This summer, I was blessed to meet a collection of young creative kids who were so inspiring. Ike Nwoye was one of them. This young poet embarked on hosting his own Open Mics and has successfully created a dope environment for himself and his friends to do what they love: perform. On October 9, Ike hosted another Open Mic at the Hyde Park Art Center called the Artsy Awkward Open Mic. Below are pics from the event. You can check out more pics and what Ike had to say in response to some of the questions I asked him by clicking "Read More!" Ike is hosting Naked Creativity on October 24th. Get your ticket here!
Park and teens, in Chicago in general, needed something else like this to keep us busy and keep us grinding as young black people, and especially as young black artists. ATS: Who’s you favorite poet/artist/creative mind? Ike: My favorite poets right now are Jamila Woods (who I was blessed to be mentored by over this summer) and this really dope poet Kevin Young. William S. Burroughs is my favorite author, if that counts. And right now, my favorite visual artist is my very good friend, Elena Ghislaine. ATS: Where do you get inspiration to do the things that you do? Ike: Most of my inspiration comes from being very bored, very angry and tired of the world I live in. But it also comes from the beauty of simple things. I love writing. Always have. And I love performing, but I was mostly inspired by so many people wanting to get their work out there. This open mic is an amazing medium. It makes me so happy to see young artists helping each other out and giving each other support. That's all I could ever ask. ATS: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Ike: In about five years I can see myself either a bum on the streets or a somewhat successful writer and slam poet, living life to the it's capacity. And that's all I really want. ATS: What else do you want the readers at ATS Magazine to know about you? Ike: I would like to let the readers know I am always open to helping any artists or person in general enhance their craft, if I can. If you need writing tips, performance advice, or references to somebody who can help you get your art out there, don't hesitate to come to the open mic and ask or just talk to me.
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ATS MagAgainst the Stream Magazine is an urban platform. We edify our readers by finding noble, pure, and true talent and giving it a stage to flourish. While we love bragging about the folks around us, we also tackle urban issues by giving real world solutions. Archives
September 2015
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