Motion Live
The Power of Poetry and Language Arts
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Motion Live, once you made up your mind “I am an Artist” there was nothing stopping you. There was no turning back. When did that happen?
I feel in many ways I was born an artist. I have been interested in creating ever since I can remember. I always had a great passion for music, dancing, reading, writing, and being on stage, or being behind the mic. I’ve always had an interest in observing artists at work: experiencing art whether in “official spaces” - in music venues, or theaters - or in public spaces, on the bus, in the streets, anywhere. Creativity is part of human nature. Well, for me, dance and singing came first, and then MCing, poetry, writing. What event marked your official start in the arts? |
Photo credit: Brian |
Hmm, hard to say what I consider an official start. I have so many different manifestations of art-in- progress in my life. From MCing to music lessons, to shows or playing with a band, or my high school performances, dance groups. Performing in community or community centers or at after-school programs, either working with others or by myself. Performing at foundation Hip Hop venues in Toronto has been a highlight. Like, Monster Jam in Toronto when I was just starting is something I remember as it was a showcase of a generation of talent coming out of the city. It was definitely a big launching pad, and then moving on to college radio with the Masterplan, onto spoken word shows and showcases. Performing at Def Poetry. Now I am also focused on producing and writing for theater and film, so seeing my words on stage or screen for the first time was a new start too.
Spoken word or musician, is there a line of separation given that MotionLive has leading roles in a number of world famous arenas from different art communities?
In general, art is very intertwined - whether it is music in theater, Hip Hop and poetry, or multimedia in plays. As worlds collide more and more, we see more blending of any borders, opening up new ways for people to express themselves. I am interested in the interdisciplinary, the places where different forms of art meet, blend, and challenge each other to define new forms of expression. Genres become harder to define simply. But music, theatre, film, poetry are forms I work in, and I collaborate with artists who create other forms, like photography and visual arts, as well.
Spoken word or musician, is there a line of separation given that MotionLive has leading roles in a number of world famous arenas from different art communities?
In general, art is very intertwined - whether it is music in theater, Hip Hop and poetry, or multimedia in plays. As worlds collide more and more, we see more blending of any borders, opening up new ways for people to express themselves. I am interested in the interdisciplinary, the places where different forms of art meet, blend, and challenge each other to define new forms of expression. Genres become harder to define simply. But music, theatre, film, poetry are forms I work in, and I collaborate with artists who create other forms, like photography and visual arts, as well.
A few words about getting to Tribeca Film Festival?
Thanks to a music partnership with the Creative Dept., L’Oqenz and I were invited to Tribeca Film Festival and created a playlist celebrating women filmmakers, and exploring the intersections of music and film. This year, Tribeca featured a record number of women filmmakers from the around the world and NY. The concept, from the DJ standpoint, was to curate and present the sound celebrating New York women’s presence and voices in this festival, interspersed with sound bites from the films. Then it is also creating writings about the journey throughout the festival. We’ve been posting content on ideas, concepts, reflections, experiences, profiles on the artists, the films and events, everything arising from being part of this creative and innovative space. Tribeca has been amazing. Much respects to Sol Guy for working with us on the vision!
One of the highlights was attending the Women Filmmakers Brunch of about 200 actors, writers, producers, editors, directors and people in all segments of the film industry. The big idea was about “coming together.” It was an empowering space to be in, and we are now building links with women from all corners of the world, the States, Canada, South Africa, UK, etc. All of us sharing our stories, building the network and finding connection.
The scene in Toronto.
Well, when it comes to film, we have the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as Hot Docs, Reel World, Regent Park Film Fest, Caribbean Tales and more. Then in Toronto, Vancouver and throughout Canada, there are major international productions and co-productions taking place at all times. I recently had the chance to work with amazing filmmaker residents at CFC (Canadian Film Centre) launching new works into the atmosphere.
Across the board, Toronto is home to a magnitude of amazing musical artists, producers, visionary dancers and choreographers, spoken word artists, theatre artists, indy festivals. I’d say right now, grassroots collectives and community arts programs are developing a lot of emerging Toronto talent. It’s a very diverse city with people representing different backgrounds, countries, nationalities - a collage of stories, sounds and voices, which can be complex. It’s a great place to develop. Toronto, Montreal, Nova Scotia – offer different experiences that need to be heard on an international scale. Definitely burgeoning.
What can you say about Oraltorio?
Oraltorio is a theatrical mixtape - on stage. It features myself as writer and performer, mixed and sound designed by L’Oqenz, and directed by Mumbi Tindyebwa of ift Theatre. Also, dramaturgy by Mel Hague at Obsidian Theatre. We’re working as a collective to develop this piece.
It’s a journey talking about a B-Girl and a DJ’s immersion into the various cycles of Black music, Diaspora music, and oral culture, discovering how this Diaspora music and oral culture have been utilized to resist silencing of a people, of women, of black women. This echo has been more than entertainment – it’s survival. No matter which era or genre we go into, it’s about exploring that phenomenon. It deals with her hunger and quest to be heard, and realize how she is connected with the ancient and the future. It’s her finding her modern Memphis Minnie to Carlota of Cuba to Griots of West Africa from hip hop to African music from Calypso to so many different voices that are connected through a multidimensional, multisensory experience. We’ve been workshopping and presenting it at Factory Theatre, U of Toronto School of Performing Arts and festivals in Toronto and Illinois. And there’s more to come as we take it on the road.
