Love Soul Poetry
an interview with Tantra, by Renee' Johnson

The world would be a better place twice over if there was two of this poet. Tantra's warmth, femininity, and strength are always displayed when she steps to the mic. Her words are dedicated to truth, love, joy and pain, and to hear her speak them is definitely a blessing to the ears. Tantra has a soulful delivery that is full of life experiences and when you read or listen to her work, you will come away feeling as if you've learned even more about this poet. And oh yes, let's not forget the sensuality. The sista can bring down any stage with her erotic vernacular and have you contemplating ways of putting her 'suggestions' to work behind your own closed doors. Yes, it is 'like that 'chall'. Whether she's headlining a poetry show alone or with her poetic counterparts appropriately named "Precious Gift", she is sure to deliver a memorable performance. With a new CD being released soon and overflowing requests for her performances, she stays busy. But I was lucky enough to catch up with the talented poetess and nab an interview.

How long have you been performing on stage?

I ventured onto the spoken word scene in 1998. The first time I performed at an open mic was at the Demu Cafe in Brooklyn, New York where Brotha Mike Young and Kayo were hosting a poetry series. I did a little research on poetry venues in the New York City area and heard that the Demu Cafe had something special going on, so I decided to make that my first stop. I was very shy and soft spoken, but in May of 1998, while on my way home from a wedding, I decided to check out the poetry reading at the Demu. Brotha Mike had the most incredible use of energy that I have ever witnessed in this genre. He had the ability to literally get inside your head, meet you where you live and speak to your heart. His poetry had an urgent quality and a pureness of spirit that remains unparalleled. He passed away suddenly from a heart attack on April 2, 1999 at the age of twenty-two. He was a beautiful man who understood the will of love and the creative use of energy through spoken words. I miss his physical presence. He was THE source of my inspiration in terms of performance poetry. I will never forget him. He confirmed for me what I experienced in spirit. I was home.

At what point in your life did you KNOW that you were meant to share your creativity through words?

When did I know? When my divorce became final in 1996, I began to ask myself some serious questions about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Poetry was a constant source of joy for me and I knew that I had to go deeper with it. I developed a greater understanding of my purpose by performing at open mics. I later broadened my horizons at the Brooklyn Moon Cafe, the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe and the Brooklyn Tea Party where I had the pleasure of meeting some of the most incredible artists on the planet. I grew up, poetically speaking in those spaces. The Brooklyn Tea Party provided the perfect forum for artistic exploration and development. It was a space of peace, love and collective respect. Although I have been writing since the age of fifteen, I did not know that I would one day perform my work publicly on stage. Since 1998, I have blessed performances spaces locally and abroad. This has been such an incredible journey.

Tell us a little about the new spoken word CD and about Precious Gift?

I am a member of the spoken word trio Precious Gift along with my sistahs in poetry, Fisiwe and Epiphany. We began performing in 1999 and have been doing our black woman, truth telling brand of poetry ever since! Although we have embarked on independent projects and diverse life experiences, every once in a while we get together and perform on stage. Our debut CD "Selling My Diamonds" is still one of my favorite spoken word projects. Our performances are magical. The collective creative energy of Precious Gift has produced some of the most incredibly thought provoking performances on the spoken word scene and with Fisiwe and Epiphany's vocal talents, our group an edge that makes us unique. These women can really sing!

Fisiwe and I have a new CD titled "Natural - Bring That Poem Home." Our full length CD is scheduled for summer 2005 release. We are extremely proud of "Natural." It embodies a comfort with ourselves as women, artists and spiritually mature human beings. Our work speaks of love, loss, womanhood and healing. "Natural" is available for purchase on-line at Amazon.com.

How long did it take you to complete the CD?

Fisiwe and I are very organized in our writing and performing. It took two studio sessions to complete "Natural." When it comes to the microphone, we are totally connected. Fisiwe and I share a friendship that exudes seamless energy on stage. We trust one another with our creativity and it is a blessing to work with someone as gifted as Fisiwe. I am always in awe of her God given talents. We finished the CD just in time for our performance in January for Russell Simmons presents "Def Poetry Plugged In - Poets Who Perform to Music." We sold out the Brooklyn Academy of Music. It was a fantastic night! The incomparable Sonia Sanchez accompanied by Vernon Reid headlined the event. It was fabulous.

