Poetry from around the world! A fortnightly celebration of Poetry and The Commonwealth - where award winning podcaster Gyles Brandreth and his daughter Aphra visit each of the 56 countries of the Commonwealth, meeting poets, performers and people who love poetry and discovering new poems each episode.
In this fortnight’s episode join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they head to Tonga to chat with young poet Anna Jane Lagi. Anna’s poetry tackles everything from cultural identity to big issues like brain drain, domestic violence, and mental health. She shares her personal journey as a young Tongan woman and how she’s shaping her own culture through her art. Poems this episode include: Send my love; Go and Come Back: and I was young once too, all by Anna Jane Lagi.
1/19/25 • 41:43
We start off the new year with a special episode featuring two extraordinary voices from Jamaica: artist, songwriter, and cultural force Phleer Carter AKA Ryan Carter, alongside the award-winning poet, Lorna Goodison. In this powerful conversation, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth dive deep into Jamaica's rich artistic landscape, blending the rhythms of music with the power of poetry.Phleer Carter takes us on a musical journey through Jamaica’s vibrant scene, sharing his creative process and how his roots have shaped his art. From the pulse of reggae to the soulful echoes of island life, Phleer reveals the stories behind his songs and the deeper connection to his homeland.Meanwhile, Lorna Goodison, whose poetry has captivated audiences around the world, reflects on her own journey—from her childhood immersed in Jamaica’s eclectic influences to winning the Commonwealth Poetry Prize in 1986. Lorna shares her reflections on love, justice, and the indomitable spirit of the Jamaican people, reading from her powerful collection of poetry, including The Road of the Dread, After the Green Gown of My Mother Gone Down, and Guinea Woman.This episode is a celebration of Jamaica’s artistic soul, where music and poetry intertwine to tell the stories of love, loss, and the unbreakable spirit of a nation. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of Jamaica’s culture through the eyes of two of its most influential voices.Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation that resonates with the heart of the Caribbean.
1/5/25 • 54:23
Join us for a very special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast brought to you from Buckingham Palace to celebrate the winners of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 - the world's oldest international schools' writing competition. In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet the brilliant young winners and hear from some of the supporters of the Royal Commonwealth Society. Guests this episode include actors Tanya Reynolds and Toby Stephens, comedian Richard Ayoade and award winning journalist Clive Myree. Alongside the exec chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Linda Yueh CBE, and the brilliant young winners: Evangeline Khoo – Senior Winner, Erynn Liew – Junior Winner, Cristabelle Yeo – Senior Runner Up, and Victor Kiyaga – Junior Runner Up. Their winning essays can be read online at https://www.royalcwsociety.org/post/qcec2024winners
12/22/24 • 31:57
In this fortnight's episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth sit down with Betty S. Chapau, a writer from Manus Province in Papua New Guinea, to discuss her journey of blending storytelling with her cultural roots. With a background in engineering, Betty shares how her Pacific Island heritage and childhood surrounded by traditional stories inspired her to write. She talks about her first published essay, "Harim Mi," featured in the My Walk to Equality anthology in 2017, and her recent poem, “A Love Letter,” published in Pasefika Presence in 2023. Now a full-time mother, Betty runs her own writing website, Pihindras, where she continues to keep her culture alive through her words.
12/8/24 • 39:21
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth are exploring Fiji with Poet, writer, and musician Daren Kamali aka DKPoet. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, Daren was born and raised in Fiji and migrated to Aotearoa at the age of 17. He started his creative career busking street poetry on the city streets of Auckland and since then has produced two music albums and published several books of poetry.Poems this episode include: Vunimaqo and Mangoes Grew Us both from his collection Vunimaqo and me by Daren Kamali; and The giant unleashed, a spoken word poem also by Daren Kamali.
11/24/24 • 35:49
In this episode we listen back to Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s interview with HRH The Duke of Kent, former President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and Royal biographer Hugo Vickers. Sharing a bonus poem read by Gyles, this is a special episode re-released for Remembrance Sunday.