Right now: Recent Projects - South North Griots Summit of Spoken Word
We just wrapped the South North Griots Summit in Toronto. It’s a festival, a summit, a gathering of spoken word artists from the Diaspora in the Pan-Americas, blending words with sounds to create power. We (Northern Griots Network) curated 4 days of performances, workshops, showcases, panels and artists representing cities across the US, Caribbean, Canada, Brazil, the UK, as well as those with roots in Africa, Ecuador, and the First Nations.
The idea was connecting to the role of the Griot – the traditional storyteller/musician of West Africa – and exploring the evolution of the Griot as it’s traveled across the Spoken World. We had poet laureates, slam champions, storytellers, Hip Hop lyricists, arts presenters, scholars, artivists, award- winning spoken word artists manifesting their words in theatre, film, visual art, music, publishing. It was a really a time to build stronger networks, explore the future of the art form, and talk about the historical and right now issues being addressed by Spoken Word artists. It was really great to witness all that took place during #griotsSUMMIT2015.
Thanks to a music partnership with the Creative Dept., L’Oqenz and I were invited to Tribeca Film Festival and created a playlist celebrating women filmmakers, and exploring the intersections of music and film. This year, Tribeca featured a record number of women filmmakers from the around the world and NY. The concept, from the DJ standpoint, was to curate and present the sound celebrating New York women’s presence and voices in this festival, interspersed with sound bites from the films. Then it is also creating writings about the journey throughout the festival. We’ve been posting content on ideas, concepts, reflections, experiences, profiles on the artists, the films and events, everything arising from being part of this creative and innovative space. Tribeca has been amazing. Much respects to Sol Guy for working with us on the vision!
One of the highlights was attending the Women Filmmakers Brunch of about 200 actors, writers, producers, editors, directors and people in all segments of the film industry. The big idea was about “coming together.” It was an empowering space to be in, and we are now building links with women from all corners of the world, the States, Canada, South Africa, UK, etc. All of us sharing our stories, building the network and finding connection.
The scene in Toronto.
Well, when it comes to film, we have the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as Hot Docs, Reel World, Regent Park Film Fest, Caribbean Tales and more. Then in Toronto, Vancouver and throughout Canada, there are major international productions and co-productions taking place at all times. I recently had the chance to work with amazing filmmaker residents at CFC (Canadian Film Centre) launching new works into the atmosphere.
Across the board, Toronto is home to a magnitude of amazing musical artists, producers, visionary dancers and choreographers, spoken word artists, theatre artists, indy festivals. I’d say right now, grassroots collectives and community arts programs are developing a lot of emerging Toronto talent. It’s a very diverse city with people representing different backgrounds, countries, nationalities - a collage of stories, sounds and voices, which can be complex. It’s a great place to develop. Toronto, Montreal, Nova Scotia – offer different experiences that need to be heard on an international scale. Definitely burgeoning.
What can you say about Oraltorio?
Oraltorio is a theatrical mixtape - on stage. It features myself as writer and performer, mixed and sound designed by L’Oqenz, and directed by Mumbi Tindyebwa of ift Theatre. Also, dramaturgy by Mel Hague at Obsidian Theatre. We’re working as a collective to develop this piece.
It’s a journey talking about a B-Girl and a DJ’s immersion into the various cycles of Black music, Diaspora music, and oral culture, discovering how this Diaspora music and oral culture have been utilized to resist silencing of a people, of women, of black women. This echo has been more than entertainment – it’s survival. No matter which era or genre we go into, it’s about exploring that phenomenon. It deals with her hunger and quest to be heard, and realize how she is connected with the ancient and the future. It’s her finding her modern Memphis Minnie to Carlota of Cuba to Griots of West Africa from hip hop to African music from Calypso to so many different voices that are connected through a multidimensional, multisensory experience. We’ve been workshopping and presenting it at Factory Theatre, U of Toronto School of Performing Arts and festivals in Toronto and Illinois. And there’s more to come as we take it on the road.
Right now: Recent Projects - South North Griots Summit of Spoken Word
We just wrapped the South North Griots Summit in Toronto. It’s a festival, a summit, a gathering of spoken word artists from the Diaspora in the Pan-Americas, blending words with sounds to create power. We (Northern Griots Network) curated 4 days of performances, workshops, showcases, panels and artists representing cities across the US, Caribbean, Canada, Brazil, the UK, as well as those with roots in Africa, Ecuador, and the First Nations.
The idea was connecting to the role of the Griot – the traditional storyteller/musician of West Africa – and exploring the evolution of the Griot as it’s traveled across the Spoken World. We had poet laureates, slam champions, storytellers, Hip Hop lyricists, arts presenters, scholars, artivists, award- winning spoken word artists manifesting their words in theatre, film, visual art, music, publishing. It was a really a time to build stronger networks, explore the future of the art form, and talk about the historical and right now issues being addressed by Spoken Word artists. It was really great to witness all that took place during #griotsSUMMIT2015.
