I did a photoshoot with Sheba that was at least 3 seasons in the making. Alas we finally got it together. I had a good time. Here's a couple of images and some insights to how she feels about her craft.
How long have you been a spoken word artist (do you identify yourself as that)....I definitely identify as a Spoken Word artist. We are always in a fight with the literary world to authenticate our title so as the rebel I am, I created my own title: Spoken-Soul-Hip-Rock-Alternative-Word-Genius.
Do you see a difference between a poet and a spoken word artist (if so what)....Well, there is a difference and I didn't create it. Poetry by definition is to be read first then heard aloud, if ever and Spoken Word is just that; designed and created to be heard first then read, if ever. I am a poet BEFORE I am a Spoken Word artist. It's like learning dance. You have to know the foundation, ballet, before you can master any of the other genres. There is a clear difference in the writing between artists that have and have not studied poetry, any where, ever. I have been writing poetry (published and awarded) since I was 7 (about 23 years ago ;-0 ) and I just became a Spoken Word artist in 1998 when I was in Coll....errrr.. ;-)
What's been your favorite moment/achievement since being in your craftOh, man... there are so many small favorites. This may sound corny but my favorite moment(s) have been created due to my title-less-ness. Meaning: I have never been on Def Poetry, I didn't tour with the "sacred 9" on Broadway or around the world, I haven't been selected, yet, to tour with any major artist (although I was close here a couple years ago, I almost toured with Robin Thick-another story) so all my accomplishments I've conquered on my own. When I'm a show with a poet that gets introduced by this long list of "titles" it makes my chest puff up that much more when they call my name, also. I am here because of talent, drive, and risk.
What is your advice for up and comers....
The other day I had, what I thought, was a horrible show. I have come to learn that 1-effort is way better than none and 2-I was obviously beating myself up for no reason. No one around me knew what the hell I was so upset about. (this is very recent). At the end of the show a woman came up with $12 and said she wanted to purchase a button $2, and a CD $10 - I, because I thought I completely tanked, just *knew* she was talking about one of the other artists that had, also, performed. I kinda' flung my hand around in the air like "yeah, they're over there" trying to be kind about offering up someone else's product while I was crumbling inside.
She just stood there with a look on her face like "uh, no...yours". It seemed like forever until I looked up but she was still standing there with the $12 in her hand, so I reached for my latest album and a Rough Language button and handed it to her. She said "I came to your last show and joined your mailing list. When I got the announcement of your show, I wanted to come out...and I live in Woodstock, GA." This show we were standing in was in Rex, GA ... at least an hour and a half away. I hugged her and she disappeared.
Soon, after, in almost the exact same moment another stranger came up to me and said "You're a poet, why do you sing?" I said, " 'Cause I like to." He smirked and said "Yeah, but you're only ... (he paused) ...mediocre." I thought of the woman from Woodstock and said "If you think so but if I stop, I'll never get any better."
When's your next gig...and contact infoLiterally my next gig is today in Toronto at the Toronto Center for Performing Arts. I was the only American woman poet invited back after 10 years of poets traveling up for this amazing show. It is the 10-year-anniversary of "When Sisters Speak" brought to the world by poet, author and poetry promoter Dwayne Morgan.
www.reverbnation.com/thequeensheba Facebook: Bethsheba A. Rem
The show she's referencing has already passed but trust, Sheba gets out there so there's no way you can miss her performing anywhere in the country.
Love & Light,
B
(this is my favorite shot)
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