, she was also one of the winners of the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award. In 2004, The Guardian magazine – to celebrate 16 years in circulation – named her as one of the country’s most inspirational 16 year olds. Jay’s first collection, Your Sign is Cuckoo Girl, is published by Tall Lighthouse Press.
→ Jay’s website
→ Jay in The Guardian Education
→ Jay in The Independent on Sunday
PACE
is a dynamic rap and spoken word artist from Stepney Green, East London. Since July 2005, PACE has been on television, radio and has performed live at events including the 7/7 bombings vigil at Trafalgar Square, the Globe Theatre, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Court. PACE was invited to 11 Downing Street to be part of a project called ‘Make Your Mark’, involving Sway and Lady Sovereign. PACE leads creative writing, rapping and beatbox workshops, with young people channelling their energy into positive and useful skills. PACE has two mix-tapes currently in production featuring tasty collaborations from the likes of Ruff Squad, Universe & Sensor.
Natalie
first took part in the slam in 2003, and went on to become a valued and inspirational member of the showcase team for two years running. She recently graduated from Dartington College of Arts with a BA in Music.
Natalie blurs the edges between spoken word and music, writing uncompromising poetry and bringing it to the stage with a commanding presence and an unnerving ability to tap into the universal. Natalie has performed live at the Shakespeare’s Globe, the 7/7 bombings vigil at Trafalgar Square, Vauxhallville and the London Transport Museum, to name but a few.
Kayo
was joint winner of the 2003 Slam, and has gone on to carve a powerful name for himself on the circuit. He has performed at most of the well-known spoken word venues in London. He works in both rap and free verse, and is also an accomplished musician. He has appeared on both radio and television. Kayo’s voice is rich and powerful, and resonates with the sounds of east end ghettos and ‘70′s Harlem, and his words are political, poetic and passionate. Kayo studied English Literature at Sheffield University, and ran a poetry night called ‘Word Life’ with the aim of showcasing the most talented poets in and around the steel city. Kayo’s work has been published in ‘The Write Stuff’ (an anthology for young writers) and on Route 57.
→ Kayo on MySpace
→ Kayo’s blog
Deborah
Like every troubled teenager, Deborah used to see life in a negative light. Once she engaged with poetry, it brought back the passion she had hiding inside for music. Discovering her new skills in music and poetry, Deborah has continued to push through the boundaries of life. “I love music”, says Deborah, “because it inspires the love I have for the world”. From a French speaking background, a lot of her music is inspired by the effects of colonisation, growing up in London and the Ivory Coast. Her debut album was recorded under her artist name, Ms. Scora D, and is called The D.A. Prophecy, and she has performed at the Mayor of London’s City Hall, IMAX and other major venues, as well as on television and radio.