Who are some of the artists you adore?
I have great respect for writers like Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Edwidge Dandicat and Simone Swartz Bart, and then moving onto musicians like Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, D’angelo, Hip Hop pioneers, and lyricists like Nas or Lauryn Hill, Kendrick, Georgia Anne Muldrow. Movement makers like Ava Duvernay and d’bi young. And those artist keeping this alive, and taking it forward. Then people who are directly connected to me or my circle, like DJ L’Oqenz or filmmaker Charles Officer or director Mumbi Tindyebwa and novelist Jelani J-Wyze Nias. People like that have been a great inspiration and so much more.
Who are the people who have always been there for you with words of encouragement?
I have had encouragement and support anywhere from family to my friends, my circle, my people, my community, my city and beyond. They have been there to see my work, to support my work, to encourage me and sometimes to push me forward. It’s good to build up on a collective of people to rely on and collaborate with and challenge each other. All of this helps to have a stronger presence. Inner strength and collective strength help you face any type of barriers: human, societal, emotional or whatever. I’ve had some great mentors too, especially those who appeared in some way during transitions and phases in my life.
What does MotionLive do to relax and take a break from her art and projects?
I love going to a good party with great DJs; watching live shows, dance performances, theater; still love to read, watch a good series; movies. I love movies – a visual world, kinetic, the art of creating a visual, multi-layered world to tell a story. This is why I am so interested in writing for film. So, basically all the things I do when I’m working! It’s always moving, but sometimes taking a minute to be still.
What’s an intro to your work for people who haven’t heard of your work until now?
There are several mediums to experience my work: audio, video, on the page, on the stage. My work is rooted in a culture, in experiences of a people, but there are spaces and communal connections for all. Connect to my Soundcloud, Women’s Press for the poetry collections, check out AneemahsSpot.com for info on the production, or link to ift Theatre for scenes from Nightmare Dream and Motherland. And CFC creates for a taste from the film Soundgirl. MotionLive.com is where you can get the links to all the Word, Sound and Drama.
Five Key Points for emerging artists:
1. Take time to be by yourself.
2. Discover your passions and what makes you happy. But also what makes you angry, and what you want your art to change.
3. Work at it. Study. Don’t be afraid to learn, discover & try new things.
4. Keep on the cutting edge of what’s going on not only in your neighborhood, not only in your scene, but also in different frequencies.
Make cross-global connections and support each other.
5. Experience as much art as possible from the past, from your background, build a respect for it, then build upon it. Be a visionary.
Bonus: Build your team!
I have great respect for writers like Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Edwidge Dandicat and Simone Swartz Bart, and then moving onto musicians like Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, D’angelo, Hip Hop pioneers, and lyricists like Nas or Lauryn Hill, Kendrick, Georgia Anne Muldrow. Movement makers like Ava Duvernay and d’bi young. And those artist keeping this alive, and taking it forward. Then people who are directly connected to me or my circle, like DJ L’Oqenz or filmmaker Charles Officer or director Mumbi Tindyebwa and novelist Jelani J-Wyze Nias. People like that have been a great inspiration and so much more.
Who are the people who have always been there for you with words of encouragement?
I have had encouragement and support anywhere from family to my friends, my circle, my people, my community, my city and beyond. They have been there to see my work, to support my work, to encourage me and sometimes to push me forward. It’s good to build up on a collective of people to rely on and collaborate with and challenge each other. All of this helps to have a stronger presence. Inner strength and collective strength help you face any type of barriers: human, societal, emotional or whatever. I’ve had some great mentors too, especially those who appeared in some way during transitions and phases in my life.
What does MotionLive do to relax and take a break from her art and projects?
I love going to a good party with great DJs; watching live shows, dance performances, theater; still love to read, watch a good series; movies. I love movies – a visual world, kinetic, the art of creating a visual, multi-layered world to tell a story. This is why I am so interested in writing for film. So, basically all the things I do when I’m working! It’s always moving, but sometimes taking a minute to be still.
What’s an intro to your work for people who haven’t heard of your work until now?
There are several mediums to experience my work: audio, video, on the page, on the stage. My work is rooted in a culture, in experiences of a people, but there are spaces and communal connections for all. Connect to my Soundcloud, Women’s Press for the poetry collections, check out AneemahsSpot.com for info on the production, or link to ift Theatre for scenes from Nightmare Dream and Motherland. And CFC creates for a taste from the film Soundgirl. MotionLive.com is where you can get the links to all the Word, Sound and Drama.
Five Key Points for emerging artists:
1. Take time to be by yourself.
2. Discover your passions and what makes you happy. But also what makes you angry, and what you want your art to change.
3. Work at it. Study. Don’t be afraid to learn, discover & try new things.
4. Keep on the cutting edge of what’s going on not only in your neighborhood, not only in your scene, but also in different frequencies.
Make cross-global connections and support each other.
5. Experience as much art as possible from the past, from your background, build a respect for it, then build upon it. Be a visionary.
Bonus: Build your team!
