Poetry raves against 'the big C'

• Next Seh Sup'm event to help with student's cancer treatment

This month's instalment of Seh Sup'm Poetry and Live Music on October 30will be a little different.

Ayala Bennett, a grade 13 student of Ardenne High School who has been diagnosed with cancer, will be the focus of the event, with proceeds going in aid of her treatment.

Ayala is a brilliant student and an ardent lover of poetry who herself shows much promise as a poet. She has always supported poetry events such as Seh Sup'm Poetry as much as her schedule as a student allows, and is known in the poetry circles as a "friend of poetry".

On receiving the news of her illness the decision was taken to have a benefit show of Seh Sup'm Poetry to help with her medical expenses, with her parents' consent.

Rare performances

The event, at the Village Blues Bar at the OrchidPlaza, 20 Barbican Road, will alsofeature rare performances from Professor Mervyn Morris, renowned poet and former university lecturer, and Dingo, a favourite of the poetry faithful. The 'Friends of Ayala', which includes Ayala's schoolmates at Ardenne, will also feature on the programme, performing her favourite pieces as well as her own poetry.

Jamel Hall, a recent University of the West Indies (UWI) graduate and former president of the UWI-based Creative Writers Circle, will also feature along with rising dub poet Iyunda, who has recently released his debut album in Europe. Stevie 'Lighting' Newland of the internationally acclaimed roots reggae group Rootz Underground is expected to do an acoustic set.

African and World Beat maestro DJ Iset will provide the musicallyeclectic sounds which have become the signature sounds of Seh Sup'm poetry.

The show begins at 7 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m. Admission for Izemi-Clem hosted event is $700.

Tickets are available at Bookophilia bookstore, located at 92 Hope Rd.