Jawdance is London’s biggest poetry night featuring some of the best names from the Spoken Word scene. Taking place every third Wednesday of the month at Rich Mix, it’s a monthly highlight for many poetry and Spoken Word enthusiasts.
Our next Jawdance evening takes place us on Wednesday 16 October and my goodness is a looking like a big one! We welcome Yomi Ṣode as our host for October with performances from poets PA Bitez, John Bernard and Amen Noir. October’s Jawdance is in celebration of Black History Month 2024.
Every Jawdance has the opportunity for you to take the Open Mic. Pop your name in the hat at the beginning of the evening and if you’re lucky, then your name could be drawn at random to perform. Everyone is welcome to add their name to the hat and we highly recommend you give it a go.
Jawdance is a supportive environment and welcomes first-timers and those who are well-seasoned. Where spoken word meets the open mic, come along to the warmest poetry gig in London.
Meet the October jawdance line up…
Yomi sode – Host
Yomi Ṣode is an award-winning Nigerian British writer. He is a recipient of the 2019 Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowship, shortlisted for The Brunel International African Poetry Prize 2021, and Arts Foundation Awards 2024.
His acclaimed one-man show COAT toured nationally to sold-out audiences, including at the Brighton Festival, Roundhouse Camden and the Battersea Arts Centre. In 2020 his libretto Remnants, written in collaboration with award-winning composer James B. Wilson and performed with Chineke! Orchestra premiered on BBC Radio 3.
In 2021, his play, and breathe… premiered at the Almeida Theatre to rave reviews. Yomi is a Complete Works alumnus and a member of Malika’s Poetry Kitchen. He is the founder of BoxedIn, First Five, The Daddy Diaries, and mentorship programme, 12 in 12. Yomi’s debut collection, Manorism was shortlisted for the T.S Eliot Prize 2022, The Rathbones Folio Prize 2023, and was adapted for stage at the Southbank Centre.
Insta: @yomi_sode
X: @YomiSode
https://yomisode.com
PA Bitez
Princess Arinola Adegbite known professionally as BITEZ is a genre bending artist from Manchester, blending rap, pop, jazz, and Neo-Soul to create unique and spiritually uplifting sounds. BITEZ uses music to connect to people whilst accentuating the interior world and the politics of the personal. She draws inspiration from Nina Simone, FKA Twigs, No Name and Joni Mitchell. BITEZ is also a multi-award-winning poet, filmmaker, and performance artist. Her poetry collection ‘Algorithms of Meaning’ won an Eric Gregory Award from the Society of Authors 2023. BITEZ was awarded Manchester Young Creative of The Year for her artistic contributions to the city by the Manchester Culture Awards in 2021.
Insta: @pabitez
X: @Pabitez
https://pabitez.com/#
John bERNARD
Hailing from Stoke Aldermoor, Coventry Poet Laureate John Bernard is a spoken word performer of East African heritage. With a captivating blend of raw emotion, powerful storytelling, and thought-provoking insights, John Bernard has established himself as a notable name in the spoken word scene.
John extends his impact beyond performances through active community engagement. He leads creative workshops, empowering young minds to find their voice and express themselves through the art of poetry and music.
Insta: @johnpoetbernard
X: @johnpoetbernard
https://www.johnpoetbernard.com
Amen Noir
AmeN NoiR is a prominent and multi-talented artist known for his lyrical wizardry and contributions to the world of poetry and performance. He has been a force in the performance scene since 2000, both nationally and internationally. His work is recognized for bringing a fresh perspective to the world of spoken word and poetry, particularly focusing on the African experience.
AmeN NoiR is a multi-faceted artist and continues to make significant contributions to the world of spoken word, poetry, and performance. His work reflects a deep commitment to social awareness and artistic expression.
Insta: @amennoir
X: @AmeNNoiR
https://www.amennoir.com/home