Poets, writers and storytellers take centre-stage, accompanied by the quick-witted musicians of the Tongue Fu band.
One of the UK’s leading spoken word and music shows for over a decade, Tongue Fu is led by poet, musician and founder, Chris Redmond (BBC Radio 1, 2 and 4, Sky Arts) and features musicians whose credits include playing for Jamie Cullum, The Last Poets, and Massive Attack. Tongue Fu is part gig, part experiment; a high energy, big hearted show with a wide appeal. This performance of Tongue Fu features Zia Ahmed and Malaika Kegode, supported by young performers from New Milton Youth Trust.
In 2020 Tongue Fu released their first studio album, a poetic and political snapshot of the last three years in collaboration with leading spoken word artists including Vanessa Kisuule, Dizraeli, Amyra León, Anthony Anaxagorou and more. It’s been featured on BBC 6Music, BBC R1, 1Xtra, BBC R4’s Loose Ends, BBC Introducing and WorldWideFM.
Zia Ahmed is a poet and writer hailing from North-West London. He is part of the London Laureates, having been shortlisted for London’s Young Poet Laureate 2015/16, a former Roundhouse Slam Champion and a Writer in Residence at Paines Plough as part of Channel 4’s Playwright Scheme 2017. In 2018 he was chosen to be a part of the Bush Theatre's Emerging Writers Group. In 2019, Zia’s stage debut I WANNA BE YOURS premiered at the Bush Theatre. Zia's latest project, PEACEOPHOBIA, was performed at venues in Manchester and Bradford in 2021. Zia has also written for MY WHITE BEST FRIEND, was part of the writers room for the first series of WE ARE LADY PARTS, and is currently under commission with the Royal Court and the Bush Theatre.
Malaika Kegode is an award-winning writer, performer, creative producer, and Associate Director at Theatre Royal Plymouth. She creates work for stage, radio, music, and film. Her work is focused on uplifting and celebrating the overlooked and misunderstood. She is a vocal advocate for creativity as a tool for healing and connection.
New Milton Youth Trust provides support and activities for 0-25 year olds in New Milton. The Trust believes young people and their families are the experts when it comes to identifying their needs and empowers young people to make a positive change in their community. They're creating a building that will be owned and run by the community of New Milton and are committed to ensuring that young people's voices are heard every step of the way.
This performance of Tongue Fu is part of Play on Words, a New Forest community led literature festival for writers, readers and everyone who loves words. Check out the Play on Words website, www.playonwords.co.uk, for the latest updates and what’s on.
...one of the most solidly entertaining, energetic and talented performances
Exeunt Magazine
...impossible not to get caught up in the magic...the most remarkable spoken word event going
Informed Edinburgh
A strange kind of alchemy
Scotsman
Event: Friday 1 November
Tickets: £12, £10 concession
