Commonwealth Poetry Podcast
A fortnightly celebration of poetry and The Commonwealth, where award-winning podcaster Gyles Brandreth and his daughter Aphra visit each of the 56 countries of the Commonwealth, meeting poets, performers and people who love poetry and discovering new poems each episode.
Episodes
A Commonwealth Farewell with Baroness Scotland
In this special final episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth are joined by Baroness Patricia Scotland, the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General. As they reflect on nearly 70 episodes celebrating the poetry, culture, and voices of the Commonwealth, Baroness Scotland shares her insights on the power of the Commonwealth and the enduring strength of poetry. Featuring
Next stop Nauru with Gem Dowiyogo
This week, Gyles and Aphra are heading to Nauru, the smallest country in the Commonwealth, to explore its culture, history, and poetry. They’re joined by the multi-talented Gem Dowiyogo, an artist, singer, and passionate advocate for Nauruan youth and heritage. Gem shares her journey of reconnecting with her roots and keeping Nauru’s stories alive through art and song. This episode features Soon E
Next Stop: Tonga with Anna Jane Lagi
In this fortnight’s episode join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they head to Tonga to chat with young poet Anna Jane Lagi. Anna’s poetry tackles everything from cultural identity to big issues like brain drain, domestic violence, and mental health. She shares her personal journey as a young Tongan woman and how she’s shaping her own culture through her art. Poems this episode include: Send my love;
Revisiting Jamaica with Phleer Carter and Award Winning Poet Lorna Goodison
We start off the new year with a special episode featuring two extraordinary voices from Jamaica: artist, songwriter, and cultural force Phleer Carter AKA Ryan Carter, alongside the award-winning poet, Lorna Goodison. In this powerful conversation, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth dive deep into Jamaica's rich artistic landscape, blending the rhythms of music with the power of poetry.Phleer Carter t
Meet the winners of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024
Join us for a very special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast brought to you from Buckingham Palace to celebrate the winners of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 - the world's oldest international schools' writing competition. In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet the brilliant young winners and hear from some of the supporters of the Royal Commonwealth Soc
Exploring Papua New Guinea Through Poetry with Betty S. Chapau
In this fortnight's episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth sit down with Betty S. Chapau, a writer from Manus Province in Papua New Guinea, to discuss her journey of blending storytelling with her cultural roots. With a background in engineering, Betty shares how her Pacific Island heritage and childhood surrounded by traditional stories inspired her to write. She talks about her first published
Next Stop Fiji with Daren Kamali aka DKPoet
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth are exploring Fiji with Poet, writer, and musician Daren Kamali aka DKPoet. Now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, Daren was born and raised in Fiji and migrated to Aotearoa at the age of 17. He started his creative career busking street poetry on the city streets of Auckland and since then has produced two music albums and published several books
Remembrance Sunday Special Episode
In this episode we listen back to Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s interview with HRH The Duke of Kent, former President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and Royal biographer Hugo Vickers. Sharing a bonus poem read by Gyles, this is a special episode re-released for Remembrance Sunday.
