Exposing fresh talent is the objective of the Jamaica Poetry Festival (JPF) which takes place at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica’s amphitheatre today, August 9.

Under the theme ‘Generation Next’, founder and organiser of the event Yasus Afari told the Jamaica Observer that patrons will hear the work of aspirants such as Empress Kay, Kalilah Martin, Scantana, and Ras Jaja. He said their positive messages are a contrast to the violent content that dominates contemporary dancehall.

“This is particularly important in light of the rapidly declining quality of the lyrical content in our music and the attendant social and moral decay,” the veteran poet noted. “The theme signals our work, efforts, and intention to harmonise and integrate all the demographics and psychographics into the social fabric of Jamaica…”

This is the 16th staging of the JPF, which also salutes Jamaican and West Indian cultural pioneers.

While the youth take centre stage, several seasoned artistes will be on show, including singers Hugo Barrington and Admiral Tibet; sociologist Professor Clinton Hutton; film-maker Lennie Little-White; and The Salvation Army School for the Blind Choir, who are beneficiaries of the Visions of Hope Poetry For Charity Fund-raising Dinner, scheduled for 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at UTech Hotel. Additionally, there will be the 7:00 pm Feast of Poetree Showcase.

The day, however, starts with youth- and family-friendly creative arts workshops from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

JPF 2026 will also features El Jones (Canada), Wise Wurdz, Kiana Jackson, Calvin Mitchell, among others.

Tribute will be paid to Alexander Pushkin with a surprise lifetime awardee.

Yasus Afari developed his poetry skills while attending UTech (then known as the College of Arts, Science, and Technology) during the 1980s. A decade later, he was among the leaders of the roots revival that saw a return of conscious themes in dancehall music.

— Howard Campbell