11/10/24 • 41:00
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet teenage poet and activist Victoria Kanu. Better known as Vicky the Poet, she is a household name in Sierra Leone and a national icon who has used her talent to transform and impact lives. She is now a major voice for women and girls within the country and beyond. Vicky started writing poetry from the age of 5, but it was a poem that she wrote following the mudslides in 2017 that destroyed hundreds of buildings in the capital, killing over a thousand people and leaving thousands homeless, which caught the attention of the world. Since then, with the support of her father and mentor Alim Kanu she has written and performed numerous poems highlighting the conditions for young people particularly young girls living in Sierra Leone.Poems this episode include: The mother by Elizabeth L A Kamara; and A heart Reaching, The Story of an African Child from the book Unfinished Business, The story of Kadiatu, Down Memory Lane in Sierra Leone, and Nightmares of the Internet, all by Victoria Kanu.
10/27/24 • 34:25
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth take a virtual trip to Samoa where the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will be held later this month. They’re joined by Audrey Brown-Pereira a Pasifika poet of Cook Islands Maori and Samoan descent, she now lives with her family in Samoa and works for an environmental organisation that serves the Pacific region. Audrey, known for her innovative approach to poetry and her playful use of text on the page, offers unique insights into how poetry can open doors to worlds previously unknown. Poems this episode include: 'They Taking Pictures of Us in the Water' and 'May she rest in Peace' both by Audrey Brown-Pereira from her book 'A-wake-(e)nd' (2023), and 'a fantastical affair: transistor radio transmission receive' from her book 'Passages in between I(s)lands' (2014).
10/13/24 • 38:01
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet with poet, writer, and actor Hariz Fadhilah. Hariz explores themes of love, nature, culture, youth empowerment, and mental health in his poetry, writing in both English and Malay—sometimes blending the two. From an insightful discussion of Syair Awang Semaun, an ancient Bruneian epic, to a poem offering commentary on the capital city, Bandar, this episode invites listeners to delve deeper into Bruneian culture and its rich poetic tradition. Poems this episode include For the Misfits, Pantun Sayang, and Ode to a Son by Hariz Fadhilah, and When in Bandar by May Cho.
9/28/24 • 39:50
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Nkateko Masinga, an award-winning South African writer and performance poet. Together they explore the influences from her early childhood and how she has interwoven her work and study of medicine with her poetry. She is intrigued by the stories of individuals who exist at the margins of society and considers herself a 'dangerous woman'. Discussing her current work which explores the complex and often tumultuous relationships that daughters have with their mothers. Poems this episode include: Seven Lessons on Phosphorescence; Heritage; and self-portrait in utopia, all by Nkateko Masinga.
9/15/24 • 49:34
In this fortnight's episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth embark on a literary journey to Grenada, the "Island of Spice," with acclaimed Grenadian writer Amy J.W. Jones. Join us as Amy shares her early love for poetry, inspired by her father's passion, and discusses the social issues that have shaped her work. Sharing poems from her collections, Beyond Fables: Poetry, and A-Z Odyssey. Poems this episode include: Black Woman by Amy J.W. Jones; After Today by Amy J.W. Jones; and Because the dawn breaks by Merle Collins.
9/1/24 • 39:35
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Mauritian-American writer Reena Usha Rungoo. Her short story, Dite, recently won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize for Africa. A writer, scholar, teacher, speaker, and mother. She is an assistant professor of literature at Harvard University. Exploring poetry and literature from Mauritius, from traditional Sega music to exploring the oral tradition of sirandane.Poems this episode include a reading of lyrics from Le Morne by Cassiya.
8/4/24 • 41:06
Journey to the smallest country in Southern Africa to find out more about the people and poetry of Eswatini (Formally known as Swaziland). In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet writer and poet Njabulo N, Njabulo Tumelo Nkambule, who shares his story and some of his early love poems. Poems this episode include: Dear Fatima; The Sky is Blue; and Time O’clock, all by Njabulo Nkambule.
7/21/24 • 33:38
Marking the birthday of HM Queen Camilla on 17 July, Gyles Brandreth and Aphra Brandreth MP introduce a special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast, reprising our first ever episode recorded with Queen Camilla and the actress Dame Joanna Lumley at Clarence House in London and talking about the Commonwealth, the Royal Commonwealth Society and the University of Chester at Chester Town Hall.
