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Keeping the literary arts alive
published: Tuesday | February 3, 2004

By Alicia Roache, Staff Reporter

TEN OF Jamaica's poets came out to read, perform and display the importance of keeping the literary arts alive on Sunday at the Zac-A-Rama Cultural and Edutainment Centre in Kingston.

Melville Cooke, poet and writer, was the guest speaker at the event honouring the Gleaner Company as this year's recipient of the 'Poetic Pioneers Award'. The award was given to the newspaper by the Poetry Industry Network and the Dub Traffickers for its continued support of the work of poets in Jamaica.

Veteran musician and dub poet Lee 'Scratch' Perry was last year's recipient of the award.

Rass Rod, CEO of Dub Traffickers, emphasised the importance and relevance of the work done by The Gleaner in facilitating the work of poets in its publications.

Cooke congratulated the company on its award but emphasised that the honour was not simply an indication of work well done but an opportunity to do more. His most resounding message, however, was to the poets present. He implored them to continue to do what they should have done long ago by encouraging and maintaining a public interest in poetry. Cooke gave as examples the poetry nights at Weekendz and Redbones and the appearance of Jamaican poet Mutabaruka on Def Poetry Jam. "The movement has to become an industry," he said.

Cooke's message, apparently well-heeded, was followed by a thrilling performance by a man on his pianica, Melodious Coach. Coach's performance was enjoyable. His musical tribute to the late Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown, had the small crowd rocking and the applause he received after his presentation was well-deserved.

He was followed by poets I King I and 'word contortionist' Rass Rod, who showed a literal example of his skill by performing his poems in an animated state of constant, contorted movement.

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