Local StoriesAugust 5, 2026

Conversations with Papi Grande

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Papi Grande.

Hi Papi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got introduced to poetry in 7th grade with my English teacher providing the space for myself to read a love poem in front of the class. A feeling that vibrated through high school, rang in college with small open mics sporadically, and post-grad upon coming home to the Bay the feeling hopped on stage and led me to it.
I found my current voice at the Berkeley Slam in 2022 and I’ve been working hard ever since!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a bumpy road but one that I had the knowledge of before beginning.
I knew competition wouldn’t be the easiest, in my first few years I faced constant disappointment, pressures and myself and through it all I learned. I learned how to proceed, how to carry the lessons with me, and how to improve. I got over the results being the goal, i got over feeling that I wasn’t enough and I got over “bad” writing

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a poet! A spoken word artist, a griot, a change maker someone who looks into the world, finds himself, and brings out the world in himself. I am known for my uplifting, emotional performance and stage presence.
I am most proud of my first book: Theme of Identity and the fact that I am who I believe I am.
What sets me apart is my humor, happiness, sadness, and pain. How i deliver it onstage and the stories that you feel in your heart.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I really enjoy giving ideas, helping to shape performance, giving artistic feedback. I can be supported through opportunities to perform, residencies and journals to apply to, and purchasing my book and promoting your favorite parts!

Pricing:

$30 signed copy
$40 or higher for a personal poem
Performance opportunity price negotiable
I lead workshops

Contact Info:

Website: https://Www.pap1grand3.com
Instagram: @pap1grand3
Youtube: Iampapigrande

Young man with braided hair wearing a yellow sleeveless vest, looking at the camera against a plain background.

Person holding two illustrated cards outdoors with city buildings in background, arms extended downward, head not visible.

Man in orange traditional clothing and hat standing outdoors with city buildings in background.

Person wearing a green headscarf and a graphic mask, raising one arm on stage with a large screen behind.

Portrait of a man with styled hair and beard, wearing a brown hoodie, looking over his shoulder.

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