Almost reluctantly accepting the title of a 'Female Spoken Wordsmith' Michaela (: The Birth Of A Poet) is breaking iron barriers with every word of inspiration breathed. Drawing her inspiration from her faith with no compromises, she began ministry in May 2006, and has since then been setting the standard and smashing the 'black female' glass ceiling like she was born with a sledgehammer.
With twiddling thumbs and an unexpected nervous disposition, The Birth Of A Poet sums up her work as 'thought-provoking, dynamic, soulistic, spiritual, modern... alive but sometimes unconcious...in a few words; SUNNY, WITH A BIT OF CLOUD'.
Although hailing from the quiet east corner of central London, Michaela's words have been breaking chains, delivering tissues, lifting eyebrows and screwing faces all over London.
'The ones that are highlighted for me are probably the one at Agape's [New Testament Church Of God] Youth Day, Soul Food (University Of Hertfordshire), Emmanuel Christian Centre, Trafalgar Square, Hackney Empire, my first time at V.O.I.C.Express, I dunno, loads innit'.
What can we expect from your EP?
'It's a 7 track collection of some of the poems that I felt have really been of value to listeners since I started ministering, one or two have never been heard, the others are like 'classics' i guess. You can expect some laughs, frowns...and reality checks... it's a bonding of a few of the poems God has given me...'
Why did you decide to make it?
'I think it was something that was going to happen inevitably, the words I have been given are not just for my notebook...or for my church...or for 'the' church...God's purpose in giving them to me was to let them spread as far as they can! So, i guess (she ponders) this EP is my...letting loose of every letter and watching them run riot into your eardrums!'
What can we expect from the Launch?
'Well...it's being organised by myself, Frank of Nu Soul, and Next Level Ministries...so expect something funky and abnormal...poetry infused with a combination [of] drama dance lights, sofa's and carpets (quietly giggling)'
So you'll be acting, dancing, and reciting at once?
'No, no, no! I have a lot of helpers thank God, also VERBSWISH, NEW DIRECTION CREW, MARSHA GARRICK, and TAYLOR LANE will be featuring on the night in a big way...so there's definitely something for everyone you know?'
Michaela's launch will be on the 1 October 07; a monday night with a twist, and it's sure to be a smasher on the gospel front this autumn.
With a big smile, and a retro-punk/afro-centric flair that warmly whispers 'i-hate-fashion-but-like-topshop', Michaela : The Birth Of A Poet waves goodbye and promises to return in the near future.