‘The Story of an African Child’, discovering Sierra Leone with Vicky the Poet
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet teenage poet and activist Victoria Kanu. Better known as Vicky the Poet, she is a household name in Sierra Leone and a national icon who has used her talent to transform and impact lives. She is now a major voice for women and girls within the country and beyond. Vicky started writing poetry from the age of 5, but it was a poem that she wr
Next stop Samoa with Audrey Brown-Pereira
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth take a virtual trip to Samoa where the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will be held later this month. They’re joined by Audrey Brown-Pereira a Pasifika poet of Cook Islands Maori and Samoan descent, she now lives with her family in Samoa and works for an environmental organisation that serves the Pacific region. Audrey, known
Next Stop: Brunei Darussalam
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet with poet, writer, and actor Hariz Fadhilah. Hariz explores themes of love, nature, culture, youth empowerment, and mental health in his poetry, writing in both English and Malay—sometimes blending the two. From an insightful discussion of Syair Awang Semaun, an ancient Bruneian epic, to a poem offering commentary on the capital city, Ban
Exploring South Africa with Nkateko Masinga
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Nkateko Masinga, an award-winning South African writer and performance poet. Together they explore the influences from her early childhood and how she has interwoven her work and study of medicine with her poetry. She is intrigued by the stories of individuals who exist at the margins of society and considers herself a 'dangerous wom
Exploring Grenada Through Poetry with Amy J.W. Jones
In this fortnight's episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth embark on a literary journey to Grenada, the "Island of Spice," with acclaimed Grenadian writer Amy J.W. Jones. Join us as Amy shares her early love for poetry, inspired by her father's passion, and discusses the social issues that have shaped her work. Sharing poems from her collections, Beyond Fables: Poetry, and A-Z Odys
Next stop Mauritius with Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner Reena Usha Rungoo
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Mauritian-American writer Reena Usha Rungoo. Her short story, Dite, recently won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize for Africa. A writer, scholar, teacher, speaker, and mother. She is an assistant professor of literature at Harvard University. Exploring poetry and literature from Mauritius, from traditional Sega music to exploring the oral
Next stop The Kingdom of Eswatini with Njabulo N.
Journey to the smallest country in Southern Africa to find out more about the people and poetry of Eswatini (Formally known as Swaziland). In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet writer and poet Njabulo N, Njabulo Tumelo Nkambule, who shares his story and some of his early love poems. Poems this episode include: Dear Fatima; The Sky is Blue; and Time O’clock, all by Njabulo Nkam
Queen Camilla and the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast
Marking the birthday of HM Queen Camilla on 17 July, Gyles Brandreth and Aphra Brandreth MP introduce a special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast, reprising our first ever episode recorded with Queen Camilla and the actress Dame Joanna Lumley at Clarence House in London and talking about the Commonwealth, the Royal Commonwealth Society and the University of Chester at Chester Town Hall.
Next stop Vanuatu with Rebecca Tobo Olul-Hossen
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Rebecca Tobo Olul-Hossen. A poet who grew up in Vanuatu, recalling her memories as a young girl living on the island of Tanna. A poet, storyteller, and editor, Rebecca co-edited Vanuatu’s first women’s anthology, Sista, Stanap Strong! She is committed to growing literature in Oceania. Poems this episode include: As you turn two weeks, old
Returning to Zambia
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra meet Vanessa Chisakula, a multifaceted artist who uses her work to challenge the status quo. Vanessa shares her story, growing up in a busy creative family her life changed when she became a mother. Inspired by spoken word poets, she started writing her own poetry. She is the 2023 Africa’s podcasts and voice (Rising talent in the poetry category) Award
Next Stop Togo with Dr Patron Henekou
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to Togo, a West African country with a 32 mile coastline along the Gulf of Guinea. Togo is one of the newest members of the Commonwealth having joined in 2022. Speaking with award winning poet and playwright Dr Patron Henekou they discover more about Togo, it’s history, culture and poetry. Poems this
‘Poetry is the language of the heart’ – Discovering Tanzania with Neema Komba
