Through poetry and rap, a father and son from Carlton are hoping to bring communities together. Targeting young people especially, much of the literature talks about socio-economic issues.
Gun crime, knife crime, single parenting and Covid are some of the issues presented. After previous successful events, ‘Power in Poetry Night’ is an annual show that showcases poetry or rap talents.
This October, the event is celebrating its 9th anniversary. Mayor Lindsay, 46 and his son, Zaydn Lindsay, 15 have shared their poetry and the importance of using it to highlight real-life issues. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Mayor is now a residential carer who works with young people as well as writing and performing poetry.
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Mayor spoke about what he thinks is a big issue in the community. Through poetry, he has written about this.
He said: “Single parenting is a massive thing and from that can come knife crime and gun crime. Everything around us, we look at and write about.
“Wherever you go around the world, boys are mostly raised by mums, there needs to be more support for single parents. The poetry isn’t Shakespeare, we talk about current affairs.”
A part of one of Mayor’s poems called ‘Knife Crimes’ reads: ‘Gun shot, gun spot, body drop, got shot by the flock. Mothers balling, ambulance calling, tear drop falling. No motive, no cause, another life lost, no care, no fear, another life disappeared…’
Mayor came to the UK in the late 90s. He also has a degree in literature and language from the University of Wolverhampton.
He continued: “I work with people aged 7 to 18 and have been for 6 years. All the kids I work with can relate to the type of words I use and my writing style. My views on TikTok have gone into the thousands because the kids keep on sharing them.
“It’s not only the words, it’s where I’m coming from. I didn’t have shoes on my feet going to school in Jamaica so showing the young people where hard work can get you is important.”
15-year-old school boy Zaydn, one of Mayor’s 3 sons, shared one of his poems. He wrote about his experience of being bullied. A part of the poem said: ‘I was targeted by a bully, that’s something I didn't understand fully.
‘First, I thought he was my friend, my pens and pencils to him I lend. Suddenly, he changed, started acting strange, calling me names.
‘At dinner time, he shoved me out the line. During assembly, he alway teased me.
‘At night I lost sleep, didn't eat, at times, I weep but kept it discreet’…”
Zaydn spoke about why sharing his poetry is important. He said: “If people start writing, they’ll learn.
“My friends think what I’m doing is good. I think that the event will be significant and will show people how interesting poetry can be.”
Using poetry to reflect on different communities, Mayor knows the Radford area well and spoke about how it has improved over the years.
He said: “The authorities have done a lot to combat what it [Radford] used to be. Radford and Hyson Green have got better, crime still happens but before, it was bad.
“It’s important for me to bring communities together, especially after Covid so the event will be a night full of fun and entertainment.”
Power In Poetry was founded by Cleon Palmer, whose stage name is More Culture and is a Jamaican Dub Poet. On October 22, at the Marcus Garvey Centre, 6.30-9.30pm, will be a night of spoken words and performances.
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