Despite a sudden change in venue, the ninth Dis Poem Wordz and Agro Festival held on Sunday in Portland, was a successful fusion of poetry, agriculture and creativity.

Though turnout was lower than anticipated, organiser Ras Takura was pleased with the event.

The festival was initially scheduled for Neville Antonio Park, but was moved to the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Port Antonio, where it was first held in 2011.

“It was definitely bigger last year, but because of the change in venue, it had a significant impact on it. We had to move because of the movie project (James Bond) going on in Port Antonio. Parish Council ask mi to change it ’cause a dat; I wish didn’t have to, but I still give thanks that it’s at CASE and it was held an’ it gwaan good,” Takura told the Jamaica Observer.

Patrons seated on tree trunks, others on concrete stands inside the venue, enjoyed performances from Jamaican and overseas poets who delivered words of wisdom, slick rhymes and puns that grabbed their attention.

Performers included Ras Shaddi, who entertained the crowd with Black Against Black, Mada, and his remake of Patience, originally done by Nas and Damian Marley. Mel Cooke told stories of Jamaican history through his poems. The gathering was especially pleased with Kill Jesus Again.

Six-year-old Ngozi captured the audience with her powerful voice and strong delivery of dub poems that highlighted social issues facing Jamaican children. She earned cheers and applause from patrons when she dramatically delivered the line: “If yuh hurt pickney, electric chair, those who agree put yuh hands in the air.”

Oku Onuora, barefooted on stage, had the audience laughing at his stories. He performed items from his latest album, I Have Seen.

Mutabaruka, in true Rastafarian style, used his performance to educate and elucidate misconceptions about Rasta. When he thought he was finished, the audience called for an encore.

Pat Clarke was amusing with her Freedom and Island Vibes poems.

Performances also came from Antiguan Iyaba Ibo Mandingo; Shomari from Omaha, Nebraska; and Sabreen Jolley from Atlanta.

Jolley spoke with the Jamaica Observer and expressed the importance of Dis Poem Festival.

“The arts influence everything. I feel like it’s very important that people are able to come here and see what your people are able to produce and if you want your people to continue to produce great and amazing art, I think it’s very important for people to come in and support it,” she said. “People who come in and make baskets and food and sell clothes and all these different things, I feel like we are all we have and when I say we, I mean black people.”

For added flavour, Takura incorporated singers into the mix. Artistes such as Influential, Nature Ellis, I Wayne and Warrior King thrilled with their vocals.

Yung Muta, grandson of Mutabaruka, also hit the stage. Though his performance was marred by technical difficulties, he was happy to be a part of the show.

“It’s a good feeling being here tonight! This show is very important to the culture, especially now. So it’s a blessing to be here, a whoel heap a tings Rasta a talk long time an’ people just a catch on, so I’m just happy to be here,” he told the Observer.

Other notable performances came from Majah Bless, Lorna Goodison, Richie Innocent, Steppa, Akinsanya, Malachi Smith and Steppa.