Commonwealth Poetry Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How poetry changed my life, a special episode with Jaspreet Kaur Dec 09, 2023

Show notes

In this special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Jaspreet Kaur, a spoken word artist, writer and teacher from East London. Jaspreet is committed to using writing and spoken word to tackle issues including mental health stigma, and in this episode she shares how poetry has helped her to overcome her own mental health struggles. Discussing poetry as a form of therapy and how it can change the world, this is a special episode not to be missed!

Poems this episode include: Recovery; I Am; and Lost in translation, all by Jaspreet Kaur.

The “Kingdom of the Sky” with Rethabile Masilo Nov 26, 2023

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This week Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey takes them to Lesotho, a land locked, mountainous country in Africa. They speak to Rethabile Masilo, an award winning poet who is the author of four poetry collections: Things that are Silent (Pindrop Press, 2012), Waslap (The Onslaught Press, 2015), Letter to Country (Canopic, 2016) and Qoaling (The Onslaught Press, 2018). Ratahabile shares his story growing up in Lesotho before being exiled with his family at the age of 20. His poems draw on his life experiences and the traumas that he and his family faced. Poems this episode include: My Mother Says She Sees Him; and The Boy Who Would Die, both by Rethabile Masilo

In Conversation with Award Winning Indian Poet Sudeep Sen Nov 12, 2023

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In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet award winning Indian poet Sudeep Sen. Born and raised in New Delhi, Sudeep eloquently shares his formative influences growing up in a Bengali household steeped in poetry, literature, music, and dance. Describing poetry as ‘the oldest form of art’, Sudeep brings his art to life, reading a poem from his most recent collection which is both about the politics of language but mostly a homage to his first manual type writer. Exploring the importance of spoken poetry, as well as the impact of poetry on the written page. Sudeep discusses themes around Climate Change which he draws on in his most recent collection - Anthropocene: Climate Change, Contagion, Consolation – the first collection in his eco trilogy.

Poems this episode include: Language; and Disembodied both by Sudeep Sen.

Next stop Antigua & Barbuda with Joy Lawrence OH Oct 29, 2023

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In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Joy Lawrence an educator, author of several books delving into the rich folklore and history of Antigua and Barbuda, and a talented poet. Joy's interest in her country's history was kindled when she discovered that Bethesda, her hometown, was home to the first slave school in the British West Indies. Exploring that history and sharing wonderful poems that capture both the impact of devastating hurricanes on the island, as well as the use of language to paint an image. In a delightful twist, the episode also features the words of a Calypso song, celebrating the legendary Viv Richards, who is hailed as one of the greatest cricket players of all time and a national hero. Joy eloquently describes Calypso as poetry set to music.

Poems this episode include: Love Me; An Interview with Hurricane Luis; and Whirlwind, all by Joy Lawrence; and Viv is the Name, Cricket is the game, a Calypso song written by King Short Shirt (Sir MacLean Emanuel).

Exploring Ghana and its poetry with Apiorkor Oct 15, 2023

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In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey, a Ghanaian-American Poet, Author, Literary Critic, and Activist. Apiorkor shares her reflections on modern Ghana, speaking about her optimism her country, as well as her determination to speak out and explore important issues, particularly to elevate the global voices of women. Sharing two of her own poems, in her work, she weaves poetic and journalistic styles together. Poems this episode include: I’m Fine, But I’m Not Fine, and Educated Dreams both by Apiorkor; and The Last Dinner by Kofi Anyidoho.

Next stop, The Gambia - the smallest country in West Africa, bringing you some amazing poetry Oct 01, 2023

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In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to The Gambia where they meet poet, short story writer, biographer and critic Dr Tijan M. Sallah, described by critics as one of Africa’s most significant poets and writers. Tijan shares his story growing up in Sere Kunda, Gambia, and the influence his teachers had on his becoming a writer. Sharing a poem by Lenrie Peters, the founding father of modern Gambian literature, as well as three of his own wonderful poems.

Poems this episode include: We have Come Home by Lenrie Peters;

I Come from a Country, and The Wisdom of First and Last, both from the collection I Come From A Country by Tijan M Sallah; and "Dawn Visit" from the poetry collection, Kora Land, by Tijan M Sallah.

Exploring Wales and its poetry with Sioned Wiliam Sep 17, 2023

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In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth explore the riches of the Welsh langue and Welsh poetry with author and British comedy award winner Sioned Wiliam.
Sioned shares her story growing up in a Welsh speaking home, and her passion for the Welsh language and this beautiful country. Poems this episode include: My first love was a Plover by Twm Morys; The winning poem from this Year’s National Eisteddfod entitled ‘Llif’ (Flow) by Alan Llwyd; A poem by Elinor Wyn Reynolds; and Cofio and The Peacemakers (Y Tangnefeddwyr) both by Waldo Williams.

Bees and Poetry! Sep 03, 2023

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In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth meet Gladstone Ewart Franklin Solomon, a beekeeper living in Tobago, who shares his passion for bees and honey. Find about Bees for Development, a global charity which has helped some of the world’s poorest people become self-sufficient through beekeeping for over 30 years. With poems from poet Maria Bristol-Darlington, including a very special poem penned whilst recording this episode! You’ll be ‘buzzing’ by the end of this episode.

Discovering Singapore and its poetry with Eric Tinsay Valles Aug 20, 2023

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In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to Singapore where they meet award winning poet and director of Poetry Festival Singapore, Eric Tinsay Valles. Painting a vivid picture of Singapore today, Eric recounts his personal journey of relocating to the city-state and delves into the thriving world of poetry that flourishes there. Poems this episode include: Covid-19 War of the Worlds by Eric Tinsay Valles; Restoring a Mural in Changi Chapel by Eric Tinsay Valles, From After the Fall (dirges among ruins) [Ethos 2014]; and Uncle Never Knew by Edwin Thumboo.

Next stop Bangladesh with Mozammel Hossain KC Aug 06, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth explore the wonders of Bangladesh and its poetry with Mozammel Hossain KC. Mozammel shares his inspiring journey from a small village in Bangladesh to becoming the first Bengali-speaking Criminal lawyer in the UK to be appointed Queen’s Counsel. He showcases Bangladesh's rich literary heritage with heartfelt poems. A captivating exploration of culture and art awaits!

Poems this episode include: Hey, Great Life by Sukantaa Bhattachaya; Banalata Sen by Jibanananda Das, Translated by Joe Winter; Bidrohi (The Rebel) by Kazi Nazrul Islam, translated by Sajed Kamal; and I won’t let you go by Rabindranath Tagore, translated by Ketaki Kushari Dyson

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