C U L T U R E : J O H N B E R N A R D
Generations have been impacted by the words of many great creatives . In this generation , speaking up about causes affecting our societies is of great importance . And we are speaking words that take up the digital space and continue to deliver the messages that our generation needs .
John Bernard is a Coventry-based spoken word artist and rapper . His spoken word poetry film looks at the perception of people of colour and how this affects young people from disadvantaged backgrounds . John is the founder of BACE ( Be A Change Everywhere ), an organisation that helps young people find a medium through poetry and spoken word .
John joined the line-up at the DigiPoems 2021 edition , where he collaborated with Botswana digital artist , Bantle Wale . The DigiPoem , titled " Obsedian Black ", explores how life-threatening situations can make us question our behaviour and actions and change the course of our lives .
We spoke to John who delivered insight into speaking words of change .
GMI : Welcome to Groove Magazine International , it ' s a pleasure to have you with us . Who would you introduce yourself to for the first time if you walked into a room ?
JB : I would introduce myself as an entertainer with influential views , trying to make the world a better place for the next generation . And also , your favourite poet ’ s favourite poet .
GMI : Coventry is a small city , and unlike some of the huge cities in England , Did you grow up there , and how did you experience poetry , rap , and urban culture as a child ?
JB : Yes , I grew up in Coventry and it ’ s a small city that holds a lot of character and tenacity . The music scene in the city has always been vibrant . Coventry has produced some insanely gifted rappers and , growing up , music , especially urban music and culture , played a huge role in how we viewed society . I was blessed to have access to a recording studio and mentors who taught me the ins and outs of recording , writing , and production at a young age . Music , on the other hand , was not as prominently visible as the music . I don ’ t remember attending any poetry shows in my teens , but I guess this was maybe due to access and coming from a working-class background . Some friends that I met later in life told me that they attended many poetry events at theatres in Coventry — but this was due to their parents ' being accustomed to theatres .
GMI : You are very passionate about your art . Take us back to your path to the stage . What was the process of finding your identity , your voice and what has this meant for your family and a generation of artists like you in your community ?
JB : Since a young age , I have been in love with music , poetry , and writing . Cliché as it may come across , but it ' s everything that I have ever wanted to do . My mum saw that I gravitated towards the creative side of things and she supported and pushed me . Unfortunately , I lost my mum at the age of 11 and , from there on , the creative medium became a form of therapy for me . The process of finding my identity was long and hard , filled with a substantial number of mistakes , but I am glad I was able to navigate through these trials to find faith . It was when I found my faith that everything changed for me ; everything became clear . There is a saying that if you want to know why something was created , you should ask its creator . I felt strongly that God had
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