7/7/24 • 54:03
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Rebecca Tobo Olul-Hossen. A poet who grew up in Vanuatu, recalling her memories as a young girl living on the island of Tanna. A poet, storyteller, and editor, Rebecca co-edited Vanuatu’s first women’s anthology, Sista, Stanap Strong! She is committed to growing literature in Oceania. Poems this episode include: As you turn two weeks, old Koko dearest by Rebecca Tobo Olul-Hossen; Mama Graon – what have we done by Rebecca Tobo Olul-Hossen; and Chusum (The Choice) by Mildred Sope.
6/23/24 • 41:20
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra meet Vanessa Chisakula, a multifaceted artist who uses her work to challenge the status quo. Vanessa shares her story, growing up in a busy creative family her life changed when she became a mother. Inspired by spoken word poets, she started writing her own poetry. She is the 2023 Africa’s podcasts and voice (Rising talent in the poetry category) Award recipient.Poems this episode include: Her Place; Gun Sentence; and Africana, all by Vanessa Chisakula.
6/9/24 • 44:07
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to Togo, a West African country with a 32 mile coastline along the Gulf of Guinea. Togo is one of the newest members of the Commonwealth having joined in 2022. Speaking with award winning poet and playwright Dr Patron Henekou they discover more about Togo, it’s history, culture and poetry. Poems this episode include: When Sorrow-Song Descends on You by Henino Vinoko Akpalu; Dalva, Dalva from here by Patron Henekou; and The Last Photo with my Father by Anas Atakora.
5/26/24 • 45:00
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Tanzanian poet Neema Komba. Neema shares her poetry journey, from a terrible event that took place as a teenage girl in a hospital, to the point that she discovered poetry as a way to express herself, to becoming the co-founder of La Poetista, a platform for poets and other performing artists to showcase their art and create a positive impact in the community through the arts. Sharing poems in both Swahili and English, poems this episode include: To my potential husband; Unaogopa Sauti Yangu (Are you afraid of my voice); and an Untitled Poem, all by Neema Komba; and Are you leaving Al Kindi? by Mohamed Yunus Rafiq.
5/12/24 • 46:41
In this fortnight’s episode, join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they discover more about Kenya and its poetry. We hear from Njeri Wangari, a Kenyan poet and author, who is living in Nairobi, and has performed her poetry globally. She is one of the key contributors to a recently published poetry anthology called Across Borders – An anthology of new poems from the Commonwealth. Poems this episode include: The 10th Daughter; My Country Kenya; and My People, all by Njeri Wangari; and A Freedom Song by Marjorie Oludhe-Macgoye.
4/28/24 • 51:26
In this fortnight’s episode, join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they find out more about Botswana and its rich poetic traditions. Speaking to Barolong Seboni, a distinguished retired academic and poet. Barolong shares his fun and insightful translations of Botswanan proverbs, offering a window into the culture and poetry of the country. Poems this episode include: Molepolole; Woman’s World; and Gabarone Mall, all by Barolong Seboni.
4/14/24 • 33:02
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Baroness Dambisa Moyo who shares her story growing up in Zambia. Dambisa is an economist and author who has written books, including four New York Times Bestsellers. Dambisa was named in the list of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. Poems this episode include: Tiyenda Pamodzi popularized by Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda; and F.E.M.A.L.E. by Sampa the Great.
3/31/24 • 44:41
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Marion Bethel, an esteemed Bahamian poet and attorney. Bethel, renowned for her award-winning poetry collections like "Guanahani, My Love" and "Bougainvillea Ringplay," shares insights into her life, inspirations, and the vibrant cultural landscape of the Bahamas. As she delves into her poetic journey, listeners gain a deeper understanding of her contributions to gender and development in the Caribbean, highlighted by her documentary "Womanish Ways," and her role in international advocacy, serving on the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Poems this episode include: Tobacco Dove; Bougainvillaea Ringplay; and We Were Terrestrial Once, Maybe, all by Marion Bethel
3/17/24 • 50:50
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth speak to Tendai Shaba, a renowned Malawian poet and activist.Tendai shares how he has used poetry to campaign on issues including gender based violence, climate change and advocating for safe motherhood. Poems this episode include a poem in Chichewa language addressing a relationship that has ended; Oh God Bless our Land of Malawi by Michael-Fredrick Paul Sauka, adopted as the National anthem for Malawi; and I am a Strong Woman Still by Tendai Shaba from his collection A Lady in a Yellow Dress.
