Dup Poetry: Malachi Smith’s Latest Work
CD collection of powerful prophecy, exhortation and lamentation
SOUTH FLORIDA – South Florida’s dub poet Malachi continues to entertain his audience with the launch of his latest CD release – SCREAM – a collection of poetry depicting prophecy, exhortation, lamentation and hope, about the daily occurrences of our Jamaican society. SCREAM is Smith’s sixth CD production.
The launch will take place on Thursday, November 20, at a Reception at JEPA’s Place, headquarters of the Jamaican Ex Police Association, Oakland Park Boulevard in Lauderhill.
Dr. Heather Russell, professor at Florida International University (FIU) summed up SCREAM as a righteous sounding by a fearless poet. Smith’s new work, she continued, is described as an urgent cry against suffering, against poverty, political corruption, and against the relentlessness of a Jamaica society plagued by the murder of innocents and the death of innocence. She added that the collection is a powerful movement towards global recognition.
Malachi Smith, an accomplished poet, can also be described as one of the leading voices of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage here in the Diaspora, through his varied presentations of dub poetry at international and local festivals.
A graduate of Florida International University and Miami-Dade College and Jamaica School of Drama, Smith is one of the founding members of Poets in Unity. This group is a critically acclaimed ensemble emerging out of Jamaica who has brought dub poetry to the forefront.
Dub Poetry
Dub poetry is entertaining and speaks for the voiceless and the downtrodden. Smith, an actor uses his talent to uplift and encourage and inspire those, through this art form. Additionally, Smith describes the art form as romantic, speaking to love and relationships, or whatever genre the poet chooses to focus. He is also known for his performances in other theatrical productions on radio, television and live theatre.
A career in law enforcement, Malachi Smith is a graduate of Florida International University (FIU). He is the recipient of several international and local awards and accolades in theatre. His latest is the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) 2014 Adult Poet of the Year.
Documentary Film
In 2007, a documentary film was released about Dub Poetry. It shows the life and work of Malachi Smith, a talented artist from Jamaica. Even with a busy schedule, he still finds time to help in the Diaspora community and volunteer at home. For example, Smith serves as a member of the Jamaica Ex-Police Association, South Florida chapter. He has participated in several volunteer efforts to assist in Jamaica’s national development.