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Tanzanian poet Neema Komba. Neema shares her poetry journey, from a terrible event that took place as a teenage girl in a hospital, to the point that she discovered poetry as a way to express herself, to becoming the co-founder of La Poetista, a platform for poets and other performing artists to showcase their art and create a positive impact in the c
Next stop Kenya with poet and author Njeri Wangari
In this fortnight’s episode, join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they discover more about Kenya and its poetry. We hear from Njeri Wangari, a Kenyan poet and author, who is living in Nairobi, and has performed her poetry globally. She is one of the key contributors to a recently published poetry anthology called Across Borders – An anthology of new poems from the Commonwealth. Poems this episode inc
Next stop Botswana with Barolong Seboni
In this fortnight’s episode, join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they find out more about Botswana and its rich poetic traditions. Speaking to Barolong Seboni, a distinguished retired academic and poet. Barolong shares his fun and insightful translations of Botswanan proverbs, offering a window into the culture and poetry of the country. Poems this episode include: Molepolole; Woman’s World; and Gab
Next Stop Zambia with Dambisa Moyo
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Baroness Dambisa Moyo who shares her story growing up in Zambia. Dambisa is an economist and author who has written books, including four New York Times Bestsellers. Dambisa was named in the list of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. Poems this episode include: Tiyenda Pamodzi popularized by Zambian president Kennet
Next stop The Bahamas with Marion Bethel
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Marion Bethel, an esteemed Bahamian poet and attorney. Bethel, renowned for her award-winning poetry collections like "Guanahani, My Love" and "Bougainvillea Ringplay," shares insights into her life, inspirations, and the vibrant cultural landscape of the Bahamas. As she delves into her poetic journey, listeners gain a
Exploring Malawi with poet and activist Tendai Shaba
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth speak to Tendai Shaba, a renowned Malawian poet and activist.Tendai shares how he has used poetry to campaign on issues including gender based violence, climate change and advocating for safe motherhood. Poems this episode include a poem in Chichewa language addressing a relationship that has ended; Oh God Bless our Land of Malawi by Michael-Fredrick Paul
Next stop Barbados with spoken word poet Cyndi Celeste
Inspired to be a poet since the age of six when they saw the spoken word poet Adrian Green at the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts, Cyndi wrote their first spoken word poem nine years later. Since then, Cyndi has been a three-time NIFCA award winning poet who has represented Barbados in poetry slams and festivals in Africa, Europe, and the United States. Sharing how poetry allowed t
Next Stop Namibia with activist-poet Keamogetsi Joseph Molapong
In this podcast episode, join hosts Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they engage in a compelling conversation with Namibian poet Keamogetsi Joseph Molapong. Broadcasting from Windhoek, Namibia's capital, Keamogetsi, an activist-poet, sheds light on his passion for using poetry as a tool to amplify the voices of rural communities. Explore the challenges Namibia faced in its fight for independence
Next stop St Vincent and the Grenadines with spoken word poet Philip Nanton
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth engage in a conversation with Philip Nanton, a writer and spoken word performer who was originally born in St Vincent and currently resides in Barbados. Philip shares his compelling story, breathes life into his poetry, and delves into his recent project — a biography on the overlooked Vincentian jazz musician and poet, Shake Keane. Join them
Celebrating a ‘Youth Powered Commonwealth’ with Ayesha Dharker, Joanna Lumley, Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar.
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth celebrate young voices from across the Commonwealth featuring special guests, Ayesha Dharker, Joanna Lumley, Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar. We hear from the two young winners of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, 17 year old Siddhi Deshmukh - the Senior Winner from India, and 13 year old Shreeya Sahi - the Junior Winner also from India, with exce
Celebrating Christmas with seasonal poems from around the Commonwealth
Gyles and Aphra Brandreth share some of their favourite seasonal poems in this special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast. Joined by staff and students from the University of Chester reading poems that remind them of Christmas, the Holidays and Home. This is the perfect episode to get you in the mood for the festive season wherever you are in the world. Poems this episode include: The Oxen
How poetry changed my life, a special episode with Jaspreet Kaur
