'Reggaetry' to unleash 11 years of work - Noted performance poet to release 'bookbum'

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

After starting dub poetry at the university level in 2000, Steppa is now a proud father, musician, writer and teacher who is preparing to release his book and CD combination called Reggaetry.

Steppa, whose real name is Miguel Williams, said he has been writing since high school but started dub poetry when he went to the University of the West Indies (UWI).

By 2003, he said he found himself on the big scene, performing at Sumfest and Rebel Salute in 2004. An even bigger step came in 2006 and 2007 when he was nominated in the category of 'Best Poet' at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) at the Apollo Theater in the United States.

He said he also works with schools, prisons and homes. In addition, Steppa also has other day jobs. He is a part-time lecturer in the Cultural Studies department at UWI, part-time lecturer at HEART Trust/NTA and he also works at the Ministry of Youth in project management and programme development.

He said he has also taught history and social studies at the high-school level. He is also a regular feature of the weekly show Talk Up Yout that is hosted by Emprezz Mullings.

Making a big step

But now Steppa is making a very big step with his book and CD combination, Reggaetry, which he refers to as 'bookbum'. He said the book has 65 poems, with 30 of them on audio.

The book and CD combination looks at issues like youth, crime and violence, sex, social commentary, love, pain and happiness.

"I am trying to put 11 years of poetry in one go. I am trying to capitalise on what is happening without management. It has always been in my mind that I have to publish," Steppa told The Sunday Gleaner.

"I know that there is the reading audience. I have always worked on recording singles but I know that I have to do it. People out there want to get my work and I want to please my audience. It is really the time now for it. I have grown and I kinda now understand the business and I want to put out my work. The book and the music is fuel for this broader work that I am doing."

While he knows people want to read his work, Steppa said he had to add the audio component because a lot of people know him as a performer.

"It's a must. When you write it people will only interpret what they feel. When you say it you give them your interpretation of it, your fire. For the 11 years I have mostly been seen onstage. I would have to do the audio, it is a priority," said Steppa, who has his own Forward Step Foundation.

Single and mixtape out

In addition to the 'bookbum', Steppa said he has a song called Uptown Clown, which is currently getting some airplay despite being six years old. He is also distributing a mixtape called 11th Year 11th Hour that has 12 of the 30 poems that will be on the 'bookbum'.

Steppa might be involved in several ventures and even has a few day jobs, but he believes they all complement each other, even as it straps him for time.

"The poetry enhances the quality of work that I do. I am a key motivational speaker in some of the places I go. It is rough. I've been told by some associates that I will have to focus on the music," he said.

And although he has had success, vast experience in poetry and many supporters over the years, Steppa said he is not sure what to expect.

"I am so nervous. It is really emotional, being that I have experienced a bit of success. It is like a second coming. I am just really being humble in going forward and soliciting the support of people who have been there," Steppa told The Sunday Gleaner, noting that he is motivated by his children.

"Dem seh nothing before the time and I know that now is the time for my work to come out in a formal way. I know that I have been blessed. I am just being humble and putting it together. Now I am so hungry. I am not hungry for the money but for persons to share in my work."

Meanwhile, he said he is planning his marketing strategy that will include an all-island tour.