Some writers set aside time to write, most poets do not. Do you have a certain time of day that you sit down and concentrate on different material, or is it a spur of the moment thing?

I used to rise at 5:00 AM every morning and write my first thoughts for ten minutes. I learned this exercise from a book called "The Artist's Way." Now that my life is fuller, I no longer have that luxury. However, I found those writing exercises to be insightful to the inner workings of my mind. You'd be surprised at what you wake up thinking about. I write from inspiration. Any time of the day or night is a good time for me to write. All I need is a little inspiration. Every day living gives me plenty to write about. I especially enjoy writing about love and relationships. Sometimes a word or thought will come to mind and at other times, entire poems and melodies flow from my heart. I love when that happens.

Do you think the art form should be taught as a regular part of the educational curriculum?

Without a doubt. I believe that children who write from their hearts will develop the confidence to express themselves in other areas of their lives. Poetry will also increase vocabulary and encourage them to read more. It would also provide a positive outlet for self -expression and dialogue with each other and the community. I hope to see this one day.

Has poetry had an influence on the way you live your life? If so, how?

It definitely has. I live my life poetically! This means that my art is a part of the way I dress, the way I wear my hair, the music that I listen to as well as the books that I read. There is no separation between art and life in my world. I make room in my life for poetry just like I take the time to exercise and eat properly. It's not an option, it's a necessity. Instead of getting eight hours of sleep each night, I spend some of that time writing and memorizing. I have days when I am performing twice a day and several times during the week. So needless to say, I spend a lot of time in art galleries, bookstores and poetry venues :).

You've toured all over the world with your poetry. From your experience, how is it received in other parts of the world?

I am particularly pleased with the way poetry/spoken word is received in Germany. I met some of the nicest folks there. Although there was a bit of a language barrier, hundreds of people came out to support. They were extremely respectful and showed their love by offering their undivided attention. I also found London to be a wonderful atmosphere for spoken word artists.

I found that the use of metaphors was complicated for people who didn't have a good grasp on the English language. However, it was amazing how people who didn't understand every word I said, felt me nonetheless in spirit. Some of them simply loved the way I made them feel. Germany is a must for the traveling poet.

What kind of mark would you like your words to leave on this world?

I would like to be remembered as a poet who thoroughly enjoyed being a black woman, mother and giver of love. I want people to remember that I was not afraid to be vulnerable. When people think of love, I want them to remember me. If I move people like that, then my purpose is complete.

If there has been ONE thing that has inspired your work the most, what would you say it is?

Life experience begs to be written about. Each day inspires me to document my thoughts and feelings. There are so many dynamics that go into my day. I am constantly receiving and processing new information. That is why it is very important for me to live my life from a place of love. It is downright urgent because as I am processing and growing, the conversation of life is always flowing.

What advice would you give to the aspiring poets/spoken word artists out there?

Don't be afraid to make yourself vulnerable. Write from your source and be glad for the blessing. Take responsibility for your feelings because they are valid and unique. The world is waiting to hear your particular point of view. Write from your heart and be truthful. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Work with music, visual artists...collaborate with other poets...explore the possibilities and don't forget to read.

I also want to mention someone who has been a great inspiration to me, the late Phillippa Emmannuelle Duncan. Emmannuelle passed away suddenly in March 2003 from natural causes. She was a gifted poet and, playwright. Along with Fisiwe and Epiphany, I was a cast member in her play, "An Evolution In Reinvention." EIR told the true life stories of six women and their first experience with fear. In the beginning, we were so overcome with emotion after each performance that we would break down and cry. What we didn't realize was how Emmanuelle was showing us how to heal ourselves. She taught us to embrace pain and reinvent it into something beautiful. Emmannuelle taught us to experience life to the fullest and to never be afraid to be ourselves. Before she died, Emmanuelle brought so many artists together. Thanks to her legacy, we are still connected.

I want to thank my children Justin and Chuma for their love and support. Mad love energy to my sister/manager Deb Williams, Marilyn Hawthorne and Chuma Whahid Rasul. Nothing but love to Stephanie Griffin who is not only a wonderful friend, but the talent behind my press photos and CD cover design. Fisiwe and Epiphany...you know that I love you with all my heart...let's bring that poem home!

For performance info/bookings, please contact Deb Williams @ www.diamondandcompany.com

Click here to view Tantra's Poetry