Today, we’d like to introduce you to Akeem Chandler-Prescod.
Hi Akeem, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
After transitioning from a career as a Hip-Hop Artist in the mid-2010s, I, a multi-disciplinary artist, delved into various art forms such as spoken word poetry, photography, videography, and theatre.
I realized that the sound I was crafting might not stand out in the competitive global market dominated by prevailing trends. In March 2016, I made a significant shift to spoken word, aiming to carve out a unique niche by blending elements of hip-hop and poetry. My creative focus revolved around delving into themes of identity, relationships, religion, and the intricate social fabric of financially marginalized communities.
My talent and dedication bore fruit within a short span when I clinched an esteemed accolade at the Barbados National Independence Festival For Creative Arts in Theatre. The prestigious Earl Warner Trophy for Excellence in Theatre served as a validation of my artistry and cemented my reputation as a serious spoken word artist. Leveraging the newfound recognition, I strategically positioned myself on national platforms, gradually building a loyal audience for my distinctive brand.
As my journey unfolded, I ventured into various competitions and emerged victorious, strategically aligning these milestones with the release of singles, music videos, and creative projects. Expanding my reach, I ventured into social media, curating and sharing an array of poetic forms such as sonnets and limericks in short, engaging formats tailored for platforms like TikTok and Instagram reels. This strategic move tapped into the virality of social media, amplifying my presence and attracting a broader audience.
My artistic pursuits culminated in a series of remarkable achievements and accolades. In 2022, I ascended to the pinnacle of spoken word poetry by clinching the title of poetry slam champion. The following year, my talent was further recognized as I was honored with the Gine On People’s Choice Poet Of The Year award. The most recent stamp of my success came in 2023 when I clinched the prestigious Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Spoken Award, alongside The Prime Minister’s Award for Best Original Entry, the NIFCA 50th Anniversary Prize, and Gold and Silver Medals for NIFCA 2023.
Today, I am one of the most prominent, viewed, streamed, and awarded poets in Barbados, having etched my name alongside internationally acclaimed artists like HUWA. My artistic journey has taken me beyond borders, leading me to Bloemfontein, South Africa, where I had the privilege of showcasing my craft on a global stage, solidifying my position as a respected voice in the world of poetry.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
In Barbados, the challenges facing artists, particularly poets, are multifaceted. Firstly, the small population size, totaling less than 300,000 people, poses a significant barrier to achieving a sustainable standard of living solely through artistic pursuits. The limited audience base restricts the earning potential of artists, making it difficult to attain financial stability.
Moreover, a prevalent lack of cultural engagement exists within the general populace. This dearth of interest in cultural activities results in a reluctance to embrace fringe art forms, including poetry. Consequently, poets often struggle to garner appreciation and support for their work.
Furthermore, the infrastructure supporting the arts in Barbados is inadequate. The availability of performance venues is limited, constraining opportunities for poets to showcase their talents. Additionally, there is a prevailing indifference towards the value of creative expression, exacerbating the challenges poets face in gaining recognition and respect for their craft.
In essence, while Barbados may have a thriving entertainment industry, the ecosystem does not adequately prioritize or support the development of art forms such as poetry. As a result, poets find themselves grappling with numerous obstacles, ranging from financial insecurity to a lack of societal appreciation for their work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m engaged in various creative pursuits, wearing different hats as a recording artist, performing artist, photographer, videographer, and writer. In my writing, I delve into poetry, spoken word, and Hip-Hop music, and I also dabble in crafting short monologues and plays.
As a performing artist, I explore the realm of Hip-Hop musical theatre, infusing my performances with elements such as characterization, props, storytelling, and movement. Locally, it falls into the vast realm of what we call “spoken word” even though quite often my work transcends that container
During the pandemic, I discovered a newfound passion for photography when I bought a Nikon D3300 to record my poems. This led to the establishment of Cupid Productions. In this media production company, I initially specialized in Fine Art/Surrealism photography before expanding into other areas like Food & Beverage, Real Estate, and Event Photography.
Additionally, I’m involved in videography, using storytelling techniques to capture and convey narratives visually. Beyond artistic creation, I also utilize my photography skills for research and documentation, particularly in preserving Barbados’ cultural heritage, including indigenous art forms, traditional crafts, and emerging cultural phenomena.
Overall, I thrive on versatility and creativity across these varied artistic domains, each offering unique opportunities for exploration and expression.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am an introvert.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.linkedin.com/in/akeem-chandler-prescod-b-a-hons-b62496206
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stonedwithcupid
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/akeem-chandler-prescod-b-a-hons-b62496206
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/StonedwithCupid
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stonedwithcupid2739/shorts
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@stonedwithcupid
Image Credits
Write Right PR Services and Cupid Productions
