Poetry Cafe

Went to the Poetry Caf in Betterton Street Covent Garden this week to the African Writers Evening run by Nii Ayikwei Parkes

The Poetry Caf is a special place. Before my first time there, I didn't expect much. Thought it would be a kind of dry and stuffy. It's only 10% dry and serious and 90% risk taking, gut wrenching, hilarious and entrancing. Ok and maybe 3% 'I want to cringe with embarrassment' (it's character building!).

On the ground floor is a small cafe and bar where people chat before the events start. Downstairs in the basement there are a few rows of seats and some sofas and a mike and this is where it all happens. You're right up close to some of the greatest voices in London (and the world). Imagine if John Lennon was doing a private gig and you were invited. That's what it's like.

African Writers Evening is a platform for established and emerging poets from Africa or with family or strong connections in Africa. I learnt what the word 'diaspora' meant. I like going to things where I leave a little less ignorant than I arrived. It's good to meet Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean and Nigerian writers, hear them speak and find real meaning and a connection with a continent that to me is normally far away (I don't mean only in miles).

Another good night is the Cellar on Saturdays hosted by Niall O'Sullivan - a funny and charming presenter (charming when he's not pissed off with the audience for not clapping enough). Mixture of established and aspiring, nuts and sane.