IT is not often that spoken word performers get the lion’s share of the spotlight in local entertainment, but last Sunday they held centrestage at Dis Poem Word Festival at Hope Bay in Portland.

Founder Ras Takura told the Jamaica Observer that an enthusiastic gathering showed up for the event’s third staging which was dedicated to influential dub poet Mutabaruka whose landmark Check It! album marks its 30th anniversary this year.

“The response to the show was overwhelming and great. It have patrons from all over the world gathering in the name of poetry and paying tribute to Muta,” said Ras Takura.

He noted that the audience has become more diverse.

“I see more people from outside Jamaica plus the gathering is bigger in number and greater in outlook.”

There were performances from Angola, Yashika, Oren (from Tortula), DYCR, Dr Carolyn Cooper and the guest of honour, Mutabaruka. There was also live music by the Uprising Roots Band and I-Wayne.

Ras Takura said Mutabaruka’s set was day’s high point.

“It was important to have Muta since the entire show is in honour of the works he has been doing over the years as a poet and radio man, and his general contribution to I an’ I generation of youths,” he said.