About the poets and musicians
Akila Richards is a poet, writer and spoken word artist who has created work for theatre, exhibitions, audio installations, film and digital platforms at cultural and artistic events. Her most recent work is her Rest Experience initiative, which emerged from a residency at the Brighton Dome. She is a guest editor of Covert Magazine and her work is featured in the Glimpse anthology by Peepal Tree Press. Commissions included Witness Stand at Brighton Festival 2022 and a location-based story for the We Hear You Now audio journey in the South Downs National Park. Akila’s poetry publication Ritual for a Mango was published in 2024. She is writing her first novel.
Sonia Quintero. I am a queer Colombian–British poet, have lived in Newham for several years. I am passionate to community knowledge production, co-production, and participatory methodology as well as grassroot movements promotion. I have become an active member of the community and have led several projects that combine my passion for poetry and LGBTQ+ rights. Seven years ago, I started Newham Poetry Group, a grassroot initiative that facilitates access to creative writing for people who speak English as their second or third language as well as engaging with marginalised communities through artistic activities such as open mics, spoken words or even publishing their own books.
I also co-founded Queer Newham and Borderless local initiatives that bring visibility to LGBTQ+ issues in my area and support LGBTQ+ refugees. We work closely with the LB Newham, community groups and neighbours to tackle discrimination, hate crime and other issues that impact us. Simultaneously, I founded Casa Sofia in Colombia, my home country. Casa Sofia is a collective of creative community artists that use artistic approach to connect people, challenge dispowenred narratives and support local initiatives.
Simo Lagnawi. Gnawa master Simo Lagnawi is an ambassador of Moroccan culture in London. With 8 albums under his belt including 4 solo records, 3 albums with fusion project Electric Jalaba and a further disc with his Gnawa Blues all-stars, Simo has released through Strut and Waulk Records, his first solo album ‘Gnawa London ‘ featuring in Songlines magazine as one of their ‘Top of the World’ albums. He has also been nominated as Best Newcomer and Best Artist in their annual awards.
Simo has performed on media outlets such as BBC World service, CNN World, BBC 3, BBC 6 and Vox Africa, and performed at a host of festivals including Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Latitude and Boom Town.
The Moroccan musician was raised in the Gnawa tradition and always remains true to his musical heritage. Each performance is a wholehearted expression of devotion from the UK’s leading Guembri player – a North-African bass instrument constructed from wood and cowhide, with gut strings. Whether through crossover groups such as Electric Jalaba and the Gnawa Blues All-Stars, or through hosting traditional ceremonial evenings – known as Lilas – the intention is always to bring the same healing energy through to the fore in each new creation and spread the Gnawa tradition through the UK in the process.
Roy McFarlane FRSL
Roy McFarlane is a Poet, Writer and former Youth & Community Worker born in Birmingham of Jamaican parentage, spending most of his years living in Wolverhampton and the Black Country and now living in Brighton. He is currently the National Canal Laureate.
He’s the former Birmingham Poet Laureate and co-editor of Celebrate Wha? Ten Black British Poets from the Midlands (Smokestack). His three collections are published by Nine Arches Press: Beginning With Your Last Breath and The Healing Next Time (shortlisted for the Ted Hughes Award and longlisted for the Jhalak Prize) and his third collection Living by Troubled Waters is out now.
He’s a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded a Doctor of Letters by the University of Wolverhampton.
African Night Fever. In 2003, Ebou Touray from the Gambia and David Sijale from Tanzania, launched a monthly music night at the Babylon Lounge in Hove, showcasing the music and culture of Africa and the African diaspora. African Night Fever became a hub for local talent as people flocked to the nights in order to dance, mingle and experience a mix of Live bands and DJ sets. From that, sprang friendships, sharing and genuine community spirit.
African Night Fever continues to evolve and partners with local venues and promotors throughout the UK to share a taste of African and Caribbean culture, belonging and community to a diverse range of audiences.
