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About our Author: Biography & Profile

Name: Elizabeth Haruna, FMA alias "SONGSTRESS-POET"
(Fellow of the Millennium Award.)

**Elizabeth's Myspace Music Page-"Songstress Poet" GIGS

Age: 24

Birthday: Nov 1st 1984

Likes: Yoghurt, drawing, singing, dancing, playing guitar, Capoeira (Brazilian martial arts), church.
Dislikes: Noise, disharmony, drab colours.

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Why poetry?
Ever since I was little I have been interested in writing.  However, it was not until I began to become successful in school and local competitions that I took my writing seriously.

My ambition is to help people through my passion for poetry.
By expressing my thoughts, feelings and opinions I hope that my poetry will entertain others as well as provide thought provoking material.

My "inspiration" comes from a variety of places and sources, including my emotions, politics and faith. I draw upon what I see and experience to record events, wisdom and funny accounts of what I witness in the world. Throughout the years, poetry has provided me with a release for negative emotions, such as anger. It has been my closest and, in some ways, my best friend. What I didn't want to say to anyone else, I could write down on the page.


Biography:

November 1st 1984 (All Saints Day and Authors Day), Elizabeth Haruna is born in Nigeria but moves to London with her parents as a baby.

Age: 7 She decides that she is going to be a bookseller when she grows up.

Age: 11 Already writing poems at home and at school as well as making hand made poetry and story books.

Age: 14 Elizabeth has recently moved to Luton and has begun entering local poetry competitions as well as performing her poetry. Soon attends a secondary school named after the patron saint of writers St. Francis De Sales.

Age: 18 Elizabeth self-publishes a book of poetry and prepares for university hoping to continue her poetic journey in Leicester.

Elizabeth Haruna, both poet and author was born on November 1st 1984 in Ilorin, Nigeria but moved to London with her parents at an early age.  While growing up she was encouraged to read and write, which instilled a love of poetry in her that she still retains today. Presently, entertaining people through her dynamic words, Elizabeth uses passion for poetry to lyrically impact people’s lives in a powerful way.  In 2003 Elizabeth produced her first self-published book of poems, “Therapy”- her second, "Mama Tella" was published in 2008.  To her resume she can add writer, singer, dancer, musician, editor, capoeirista, ambassador and public speaking. She hopes to pursue a career in poetry.

Poetry Style: Elizabeth's lyrical and poetical abilities can be described as versatile, dynamic and unique. Whether she's composing poems with street slang, melodic guitar tunes or, in more traditional forms such as the Shakespearean sonnet, Elizabeth's work boasts of great flair and originality, one which is set to lead her to great heights.

**Elizabeth's self-published book, "Mama Tella" can be purchased from the "book shop."

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Some of the author's favourite poets:-

* Claude McKay

*Paul Laurence Dunbar

*Maya Angelou

*Benjamin Zephaniah

*Nikki Geovanni

*Anne Sexton

 

BBC "Poetry n' Politics" Article.

Review of "Da Witness" @ "Mic Club" ("Top 5 Open Mic"-The Metro).

 

Published poems:

"An Open Road", published in college magazine "The Oriole" 2002.
*"A Deeper Awareness" is part Poetry Now's Winged Words anthology, 2003.
*"An Open Road", included in Portraits for Life an Anchor Books anthology, 2003.
*"As I Retire", published in Ascension to Euphoria a Triumph House compilation, 2003.
*"D-A-D" has been included in the anthology Dedicated to Dad by Anchor Books, 2003.
"Forbidden Fruit", is in United Press Passion for Poetry anthology.
"Lyrical Dealers", has been published as part of Bright Voices with United Press, 2003.
*"Nursery Rhyme- History Time" is part of Poetry Now's Year Book 2003.
*"Perpetual Peace, Perpetual Love", published with Triumph House in Echoes of Faith 2003.
*"The Wide Wide River" is part of the Forward Press 2003 Series compilation Breaking Voices.
"Waiting", has been published in Dazzled by the Moon by United Press, 2003.
*"That Day" is included in Forward Press' "Remembered In Verse" anthology, 2003.
"Forty Days and Nights" is to be published as part of the Poetry In Print, Verse and Style anthology, 2004.
*"Paparazzi Press" is part of the In The Name Of Fame, Poetry Now anthology, 2004.
"Final Destination" is part of the Poetry In Print, Our Moment In Time Anthology, 2004.

 

*Poetry Anthologies -containing the above poems: Poetry Anthologies -containing the above poems: 


Radio:
*Poems from "Therapy" , read on the "Rhyme and Reason", United Christian Broadcasting (UCB) radio show, 2004.
*Interview on 17th April 2004 at BBC Leicester Radio's "Into Africa" Show.
*Interview on Luton BBC Three Counties Radio Show "Roots", September 2004.