In this special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Jaspreet Kaur, a spoken word artist, writer and teacher from East London. Jaspreet is committed to using writing and spoken word to tackle issues including mental health stigma, and in this episode she shares how poetry has helped her to overcome her own mental health struggles. Discussing poetry as a form of
The “Kingdom of the Sky” with Rethabile Masilo
This week Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey takes them to Lesotho, a land locked, mountainous country in Africa. They speak to Rethabile Masilo, an award winning poet who is the author of four poetry collections: Things that are Silent (Pindrop Press, 2012), Waslap (The Onslaught Press, 2015), Letter to Country (Canopic, 2016) and Qoaling (The Onslaught Press, 2018). Ratahabile shares his story
In Conversation with Award Winning Indian Poet Sudeep Sen
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet award winning Indian poet Sudeep Sen. Born and raised in New Delhi, Sudeep eloquently shares his formative influences growing up in a Bengali household steeped in poetry, literature, music, and dance. Describing poetry as ‘the oldest form of art’, Sudeep brings his art to life, reading a poem from his most recent collection which is both about the pol
Next stop Antigua & Barbuda with Joy Lawrence OH
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Joy Lawrence an educator, author of several books delving into the rich folklore and history of Antigua and Barbuda, and a talented poet. Joy's interest in her country's history was kindled when she discovered that Bethesda, her hometown, was home to the first slave school in the British West Indies. Exploring that history and sharing wonder
Exploring Ghana and its poetry with Apiorkor
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey, a Ghanaian-American Poet, Author, Literary Critic, and Activist. Apiorkor shares her reflections on modern Ghana, speaking about her optimism her country, as well as her determination to speak out and explore important issues, particularly to elevate the global voices of women. Sharing two of her own poems, in her work,
Next stop, The Gambia - the smallest country in West Africa, bringing you some amazing poetry
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to The Gambia where they meet poet, short story writer, biographer and critic Dr Tijan M. Sallah, described by critics as one of Africa’s most significant poets and writers. Tijan shares his story growing up in Sere Kunda, Gambia, and the influence his teachers had on his becoming a writer. Sharing a poem by L
Exploring Wales and its poetry with Sioned Wiliam
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth explore the riches of the Welsh langue and Welsh poetry with author and British comedy award winner Sioned Wiliam.Sioned shares her story growing up in a Welsh speaking home, and her passion for the Welsh language and this beautiful country. Poems this episode include: My first love was a Plover by Twm Morys; The winning poem from this Year’s National Eist
Bees and Poetry!
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth meet Gladstone Ewart Franklin Solomon, a beekeeper living in Tobago, who shares his passion for bees and honey. Find about Bees for Development, a global charity which has helped some of the world’s poorest people become self-sufficient through beekeeping for over 30 years. With poems from poet Maria Bristol-Darlington, including a very special poem penn
Discovering Singapore and its poetry with Eric Tinsay Valles
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to Singapore where they meet award winning poet and director of Poetry Festival Singapore, Eric Tinsay Valles. Painting a vivid picture of Singapore today, Eric recounts his personal journey of relocating to the city-state and delves into the thriving world of poetry that flourishes there. Poems this episode inc
Next stop Bangladesh with Mozammel Hossain KC
In this episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth explore the wonders of Bangladesh and its poetry with Mozammel Hossain KC. Mozammel shares his inspiring journey from a small village in Bangladesh to becoming the first Bengali-speaking Criminal lawyer in the UK to be appointed Queen’s Counsel. He showcases Bangladesh's rich literary heritage with heartfelt poems. A captivating exploration of cultur
Exploring Dominica and it’s Poetry with Anella D Shillingford
Gyles and Aphra Brandreth speak to Dominican poet Anella D Shillingford. Anella is a poet and educator, teaching English Literature and History to Dominican students. In this episode Anella describes how her love for poetry and the arts developed growing up in the small but vibrant country of Dominica. Anella has published collections of her poetry with Bonfire in 2019 and Of Rivers and Oceans in
Next stop Malaysia with award winning poet Bernice Chauly
