THE 13th Poetry In Motion show transcended rhymes and prose last Sunday at the Manchester Golf Club in Mandeville.

According to founder and organiser Yasus Afari, the performances brought a sense of calm as many Jamaicans recovered from a tense general election three days earlier.

“One of the most satisfying things about Poetry in Motion 2016 was the delightful satisfaction which the full house exhibited from start to finish. This was most refreshing, especially as Poetry in Motion provided the healing after a fractious and divisive election campaign,” Yasus told the Jamaica Observer.

Collette Kerr set the tone for an enjoyable event with a brilliant performance, followed by the hilarious Jodian Harvey of Bethlehem Teachers’ College and homeboy Britton Wright.

Onesty, from Belgium, was also well received. This was followed by saxophonist Dean Fraser who mesmerised the audience. Barbara Gloudon completed the first segment with a thought-provoking, informative presentation.

The acts featured in the second segment were Montego Bay comedian Dwight Samuels, Church Teachers’ College senior lecturer Ann-Marie Wilmot, comedian Dufton Shepherd, Canadian poet Shauntay Grant, local dub poet Mutabaruka, and event conceptualiser Yasus Afari.

According to Yasus, the mix of poetry and music is a winning combination.

“The blend of poetry and music worked wonderfully, as shown by the overwhelming response to Dean Fraser. Music, dance, comedy, storytelling, fashion and poetry work perfectly for Poetry in Motion,” he said.

Two charities, Friends in Need and the Gilbert and Georgia Allen Educational Trust, were beneficiaries of this year’s show.

— Howard Campbell