In his youth, Richie Innocent was attracted to spoken word artists, or dub poets, as they are known in Jamaica. Until the emergence of Mutabaruka in the early 1980s, not many of them enjoyed mainstream recognition.
Although that has changed over the years, the Jamaican poet is determined to help expose his peers with live events such as Richie Innocent & Friends on September 28 at VP Records headquarters in Queens, New York.
“The concept of this event is to create a unique space where dub poets and other creatives can share their thoughts, observations, and energy with poetry lovers and enthusiasts. It’s an opportunity for artists to engage with an audience that appreciates this powerful art form, which continuously challenges social norms and touches people’s hearts, minds, and souls. Our message is unity and love, the glue that binds us together,” Richie Innocent explained.
His ‘friends’ for the show are Maxwanette a Poetess, Marcia Jackson, Judith Falloon-Reid, Marjorie Walters, Vachikepwe di Poet from Zimbabwe and VP Records co-founder Patricia “Miss Pat” Chin.
Richie Innocent was born in Kingston but raised in St. Elizabeth parish in rural Jamaica. His socially conscious songs include ‘Drugs fi Gun’ and ‘Careless Shotta’.
‘Perseverance’, his first poetry book, was released in February. Richie Innocent & Friends will be hosted by Sharon Gordon and is co-promoted by Cyber Leaf Entertainment.