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey of discovery leads them to South East Asia where they delve into the vibrant world of Malaysian poetry. Meeting with Bernice Chauly an award-winning Malaysian poet, novelist, educator, and former festival director, through heartfelt storytelling Bernice paints a vivid picture of her upbringing in Malaysia in the 1970s. Bravely recounting a profou
Talking poetry, the Commonwealth & a cat called Attlee with The Speaker of the House of Commons
In a special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the British House of Commons. Recorded from the Palace of Westminster, Sir Lindsay discusses his commitment to strengthen and renew the UK’s ties with the Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories. With a guest appearance from his cat, named Attlee after former Labour Prime
Celebrating Fathers & Poetry
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth bring you a special episode celebrating Father’s Day. The father and daughter duo explore the origins of Father’s Day, and what it means to them. Remembering his own father, and his love of poetry, Gyles discusses the joy and benefits of learning poetry by heart. Poems this episode exploring fatherhood include: Only a Dad by Edgar Albert Guest; Anecdote fo
Discovering St Lucia and its Poetry with Kendel Hippolyte
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Kendel Hippolyte an award winning poet, playwright, director and sporadic researcher into areas of Saint Lucian and Caribbean arts and culture. Kendel shares his love of St Lucia and its rich culture. Discussing the influence of poets including William Blake, who he describes as a poet who spans the political and cosmological, and the great St Lucian
Next stop Jamaica with award winning poet Lorna Goodison
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Jamaica’s former poet laureate Lorna Goodison. Recalling her upbringing growing up in a busy home where different influences shaped her voice, she still remembers the poetry she learned by heart as a child, reciting Wordsworth’s I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud from memory. In 1986 she won The Commonwealth Poetry Prize, an experience which she says chang
Discovering Uganda ‘The Pearl of Africa’ with Patricia Kabuleeta
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth find out more about Uganda, once described by Winston Churchill as the ‘Pearl of Africa’. Speaking with Patricia Kabuleeta, Minister Counsellor at the Uganda High Commission in London, she shares her experiences growing up during the struggles in Uganda. Sharing poems that talk about the impact of the covid pandemic, the effects of climate change, of gri
Exploring Mozambique and its poetry
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Albertina Mac Donald the High Commissioner for Mozambique in the UK. Discovering more about Mozambique and sharing poems that explore its past. Poems this episode include: If you Want to Know Me by Noemia de Sousa read by Wilma Terresa Vieira; and Black Outcry by José Craveirinha, translated by Stephen Gray.
Next stop Solomon Islands with Honorary Consul John Freeman
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey of discovery takes them to the Pacific to hear about Solomon Islands and its poetry. Meeting with the Honorary Consul for Solomon Islands in the UK, John Freeman, he shares his memories from his time spent there as a magistrate. On the islands there are at least 63 distinct languages spoken and John brings his knowledge of language including read
Talking Poetry and Pakistan
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth are at the Riverside Studios in London meeting Urdu poet Dr Javaid Sheikh and his daughter Fatima. Describing Pakistan in just a minute, both Javaid and Fatima talk about Pakistan as it was when Dr Sheikh was growing up, and Pakistan for them both today. Discussing differing styles of poetry in Pakistan and hearing Urdu poems written by Dr Sheikh himself,
Walking Around the Commonwealth with Hugo Vickers and Jim Walker
Did you know, there is a 1,000 km walkable path connecting the Commonwealth? In this week’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth go on a virtual walk to find out all about the work of the Commonwealth Walkway Trust. Speaking to the Trust’s CEO Jim Walker, and to Royal Biographer and trustee Hugo Vickers, together they share their stories of walking in each Commonwealth Country and the collaborative a
Discovering Malta and its Poetry with the Maltese High Commissioner
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet with H.E. Emmanuel Mallia, High Commissioner for Malta in the UK. Emmanuel Mallia talks about the part that poetry has played in his life, describing poetry as something that you feel inside. Discussing the poetry of Malta from the oldest known literary text in the Maltese language, a poem dating from around 1485, to the poems and hymns of Dun Karm Ps
Next stop Sri Lanka with Danny Sriskandarajah, CEO of Oxfam UK