Newspapers:
"Awakening" - published in the January 12th 2004 issue of "The Voice".


~Poetry Magazines~:
"Breaking" and the author's biography are featured in the Jan' - Issue 7 of the"X Magazine", 2005.


TV:
* Saturday - 16th October 2004: BEN Television- "Black Variety Show" live interview and performance. Link: "The Black Variety Show ". 

Workshops:
(X) "Poetry Performance" workshop- Lennox Cartey, "Apples and Snakes"@HSU, London. Aug 2003.
(X) "Fontline Bookstore" poetry workshop, run by Urban Spirit, Leicester. Oct 2004.
(X) "Furnace", "Apples and Snakes" workshop - Roger Robinson.@ BAC, London. Sep-Dec 2004.
(X) "Cultural Exchange" workshop, run by Jackie Kay at Demontfort University (Leicester). Feb 22nd 2005.

Commissions:
(X) "Peace Day "Poetry Performance,"The World Culture of Peace Day",Hackney Town Hall,London. October 2000.
(X) "Lewsey Farm Learning Centre Trust"AGM, poetry and guitar performance. Luton. February 12 2005.
(X) Luton Movie Makers - soundtrack to "Childhood Days" short film. September 17 2005.
(X) Lewsey Farm Learning Centre Trust,"The Mike Hand Volunteering Award", poetry and guitar performance. Luton. October 29 2005.


Poets Live -Enjoyable Shows:
* John Hegley, 2003. Luton central Library.
* Benjamin Zephaniah, 2004. Leagrave Community Centre.
* Jackie Kay, 2005. Leicester- Demontfort University. 

Elizabeth's Performances:-

  • Peace Day performed on 7th October 2000 at World Culture of Peace Day event, London.

  • He's standing performed on 9th October 2001 in school National Poetry Day Assembly.

  • Nursery Rhyme- History Time performed in June 2002 in the Queen's Jubilee Poetry Competition school Assembly.

  • Paparazzi Press and An Open Road performed at Border's Book Store- Open Mic, Covent Gardens, London - August 2003.

  • This is for the Youth of Today performed at the Arise and Shine Talent contest in Beckton, August 30th 2003, August 28th 04.

  • Several poems, performed at "Noiz in Zion" Poetry Nights, Leicester 2004.

  • Live performance at "Verbalized Mindz" Open Mic, Stoke Newington, October 14th 2004.

  • Dance/Poetry performance @ the 1st ever "Hammer and Tongue" Poetry Slam Competition, 16th October 2004.

  • Performance @ the Mic Club, Brixton - 7.30pm October 27th, 2004.

  • Performance @ The Dogstar -389 Cold Harbour Lane,Brixton,7pm on 6th December 2004.


Competition Positions Held:-

Joint first in St. Francis' College Haiku Competition, 2003 with "Forbidden Fruit".

One of 100 winners chosen from 50,000 entries for Forward Press, National "Top 100" Poets Competition, 2004: Prize- £50.00.

2nd Place in Arise and Shine, Women Of Excellence Talent Competition, 2004.


Elizabeth's performances - continued:-

    "SONGSTRESS-POET" PERFORMANCES in LONDON, LUTON & LEICESTER!

  • Friday - Sep 17th 2004: Live performance @ Luton Talent Showcase, "Live Lounge". Venue: The Hat Factory, Luton.

  • Tuesday - Sep 21st 2004: Live performance @ The Dallow Community Centre- Anniversary celebrations, Luton.

  •  Friday - Oct 8th 2004: Farrago Slam: Live performance, RADA-Goodge Street, London.

  • Wednesday 3rd November 2004: Bamboo Cafe/Bar- "WORD" Apples and Snakes Event, Leicester -performance from 8-10pm.

  •  Sunday - 7th November 2004: Performance @ Farrago East London Slam Comp'- Homerton, from 6.30pm onwards

  • FURNACE: Elizabeth Haruna's debut show with 6 other young and upcoming poets. Join her on Friday 10th December 2004 @ pm, BAC Cafe, Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5TN- pay what you can. Box Office: 020 7223 2223. Nearest train station is Clapham Junction. Can be reached from Victoria tube St)

  • Reading this Thursday, 16th December 2004, show starts 7:30 @ The Farrago UK SLAM! Poetry Championships Finals - George Bernard Shaw Theatre, RADA, Mallet St, WC1.

