The third Poetry Echoes of Expression event, staged by poet Richie Innocent, is scheduled for September 26 at the Queens, New York headquarters of VP Records. Like previous stagings, he said exposure for spoken word artistes is its main objective.

“The opportunity to recite and recognise that the people need to be lifted up through poetry, stories, songs, books and plays is essential,” Richie Innocent told Observer Online. “Therefore, the space at VP Records is pivotal to the construct, influence and rippling impact that reaches those who find the show beneficial to personal growth and development.”

Richie Innocent is the main act for Poetry Echoes of Expression. He will be joined by Marcia Jackson — who performed on the previous shows; Blaq Ice, Yabez, Ras Igus, Killa Boo and Burnett Coburn.

According to Richie Innocent, they will provide, “A mixture of comedy, plus family-oriented musical selections for those in search of clean entertainment, fun and community togetherness”.

At the inaugural event in 2024, he launched Perseverance, his first book of poems.

While born in Kingston, and spent some of his childhood in Jones Town, Richie Innocent was raised mainly in St Elizabeth where he credits with developing his love for conscious music. His career started 30 years ago as Innocent.

On May 21, he won the Mutabaruka Award for Best Poet/Spoken Word Entertainer at the International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in Lauderhill, South Florida.

The video for Richie Innocent’s song, The Passover, is being released Sunday. It is directed by Marlon Wright, with whom he co-produced the single.

– Howard Campbell