Full Title: “Queen Sheba, Atlanta Spoken Word-Poet Earns Second Grammy® Nomination for her Groundbreaking Album, Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say [Press Release]”
ATLANTA, GA, November 14, 2024 – Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say, the latest album by acclaimed spoken word poet Queen Sheba, has been nominated for a 2025 GRAMMY® in the prestigious Spoken Word-Poetry category. This marks the second consecutive year that Queen Sheba has earned a GRAMMY® nomination, a testament to her dedication and exceptional artistry in the spoken word genre.
This GRAMMY® nomination is an honorable recognition, by her peers, in a career dedicated to making her voice—and the voices of those often unheard—resonate across the map.
In Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say, Sheba collaborates with some of the most dynamic voices in music and poetry, including vocals by international singer Phillippia Williams, Supreme BG, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Carolyn Malachi, and Kim Joyce, among others. The album offers a powerful fusion of spoken word and hip-hop, a blend that reflects Sheba’s unique approach to storytelling, activism, and artistic expression. Tracks like “Killer MIC (The South Got Something to Say)” and “For Future Reference” showcase her ability to speak truth to power, navigating themes of social justice, empowerment, and resilience.
Queen Sheba’s journey to this moment has not been easy. As she puts it in “Killer MIC”, “After ‘bout 20 years ‘round 285 / I’m ‘bout 20 proof / Practicing my Decatur dialect / while sewing my Atlanta roots.” From humble beginnings—adopted into a family that didn’t look like her, spending time in youth homes, and facing personal trials—Queen Sheba has risen to become one of the most respected voices in the poetry and performance world.
In a genre often overlooked in the mainstream, Queen Sheba has made it her mission to elevate Spoken Word, not only by creating beautiful art but by actively fostering community and amplifying the voices of others. As the only nominee in the category who has focused her career on Spoken Word, Queen Sheba’s nomination stands as a testament to her steadfast dedication to the genre. Sheba continues to break the glass ceiling in a genre where others may have veered off the path; Sheba has dedicated her entire career to curating events, publishing books, and giving back to every community that supports her, from poetry slams to the biggest stages.
“This album is a perfect example of how spoken word can evolve and thrive,” Sheba explains. “It’s not just about performing—it’s about creating a movement, raising voices, and breaking barriers.” Sheba’s work continues to serve as a bridge between art and activism, making a profound impact through both her performances and her commitment to social change.
Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say is now available for streaming with singles from the album like “Killer MIC”, “For Future Reference”, and “Lipstick on Your Collar” already making waves in the spoken word and music communities.
As a two-time NAACP Image Award nominee, a former candidate for the Atlanta Public School Board, and a professor at Clark Atlanta & Southern New Hampshire University, Queen Sheba’s influence stretches far beyond her music. With ten albums and thousands of performances globally, she is a true force in the world of Spoken Word-Poetry, using her platform to inspire and uplift communities through her art.
Queen Sheba, aka Bethsheba A. Rem, is a two-time Grammy®-Nominated poet, performer, and activist. With over 23 years in the Spoken Word genre, Sheba has been a trailblazer, blending poetry and music to engage audiences in thought-provoking conversations around social justice, identity, and empowerment. She has been featured on prominent platforms like TV One’s Verses & Flow, BET’s Lyric Café, and as a poet on Robert Glasper’s Grammy®-nominated album. Queen Sheba’s work has earned recognition from Creative Loafing’s People’s Choice Spoken Word Artist of the Year and multiple NAACP Image Award nominations.
Queen Sheba’s CIVIL WRITES Tour:
Please note: Some dates have passed.
📍WED 11/13 RDU – 7P ✅
📍 WED 12/4 Baltimore 7P – The Poetry Party @kishthelioness @thepoetrypartylive
📍 12/5 DC – Grammy Chapter Party
📍12/6 ATL WAOK 8P
📍 SAT 12/7 ATL 2P-5P – Write About Now! ATL – Houston Virtual Venue Pop-Up show!
📍 SAT 12/7 ATL 8P SOFAR West End
📍 SUN 12/8 ATL 7:30P – PvHH @CityWineryAtl @prettydopedia
📍 MON 12/9 NASHVILLE – PvHH @citywinerynsh @wolfeseason
📍 WED 12/11 – DALLAS CHAPTER NOMINEE PARTY
📍 THURS 12/12 – HOUSTON POETRY FEATURE – POETRY SPECIAL TAPING @RichelleGemini @ccnetworkhtx @approach.the.mic
📍MON 12/16 – MIAMI @onthebside Stilletos & Pros
📍TUES 12/17 – LA FYC Feature at Da Poetry Lounge
📍SUN 12/22 ATL – Clothing Swap w/MsDia
📍SAT 1/4 PHILLY – “Poetry After Dark” Poetry Open Mic 7:30P w/@Black Ice, Lena L., & Poetic Soul Queen & Jay Smoov @citywineryphilly
📍SUN 1/5 NYC – 7:30P/6P “Poetry After Dark” Poetry Showcase @CityWinerynyc w/@thequeensheba @my_crumbled_thoughts @mobrowne @shenelleg @diviroxx @citoblanko @bradwalrond @chiefthepoet @kingquinc @Classique516
📍 SUN 1/19 – MLK WEEKEND PvHH -2 shows @citywinerypitt w/ @mayawrite 6P & 9:30P
📍Sun 1/26 Durham, NC 7-10P – Poetry After Dark Open Mic Grammy Send-Off Party! w/ @dasanahanu @bluzbluzbluz @missylanesassemblyroom
Hosted by Queen Sheba – 2x Grammy Nominee in the Spoken Word-Poetry category.
Links:
Queen Sheba | Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say (Spotify) | GRAMMYs
