Fusing poetry with music is not a new concept, it just hasn't been explored much here locally.
Some local poets have tried their hand at this. Lebo Mashile has had Lebo Mashile Live recorded at the Horror Café and now Antonio David Lyons is about to release his musically blended poetry album, Human Jewels.
Lyons has been seen on Generations and in Hotel Rwanda. House music fans may also know his voice from tracks like Saturday Night featured on DJ Fresh's Definition of House and Body Poetry produced by Iggy Smalls and Revolution for Small Street Sounds.
Originally from the US, he moved to SA in 2003. Catch him with his band, Some Mo', the last Friday of every month at Spiced Jazz in Melville, 7 Main Road, Joburg.
How did it all start for you?
I used writing to give voice to a lot of adolescent angst and teenage anger.
Why did you choose house music as the predominant backing for your poetry as opposed to any other genre?
I didn't. The genre chose me! In the past most of my musical excursions have been collaborations with someone else creating the music and me contributing lyrics/poetry.
With my solo project I was very involved in creating the music, which is definitely not house.
Musically, Human Jewels, is a jazz fusion with neo-soul and Caribbean influences.
What do you love most about what you do?
Creating! I often hear poetry and lyrics simultaneously with melodies. It's beautiful to birth a song into something substantial that people can listen, dance and sing along to.
Has acting always been in the picture?
No. I was writing poetry long before I had any interest in acting. I've been writing since I was about 13. I didn't start acting until I was 18. I found in it an undiscovered talent that was very powerful and compelling. I have a few appearances on Scandal and Jozi-H. I also plan on getting back to a bit of theatre.
What are your influences?
I grew up in Miami, Florida, US.
What can people expect from your album?
Human Jewels is such a personal journey. I've travelled quite a bit and those miles have definitely helped shape the finished project. With it I pay homage to all the people and places that have deposited gems in my life.
Those gems can show up as knowledge, love, vision, tastes, understanding, sensuality and even pain.
It all grows you, if you let it!
Excerpt from Butterflies
By Antonio David Lyons
Butterflies on a warm summer's day
Sugar-coated love songs.
Fields of golden flowers stretch as far as the eye can see
Gentle breezes causing stalks to bend ever so slightly
Their sweet perfume reminiscent of you
A butterfly frenzy nectar insane their dance reflecting my heart's ache for you.
Tiny feet briefly petal touch taking the tiniest of sips
Fluttering wings chorus your name
Enveloping me in the perfection of you.
Butterflies and me drunk off the essential you.
Butterflies on a warm summer's day.