In a special commission for Portsmouth BookFest 2026, the celebrated Nigerian performance poet Bash Amuneni hosts an intimate workshop and performance evening. Amuneni, who recently served as the Poet-in-Residence for Portsmouth Football Club, is renowned internationally for his ability to bridge the gap between traditional African oral poetry and contemporary spoken word. His work is characterized by a “tenderness of language” that tackles heavy subjects—from global health crises to the search for identity—with a profound sense of hope and humanity.

Titled The Pompey Poetry Party, this session is designed to unlock the “inner storyteller” in every participant. Amuneni will share insights from his dual career as an architect and a poet, discussing how he constructs a poem much like a building: laying a foundation of truth and building walls of rhythm and imagery. Participants will be guided through practical exercises on voice projection, stage presence, and the art of “holding the room,” skills that are essential for anyone looking to perform their work publicly.

The evening is not just for poets; it is a community gathering that celebrates the diverse voices of Portsmouth. Amuneni will perform selections from his acclaimed collection There Is a Lunatic in Every Town, demonstrating how personal vulnerability can be a source of strength on stage. By the end of the night, attendees will have had the chance to write and perhaps even perform a few lines of their own, in a safe, supportive environment that champions the power of the spoken word to connect us all.