Poetry In Motion expected to be big

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

With tremendous growth in its nine years, founder Yasus Afari said he is gearing up for a great Jamaica 50 celebration at this year's staging of Poetry In Motion today.

Started as an outdoor event in February 2004, Yasus Afari said the event has improved.

"It has grown in many ways. It has grown in numbers, appeal and professionalism. We already know that people buy tickets from all 14 parishes. We have been able to attract people from all parts of Jamaica," he told The Sunday Gleaner.

In addition, he said there has been an increase in the number of people wanting to be part of the event, both as patrons and performers. Over the years, he said there have even been patrons from places like the United Kingdom, Anguilla, Nevis, France, Canada, and three West African countries.

"It is a very big, small event. It has been a staple of the calendar in central Jamaica. We have even been able to attract quality sponsors. When we just started out, it was very hard to get minimal sponsorship. I am also grateful for the media support," Yasus Afari said, while mentioning sponsors like Jamaica International Insurance Company, VW Investment Cambio, Fontana Pharmacy, Visual Vibe, J2K/Learning Links International, Little Ochie Seafood Restaurant, Mona Graphic Printers and Mi Hungry.

There will be something a little different this year, as the theme will be 'The Feast of the Performing Arts'. Yasus Afari explained that the theme was chosen because Poetry In Motion is an official Jamaica 50 event. As a result, he said there will be music, dance, comedy, storytelling, fashion and poetry.

great line-up

Tonight, at Manchester Golf Club in Mandeville, there will be a stellar line-up that will reflect the theme. There will be performances by Toots and The Maytals, Mutabaruka, Michael Abrahams, Marjorie Whylie, Joan Andrea Hutchinson, Professor Rupert Lewis, Amina Blackwood-Meeks, Charmaine Gooden Monteith, Fuzion, Kevin O'Brien Chang, Ann-Marie Wilmot, Reggie's African Link, Tanhoi, Capoeira Jamaica and Yasus Afari.

"Feast of the Performing Arts is a special tribute to Jamaica ... acknowledging and 'bigging up' Jamaica for our 50th anniversary. Mi feel good 'bout it. Jamaica is our nation and our family. Fi see this now being designated a Jamaica 50 event is almost like a crowning glory," he told The Sunday Gleaner.

Yasus Afari explained that he started the event nine years ago as a means of good family entertainment and a way of unifying the Jamaican family.

Excited about the event, he said he is looking forward to a 'family reunion' atmosphere. He said he is especially anticipating the performance from Toots and The Maytals in an intimate setting.

"It will be his first time here. It couldn't be a better year, being Jamaica 50. Toots has something special on the 50th anniversary, as a man weh put reggae on the map," he said.

For the ninth staging, Yasus Afari said he has high expectations.

"If last year is anything to go by, we are looking to meet the challenge of accommodating the increase in attendance that all indicators show that we will be having. We are really looking forward to having a crowd swell. We are looking to have a full house and then some. This year, we want to repeat and enhance the 'wow' effect," he said.