Multicultural Poetry Event @ Stratford Library
'Multicultural Poetry', a community arts initiative, initiated by Mr Farid Ahmed Reza, and sponsored by the Sheba Trust Newham, unveiled itself to the Newham community at the Stratford Library on Saturday, 24th October 2009, bringing together poets, musicians and singers from different walks of life. The line-up performed in a diverse range of languages including Urdu, Bengali, Hindi and Persian drawing from the rich world heritege of traditional and folk poetry and music, together with contemporary styles. The afternoon was hosted by Rabi Niam and Tabassum Ferdous.The afternoon began with a message from Mr Farid Ahmed Reza, emphasising the spirit of poetry, citing the great modern poet T S Eliot ‘it is a test that genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood’. Similarly, we can all understand the human emotions and expressions inherent in a performance regardless of it's language. This is the power that performance and poetry have, and ultimately reflects the humanity that we all share. The art of Bengali poetry, in particular, is passionate and emotive in it's respective style. It was explained how poets have a positive role to play in our society:
'They can see what is beyond the reach of general people and they react, unlike general people, in a positive way. Poets are in general irrespective of race and colour against injustice, racism and fanaticism.' Poets today still uphold such ideals, Dr Benjamin Zephaniah, being a prime example of the above. Unfortunately, Dr Benjamin Zephaniah was unable to attend the event, but left a similarly inspiring message for all present in his absence. (You can read, in full, what Dr Benjamin Zephaniah had to say at the end of this report).
An opening performance was given by Mujibul Hoque Moni, who performed a lively Bengali song setting the tone for the afternoon, meeting with delighted applause from the audience. Shortly thereafter, the first group of English poetry performers - the younger budding poets and the future of tomorrow- emerged one after another reciting their own poems which included quirky and humorous family anecdotes, notably, Sayedul Maksud Sifat’s poem written for his grandfather, it's content eliciting chuckles from the audience. The children showed precarious wisdom, tackling serious concerns, such as the problems of the world today, in an optimistic and positive way. These young children were: Rida Hisan, Wardah Niswan, Tahsina Maksud Mouri, Sher Shah Choudhury Opurbo, Ruzhan Ahmed Ribhu, Syeda Samiha Rahman and Sayedul Maksud Sifat. Sadek Alom followed after with a poem in Bengali.
Aniqa Bushra, a talented young musician and singer, performed a traditional Bengali mystic song on the accordion and sang. In her second performance, she was accompanied by singer Shadman Islam and received warm applause for what was a wonderful performance. Next up were the group of seven Bengali poets: Ayesha Chowdhury, Mohammed Shorifuzzaman, Mazed Bishwas, Shahadot Karim, Rezwan Maruf, Abu Maksud, Tabassum Ferdous and Syed Rumman. Highlights include the outstanding performance by Munira Parvin, who recited a love poem written by the celebrity Indian poet Joy Goshami, and Aby Sayed Ansari, who recited a famous poem by national poet of Banagladesh, Nazrul Islam. Two Urdu poems were delivered by Amjad Kawaja and Abdul Jabbar. Dr Abu Musa Arif Billah recited Hindi and Classical style Persian poetry.
The final category of poets were the English poets. Nafe Anam, performed a poem dedicated to his father, it was both a moving and powerful piece, emphasising the importance of the family unit, the rites of growing up and the unique bond between father and son. Samuel Jimah performed urban style poetry, adding to the eclectic flavour of the evening, tackling social concerns. Speaking on behalf of the black community and from a young black man's perspective living in London today. Therefore, it could be seen, the thematic concerns of the afternoon were consist throughout. Rabi Niam, the host of the afternoon, had a poem to share of his own, too. Rabi wrote about the importance of peace and positivity where there is crime and discord.
The closing performance for the afternoon was provided by The Alchemy, from Freedom For China, who performed a soulful acoustic rock number, in keeping with the humanitarian theme, with China international human rights as it's subject matter. The song was specifically about the persecution of the practitioners of the tai chi-like practice of Falun Gong at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party at present in China. Falun Gong adherents only follow the principles of Truthfulness Compassion and Tolerance.
Regretably, Ahmed Moyez, Abdul Quyum, Shah Shamim Ahmed, Shanaj Sultana, Syed Mobnu, Mohammed Maruf, Faisal Ayub, Syed Nasir Ahmed among others, were unable to read out their poems because of the time constraint.
The afternoon was concluded with conversations around the room between the poets, performers and organisers, who enjoyed the snacks and refreshments provided. The afternoon proved to be a positive and enriching cultural experience for all who attended, thanks to all of the poets and performers and organisers participating in the event.