3/3/24 • 27:20
Inspired to be a poet since the age of six when they saw the spoken word poet Adrian Green at the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts, Cyndi wrote their first spoken word poem nine years later. Since then, Cyndi has been a three-time NIFCA award winning poet who has represented Barbados in poetry slams and festivals in Africa, Europe, and the United States. Sharing how poetry allowed them to see and understand different points of view and walks of life. Cyndi seeks to use the spoken word art form to entertain, educate, and empower their audiences. Poems this episode include: An extract from the poem To Those Who Complain About Brain Drain; and Before, both by Cyndi Celeste
2/18/24 • 48:46
In this podcast episode, join hosts Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they engage in a compelling conversation with Namibian poet Keamogetsi Joseph Molapong. Broadcasting from Windhoek, Namibia's capital, Keamogetsi, an activist-poet, sheds light on his passion for using poetry as a tool to amplify the voices of rural communities. Explore the challenges Namibia faced in its fight for independence and experience the emotive power of Keamogetsi's poetry. Poems his episode include: The Language I Am from the book the Scars on My Skin; Poverty; and My Love I was in the wrong, all by Keamogetsi Joseph Molapong
2/4/24 • 44:22
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth engage in a conversation with Philip Nanton, a writer and spoken word performer who was originally born in St Vincent and currently resides in Barbados. Philip shares his compelling story, breathes life into his poetry, and delves into his recent project — a biography on the overlooked Vincentian jazz musician and poet, Shake Keane. Join them in exploring more about St Vincent and the Grenadines in this enjoyable episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast. Poems this episode include: Punctuation Marks; Kitchen Combo; and All that Jazz, all by Philip Nanton.
1/21/24 • 27:25
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth celebrate young voices from across the Commonwealth featuring special guests, Ayesha Dharker, Joanna Lumley, Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar. We hear from the two young winners of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, 17 year old Siddhi Deshmukh - the Senior Winner from India, and 13 year old Shreeya Sahi - the Junior Winner also from India, with excerpts from their winning contributions on the theme of 'A Youth-Powered Commonwealth’. Poems this episode include: The Blessed Virgin compared to the Air we Breathe by Gerard Manley Hopkins; The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes; La Belle Dame sans Merci: A Ballad by John Keats; and Nod by Walter De La Mare. As well as excerpts from the winning Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition stories: ‘An Angel That Burns' by Senior Winner Siddhi Deshmukh; and 'Dear Little Prince' by Junior Winner Shreeya Sahi.
1/7/24 • 35:07
Gyles and Aphra Brandreth share some of their favourite seasonal poems in this special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast. Joined by staff and students from the University of Chester reading poems that remind them of Christmas, the Holidays and Home. This is the perfect episode to get you in the mood for the festive season wherever you are in the world. Poems this episode include: The Oxen by Thomas Hardy; Love came down at Christmas by Christina Rosetti; To Mrs K, On Her Sending Me an English Christmas Plum-Cake at Paris by Helen Maria Williams; Dear True Love by U. A. Fanthorpe; Holidays in Chennai by MathiRaj Manohara Raj; and December by Isaiah Agoro
12/24/23 • 38:29
In this special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Jaspreet Kaur, a spoken word artist, writer and teacher from East London. Jaspreet is committed to using writing and spoken word to tackle issues including mental health stigma, and in this episode she shares how poetry has helped her to overcome her own mental health struggles. Discussing poetry as a form of therapy and how it can change the world, this is a special episode not to be missed! Poems this episode include: Recovery; I Am; and Lost in translation, all by Jaspreet Kaur.
12/9/23 • 45:10
This week Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey takes them to Lesotho, a land locked, mountainous country in Africa. They speak to Rethabile Masilo, an award winning poet who is the author of four poetry collections: Things that are Silent (Pindrop Press, 2012), Waslap (The Onslaught Press, 2015), Letter to Country (Canopic, 2016) and Qoaling (The Onslaught Press, 2018). Ratahabile shares his story growing up in Lesotho before being exiled with his family at the age of 20. His poems draw on his life experiences and the traumas that he and his family faced. Poems this episode include: My Mother Says She Sees Him; and The Boy Who Would Die, both by Rethabile Masilo
11/26/23 • 23:40