The 36 Chambers—Writing a “Mix-Tape” Poem with Kofi Antwi (via Zoom)

We will discuss the origins of a mixtape poem, and how it can lend a voice, creative aesthetic, and sound to one’s writing. We will read four examples of mixtape poems. Each poem will be read out loud twice by different participants of the workshop. Once participants from the workshop are finished reading each poem, we will discuss how the lyrics/lines in the particular poem creates a constructed narrative by the writer. We will use our lines/verses/quotes that is brought to the workshop to craft a first draft of a mixtape poem.

The workshop portion will start with the instructor reading a mixtape poem that he wrote at the workshop, followed by a brief discussion based on experimental syntax, and how it can re-create an image or memory. We will conclude with participants who are interested reading their second draft of their mixtape poem. Participants will learn how to write a mixtape poem. The workshop will offer a musical/lyrical approach to writer’s poetry/writing. The purpose of the event is to create homages to our favorite writers, artists, and poets, with the help of their writing.

The 36 Chambers workshop will focus on participants learning how to write a mixtape Poem, and the impact of utilization lyrics from songs, and or verses from poems. Participants are required to bring 15 lines from 15 different writers. Participants will discover how to create a poem based off of their selected writers/poets verses/lines. The verses and lyrics should be chosen from poems, and or lyrics from a song. As writers we tend to write the same poem or story and sometimes use the same words/diction; the workshop allows the writer to create something outside of their comfort zone.

Participants will gain an understanding of how to create a piece/poem with the help of their favorite writers. The intended outcome of The 36 Chambers workshop is to offer writers a different entry into their writing. Also, the workshop serves as a tool, to creativity incorporate one’s favorite lyrics, or verse in their writing. With this practice, writers are able to create what I describe as an artistic gumbo. The workshop is intended to empower writers to become crafty with syntax, and structure.

This class will be held on Zoom. Login instructions will arrive via email as soon as you register to whatever email address you use to register. Please check your spam or promotions folder and save the zoom link. Please email admin@writerscenter.org with any questions.

Registration is $124 for this intensive class. Please register at: www.writerscenter.org/calendar/mixtape/

Please note: The Altman Persons of Color Scholarships are free and given on a first come, first served basis. Please notify us right away if your plans change and you cannot attend the class. We will then reopen the slot so another student may register. Thank you in advance for this consideration. NB: Please do not register for more than one scholarship class per month. Thank you.

Kofi Antwi is an African American poet, English professor, and graduate of St. Joseph’s College MFA Creative Writing program. He was born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island by parents of Ghanaian descent. Kofi’s poetry has been published by Great Weather For Media, Agbowo, No, Dear, A Gathering Together, Luna, Rise Up, Gumbo Media, Kalahari Review, Breadcrumbs, AADUNA, NYSAI, Ninalem, and Rigorous. Kofi’s poetry chapbook Tidal Wave was published by Kattywompus Press.