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‘The Lioness of Poetry’: KAMADYAH YISREAL
– “Poetry can be a platform for positive change”
By Kiana Wilburg
Over 30 highly regarded poets across Guyana, who have either heard one of her CDs or witnessed her live performance, stated that she is an excellent poet.
With this in mind, come June 4, The Upscale Restaurant and Sports Bar, located at Regent and Hinck Streets, will be featuring American-born Kamadyah Yisrael, who is known to many as the “Lioness of Poetry.”
Kamadyah Yisrael
Yisrael came to Guyana when she was just nine years old. She attended Sacred Heart Primary and later progressed to The Bishops’ High School and University of Guyana (UG) where she majored in History. She later moved on to the University of Georgia where she acquired a Masters degree and now lectures at UG
The 27-year-old told this publication during a very candid interview that though she aspired to be a lawyer, that changed when her desire to have a family grew as well.
“I may consider practicing in the future but for now my focus is my family,” said Yisrael.
She said that she found her passion for writing poetry when she was about eleven or twelve years old, but she was never fond of sharing her work. However, it wasn’t until her first performance at church which transformed the shy young lady into a powerful, spoken word poet.
Today, with over 100 pieces, Yisrael is seriously considering the prospect of publishing an anthology (a collection of poetry).
The ‘Lioness of Poetry’ who has toured the USA performing as a spoken word artist, related that she currently has three recorded CDs and is in process of recording her fourth.
Faithful fans of the poet begged this publication to ask Yisrael to start a blog where her work can be followed. The humble poet simply blushed saying that a blog is in the making along with videos that will be available on You Tube.
However, to her fans and those who will be attending the Poetry night, Kamadyah will have her CDs on sale.
Yisrael related that her most popular topics in poetry are “love, relationships and God,” all of which are explored thoroughly.
When she was asked what influences her work, The University Lecturer laughed heartily and said “My husband, but I’m also inspired by the simplest things around me.”
Though the mother of two is working towards becoming a Def Jam Poet, she describes poetry as being very important to her. She explained that poetry is her outlet and she writes for the purpose of inspiring and evoking thoughts in others. “It’s a platform for change if used correctly,” she said.
When this newspaper asked Yisrael to comment on her style of poetry, she said, “I can’t be the soft spoken poet though I appreciate that style a lot.”
Nevertheless, through thorough investigations it was noted that Yisrael undoubtedly owns the stage and commands your attention. It is said that “she captivates her audience effortlessly.”
Moreover, the poetess shared with me that her favourite local poets are, “Randolph Critchlow, Juanita Critchlow, Rochelle Christie, Jaime “Suru” Mayers, Mark Luke Edwards, Yerrodin Akeel Bowen and Yaphet Jackman… although he hasn’t performed in ages.”
As for her favourite International poets, she named “Black Ice, Lauryn Hill, Poetic Prince and Afic.”
Yisrael finally stated that, “I never sit down and plan to write, poetry simply happens to me and with each piece I evolve.”
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