    • "Songstress-Poet" Performance this Saturday 12th February 2005, 12.30pm Lewsey Farm Community Centre, AGM.- (Luton)

  • Performance this Saturday 12th February 2005 @ the Farrago "Love/valentine theme" Slam, Tristan Bates Theatre, 7a Tower Street- WC2, London, 7.30 pm. Tickets, £4/£6.

  • Performance on Tuesday 16th February 2005@ The Poetry Cafe, "X Magazine" Poetry Readings, 22 Betterton Street, Covent Gardens, 7pm. Event is free.

    • "SONGSTRESS-POET" PERFORMANCES in LUTON & LEICESTER!

  • Performance on Saturday 5th March 2005,@ "Women's International Week" Event, at the Hat Factory, Luton. Time: 2-5pm: workshops and activities; followed by poetry performances.

  • Performance on Tuesday, 15th March 2005, @ "Tsunami Poetry Night" Event. An enjoyable evening of poetry and a book-launch of local Leicester author, at Queen's Hall, Leicester University. Time: 8.30pm onwards, £2.00 entry fee towards tsunami victims.

  • Performance on Saturday, 19th March 2005,@ "Football Club" Afternoon Party, Event @ Drill Hall, Luton.

    • "SONGSTRESS-POET" PERFORMANCES in LONDON!

  • Performance on Sunday, 20th March 2005, @ "Aromapoetry" Open Mic, afternoon. Venue: Charterhouse Bar, 38 Charterhouse Sreet, London. Time: 3pm.

  • Performance on Tuesday, 22th March 2005, @ "The Mic Club" Night. Venue: The Telegraph, Brixton Hill, Brixton- London. Time: 9pm.

  • Performance on Thursday, 24th March 2005, @ "100 slam" Competiton. Venue: Manjaro Bar & Kitchen, 148 Holloway Road, Islington, London. Time: 8pm.

  • Performance on Sunday, 27th March 2005, @ "The Farrago - Easter Slam" Venue: The White Bear Theatre, 138 Kennington Park Road, Kennington, London. Time: 9pm.

  • Performance on Thursday, 31st March 2005, @ "Phenzwaan's"album signing for his new album, "Like a Phoenix" . Venue: The Poetry Place-Cafe, Covent Gardens, 22 Betterton St, London. Time: 8pm.

  • Performance on Friday, 1st April 2005, @ "Farrago " SLAM night. Venue: RADA Foyer Bar, Malet Street, Goodge Street Tube St, London. Time: 7.30pm.

    • "SONGSTRESS-POET" PERFORMANCES in LEICESTER!

  • Performance on Wednesday, 6th Apri 2005, @ The Leicester, Apples and Snakes "WORD " event. Venue: Bambu Bar, 21 Welford Road, Leicester. Time: 8pm.

  • Performance on Monday, 30th May 2005, @ The YMCA Theatre, "Noiz in Zion" poetry night event. Venue: YMCA Theatre- opposite the train station, Leicester. Time: 8pm.

  • Performance on Wednesday, 4th January 2006, @ Bambu Bar, "WORD" poetry open mic night. Venue: 21 Welford Road. Time: 8pm.

  • Performance on Wednesday, 8th March 2006, @ The University of Leicester, "Rainbows of Hope" South African Children's Charity, Concert. Venue: Queens Hall- Student Union Building. Time: 7.30pm.

    • "SONGSTRESS-POET" PERFORMANCES in SHEFFIELD!

  • Performance on Thursday, 5th October 2006, @ Moco Cafe "Mocophone " Open Mic night. Venue: on West Street. Time: 8.30pm.

  • Performance on Thursday, 12th October 2006, @ Moco Cafe, "Mocophone" Open Mic night. Venue: on West Street. Time: 8.30pm.

  • Performance on Sunday, 15th October 2006, @ The Riverside Cafe-bar, "Opus" Open Mic night. Venue: on Mowbray Street. Time: 8.30pm.

  • Performance on Thursday, 2nd November 2006, @ Moco Cafe, "Mocophone" Open Mic night. Venue: on West Street. Time: 8.30pm.

  • Performance on Thursday, 9th November 2006, @ Moco Cafe, "Mocophone" Open Mic night. Venue: on West Street. Time: 8.30pm.

  • Performance on Sunday, 19th November 2006, @ The Riverside cafe-bar, "Opus" Open Mic night. Venue: on Mowbray Street. Time: 8.30pm.

  • PERFORMANCE ON SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER @ REVOLUTION CHURCH GROUP "EMMANUEL" CONCERT. VENUE: ST. JOHN'S CHURCH- SHEFFIELD. TRAM: TO MEADOW HALL- GET OFF AT HYDE PARK STOP. START: 6PM. ADMISSION: FREE.

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