Music
Press
"He is more than just a “slam poet”- he is s a writer and an educator, an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with," Erika Wurst - Beacon News
http://tinyurl.com/cqb5j5
Like Holz, Gasek attended the first ArtWalk just to see what it was all about, and she soon became heavily involved. For Friday's event, in addition to showing her own work, she put together a lineup of poets, musicians and artists that will fill the Aurora Regional Fire Museum on Broadway from 7 to 9:30 p.m., including local band Willowfair and performance poet Iggy Mwela.
- Beacon News
http://tinyurl.com/d57k4t
Willowfair had no label money backing them, and the band had its hands on every part of the recording process.
Spoken Symphony
The band plays at universities, arts centers, coffee houses and more. On April 2, Willowfair will perform "Spoken Symphony" at Walter Payton's Roundhouse in Aurora with performance poet Ignatius Mwela.
"Spoken Symphony is a show we have built with performance poet Ignatius Mwela. He's very theatrical, very powerful. We really respect his art and felt Willowfair would tie in well with what he's doing."
The band spent six months combining his performance poetry with their music, and the result, Bibza said, is "hauntingly beautiful. It's a great opportunity for people to engage with things they don't normally get to."
He's hoping their night at Roundhouse won't be a one-time thing. "We want to provide it on a monthly basis," he said. "This is definitely different than a typical Willowfair concert. We like doing things that are unique to us. I've never seen a concert that teams up with a poet that way."
When planning the show, all parties agreed to debut it in Aurora.
"We decided we're all Aurora-based artists. We all care about Aurora; we want the arts to be thriving here. We want to be catalysts for it. There's talent in Aurora; people are trying to be innovative."
- Beacon News
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Ignatius (Iggy) Mwela, is a Professional performance poet, gifted with an ability to entertain the masses. Upon graduating from Western Illinois University, he has kept his name in the media with his exhilarating performances on stage. From the time he first performed on Western’s very own campus to his recent migration to Chicago, Iggy has “Hit the stage almost everywhere and anywhere he can.” Demanding your attention through the power of his words and presence, Iggy’s poems strike an array of topics, such as current, personal, and universal issues.
Mentored by Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center of Western Illinois University, Ignatius (Iggy) Mwela successfully progressed within their organization as a performance poet from Sept 2005-Dec 2007. Serving as a member of “Cultural Expressions”[poetry team] his first year to obtaining the position of President the following year, it was evident that Iggy’s dynamic and new poetic style was needed to assemble a well-rounded and successful team. During his tenure there Iggy has produced and co-produced over fifty-two events and shows, from the smallest café to one of Chicago’s well known venues at the Center for Performing Arts.
Iggy’s poetry will inspire and challenge you; his way with words will make you laugh, then cry. His poetic style has bounced off the backs of many venues and reverberated in countless eardrums across the country. Iggy performs all original pieces that capture a strong dynamic and dramatic style that is truly unique. Erika Wurst (Chicago area’s Beacon News) writes, “Iggy is more than just a slam poet. He is a writer and an educator, an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with.”
Having the unique ability to transform literal text into an educational, inspiring, highly energetic performance is the value Iggy brings to the stage. Using poetry as a tool to motivate other writers, teachers, and anyone willing to hear his words, has been Iggy’s method of reaching out to thousands of people including, elders, inmates, students of all ages, bystanders, patrons, and more. His style brings forth a captivating performance that will leave you emotionally turned, in tears, laughing, or even questioning your own way of thinking
With pulse pounding poetry his extraordinarily vivid display will uniquely portray life's problems and solutions through the cut throat language of spoken word. Iggy is as soulful as one can be, most humble to all he encounters. His charismatic personality attacks many others and fits any environment he walks into. A stage presence of non-other; watch him make you cry in one moment, think the next, and laugh in the end. He is truly a person you would want to get to know. As we have learned Iggy love talking to himself and learning about others, which is why he wrote this in second person.
"My classes were wowed, inspired, and amazed by Iggy's performance! He brings the soul of an artist and the perspective of a world traveler to his lyrics, which are insightful, moving, and poignant. No one should miss a chance to see and hear this very gifted young artist." -East Aurora High teacher Mrs. Fioramonti
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