From how they developed their practice to what they consider a major goal for the future – we’ll hearing about their work behind the scenes, discussing what keeps these artists enthused and ready to create the standout work and performances we eventually experience at Rich Mix.
First up is Apples and Snakes‘ Yomi Sode, who hosts the spoken word institution Jawdance, which turns 10 this year. Apples and Snakes established their trailblazing spoken word night to bring extraordinary stories to the stage. It’s here they’re able to inspire audiences across the UK – and we love welcoming them back to our stage at Rich Mix.
Yomi Sode at Jawdance. Photo by Suzi Corker
When he’s not working on Jawdance, Yomi works as a writer, performer and facilitator. He’s toured nationally to sold-out audiences with his first one man show, COAT and is currently working on his first poetry collection.
Find out below how Yomi got started as a poet, what he wishes people understood about spoken word and how he stays inspired. And don’t forget, you can come along on Wednesday 19 February or Wednesday 18 March to sample a Jawdance night yourself.
Over to you, Yomi…
Rich Mix: How did you begin your practice of storytelling? Did you set out to be a poet?
Yomi Sode: I listened to a lot of music. Music with a lot of words for me to memorise. It started off with singers and gradually lead to rappers in the US then finding a more solid base in the UK i.e. Emcees re Garage/Grime.
RM: What’s something you feel very few people understand about poetry and spoken word?
YS: That it can be as fun as it can be serious, thoughtful, reflective, political, activist and personal. That it can be as trendy, it can be a good night out, and it can be as flexible enough to make this answer, sound like a poem.
RM: How do you stay inspired? Are there any artists or contemporaries whose vision has inspired you?
YS: The amount of people that access Jawdance every month. How can one not be inspired? NO MONTH IS THE SAME! Big facts. Apples and other organisations that hold refreshing literature based events are inspiring. Our filler music alone ranges from Stormzy to The Sound of Music and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. All the while, people will still take in poems. We still deliver what we say on the tin.
Jawdance at Rich Mix. Photo by Suzi Corker
RM: If you were living a parallel life in another universe, what different talent would you have pursued?
YS: I would be a drummer for sure. I would be a sick drummer I think.
RM: How has your approach to spoken word and poetry changed over the years?
YS: To be ever evolving while being a student of craft. Even in hosting there’s a craft and that’s not what I do for a living. But I also have a responsibility while I am on that stage in how people access poetry and how people leave feeling about poetry.
RM: For someone that’s considering stepping up on the stage for a Jawdance open mic session, what would you say as encouragement?
YS: I would suggest they come just as an attendee to take in the environment. There’s no rush. Better to settle into the space than to jump right in.
RM: We’re celebrating our regulars and repeaters this season with Raised @ Rich Mix. What’s your favourite memory of performing here?
YS: So many but my full band gig has to be the one! It was a Lyrix Organix show in the main space. I was so tempted to jump in the crowd that evening but it was a memorable gig.
RM: What’s a line of spoken word or poetry that’s stopped you in your tracks recently?
YS: I was listening to Seal’s Kiss From a Rose the other day and MY GOD! Bars! It’s a beautiful song but the first verse? The lines? Insane.
Yomi Sode on stage at Jawdance. Photo by Suzi Corker
RM: You’ve covered everything from identity and displacement, masculinity and class in your work – what’s a topic you’ve never been able to include (but would like to?)
YS: Politics. Not sure how yet, but yeah that’s an area I’m interested in.
RM: Who would you love to have perform at Jawdance in the future?
YS: A grime artist that’s had a spoken word awakening!
RM: Thanks so much for your time Yomi!
Pick up last minute tickets for Jawdance tomorrow night – Wednesday 19 February, or book in for March’s show on Wednesday 18 March.
And finally, look out for more interviews to come from our Raised @ Rich Mix Season.
