AJA MONET
The Best Spoken Word Poetry Album category, a designation which debuted at the 2023 GRAMMY awards, continues to stir the poetry world with excitement. The new classification allows poets increased visibility, with the chance to have their work honored by the Recording Academy during “Music’s Biggest Night.”
Now, a second crop of lyrical powerhouses will receive their moment of recognition during the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 4th, 2024.
The six nominated poets for the 2024 ceremony are: Queen Sheba, Prentice Powell, Shawn William, Kevin Powell, J. Ivy and aja monet.
The Poet’s List is elated to present our interview with the talented and ever-insightful GRAMMY nominee: aja monet.
On Poetry:
Prior to landing on poetry, what memories do you have of your relationship with literature and writing as a youth?
I was always an avid reader and loved English literature class. Myths, epic narratives, and non-fiction stories fascinated me and opened my world view.
There are so many layers to creating poetry, and several avenues for disseminating. Which aspect of the process excites you the most?
Poetry is very much an approach to one’s life and therein one’s craft. I love using poetic technique and meaning, making toward all facets of the creative process. The truth telling and emotional intelligence of great poetry keeps me devoted to the craft. I want to make others feel the way great poets make me feel, so I study and read far more than I create, and this is what excites me most.
On Career & Activism:
When did you begin to claim the title of poet and how did you first connect with the poetry community?
I started to own the title “poet” proudly as a teenager when I won a talent show in high school with a poem. But it was really until I discovered a community of poets in New York City through an organization called Urban Word NYC that I truly felt like a poet. I was mentored and in community with some of the most amazing poets of my time.
Your name holds such weight! You are extremely accomplished: 2007 Nuyorican Poets Cafe Grand Slam champion; twice-published author, with multiple musical collaborations; social justice advocate. You even co-founded a recording studio in Miami which, in turn, benefited the community. At the inception of your poetry career, did you envision this level of success?
I think everything begins with a vision. I don’t know that I envisioned life panning out this way, per say, with poetry. But, I knew I was deeply invested in doing poetry for the rest of my life and I wanted to be considered in the same breath as the greats.
I’ve had to carve a path for myself as there was no blueprint for me to pursue poetry professionally. But it all is truly because of the people who were touched and moved by the work over the years. I’m grateful to still be here doing what I feel I was born to do.
Since your youth, you have been so intentional about welding your work with social justice issues. You have spearheaded and contributed to causes both domestic and international. When, or how, did your activism first take root?
Caring about yourself must ultimately involve others. When you truly understand the intimacy of your own struggles and tribulations, you learn how connected you are to others. You’re not alone and, therefore, the solutions must be responded to collectively.
I don’t consider myself an activist much. I’m a citizen of the world and I believe in the power of people organizing to shift the conditions of their lives. From a small child, I never liked injustice—how it made me feel, what I saw it do to others. From the moment I first witnessed it and could do something about it, I’ve been committed every chance I get. I have the delusional conviction that I can change something about it, so I’ve been working towards that ever since.
What satiates you more: the writing process or witnessing the impact of your work? Does it ever shift between the two?
I think it fluctuates between the process and the witnessing. The witnessing is part of the process to be honest. So it deepens the process to eventually share it with others. I enjoy different aspects for varied reasons.
Of your body of work, which piece or collection would you like to serve as your *introduction* for the generations to come?
I don’t think I’ve created that work yet.
We would love to hear more about, “when the poems do what they do.” Please feel free to share as much as you’d like with regards to its creation, its reception and what it means to you.
“when the poems do what they do” is a surrealist blues recording project. It is a compilation of poems written over several years and it was all recorded live in a beautiful studio in Los Angeles with incredible musicians. Weedie Braimah on Djembe & congas, Samora Pinderhughes on keys, Marcus Gilmore on drums, Luques Curtis on bass, Elena Pinderhughes on flute, and Chief Adjuah on trumpet. We worked really hard to get it out into the world for people to receive, so I’m grateful there’s been any reception at all. I just want it to reach people and be useful.
In what ways would you like to see the poetry community grow and evolve in the coming years?
The poetry community is vast and beautiful. We need more physical spaces and institutions. I have a lot of dreams in that way. I also look forward to more resources for poets to be supported in their visions and collaborations. I look forward to more poetry performances incorporated into music festivals, television programs, and fine art institutions. There’s so much left to witness and explore.
Awards + Advice:
You were a guest on Talib Kweli’s “People’s Party.” During the interview, you mentioned how having intimate conversations surrounding the Cuban revolution helped you to better understand its complexities, noting that we often “live in extremities.” How do you manage to boldly express your convictions on a topic while also respecting present or potential nuances?
I’m learning day by day. I often look at history to help teach me about the present. It’s important to have compassion for where you are with the wisdom of where we’ve been and the ability to imagine and expand the difference. We are ever changing and multifaceted. So long as you are being honest with yourself every step of the way and open to change, I think this is the best possible way forward.
What does it mean to be honored by The Recording Academy as part of the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album category at this year’s GRAMMY Awards?
It’s an honor to be recognized for the work we’ve made and, also, I just hope it can allow for more risk and creative collaboration moving forward. Hopefully it will introduce more people to the work and help expand the scope of what we do in our work as poets.
What has been the greatest piece of advice you’ve received thus far (poetry related or other)?
Keep writing. Never stop. Keep going.
Please tune into the 66th annual Grammy Awards which will air live on February 4, 2024 on CBS. The winner for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album will be announced during the pre-telecast.
Links:
Album: when the poems do what they do
Twitter: @aja_monet
Instagram: @ajamonet
Site: ajamonet.com
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