Join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they meet the Chief Executive of Oxam, Danny Sriskandarajah, who shares his story growing up on a small island in Sri Lanka. Recalling the happy memories of his childhood as well as the lasting impacts of the Sri Lanken civil war that would displace his family. Danny reads poems from the ancient Tamil text, Thirukural, as well as sharing poems that highlight diffe
Discovering Tuvalu with H.E. Dr Sir Iftikhar Ayaz
Join Gyles & Aphra Brandreth as they venture to the west-central Pacific Ocean to explore the 4th smallest country in the world by land mass, and a country where the population is less than 12,000, Tuvalu. Speaking to the Honorary Consul General for Tuvalu in the UK, H.E. Dr Sir Iftikhar Ayaz, we learn about Tuvalu’s past and its future, in a country where the threat of climate change is immed
Exploring New Zealand with former High Commissioner to the UK – His Excellency Bede Corry
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to New Zealand where they meet H. E. Bede Corry – the New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK at the time of recording and now the Ambassador to the USA. Meeting at the High Commission in London, he shares his love of New Zealand, and Literature, and discusses New Zealand’s poetry. Poems this episode include So
Celebrating the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition Winners with special guests Geri Horner, Alexandra Burke and Ayesha Dharker
Start the new year with a special podcast episode recorded from the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace. In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet the young winners from across the Commonwealth of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. With special guest appearances from three of the ambassadors of the Royal Commonwealth Society: Geri Horner, Alexandra Burke and Ayesha Dharker. In th
Next Stop Trinidad & Tobago for a Christmas Day Special Episode with Floella Benjamin
Join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth for a special Christmas episode with Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE. The Trinidadian born actress, presenter, broadcaster and parliamentarian, currently Chairs the Windrush Commemoration Committee and was recently awarded the Order of Merit. She has written over 30 books with her memoir ‘Coming To England’ now studied in schools. In this episode she shares her memo
Exploring Canada and its poetry with Dr Theresa Muñoz
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Dr Theresa Muñoz a poet and researcher based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Winner of the Muriel Spark Centenary award, RLS Fellowship & Creative Scotland Project Grant, Theresa’s poems have appeared in journals across the Atlantic. Her debut collection Settle (Vagabond Voices, 2016), shortlisted for the Melita Hume Poetry prize. Discussing Canadian poet
Next stop Nigeria with Booker Prize winning author and poet Ben Okri
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to Nigeria to meet Ben Okri. The Booker Prize winning author is a poet, novelist, essayist, short story writer, anthologist, aphorist, and playwright. Ben was born in Minna in the North of Nigeria before moving to England as a young child. Together with his family, aged 7 years old, he returned to Nigeria on the cusp of the civil war, something wh
Their name liveth for evermore – an interview with HRH The Duke of Kent for Remembrance Sunday
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth are joined by HRH The Duke of Kent, President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and Royal biographer Hugo Vickers, for a special recording to mark Remembrance Sunday. Speaking from York House in London they share war poems from across the Commonwealth to remember the contribution and sacrifice of the many men and women from all around the Comm
Exploring the Maldives and its poetry
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Dr Farah Faizal the High Commissioner for the Republic of Maldives in the UK. Dr Faizal, who enjoys writing poetry herself and is the granddaughter of poets, discusses pioneering women in Maldivian poetry. In this episode she shares poems by one of the earliest female poets writing in the Dhivehi language, Aminath Faiza who was famously known as the “
Next stop Seychelles with dub poet Raspyek
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to the Seychelles located in the Western Indian Ocean to meet dub poet Tony 'Raspyek' Joubert. Going by the stage name Raspyek, he shares his story and performs some of his poems including ‘Mr Johnson’ which he wrote as a young man about the boyfriend of an older girl he was in love with, ‘Money’ and ‘Hours of Slavery’.
Next stop Kiribati with a song or two!
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to Kiribati, located in the central Pacific Ocean it is made up of 33 Coral islands, of which 20 are inhabited with a total population of just 115,000. We meet Rotee Walsh a traditional singer and dancer, and her husband Michael Walsh author of A History of Kiribati from the Earliest Times to the 40th Anniversary of the Republic. They share their
Discovering Belize – “a place of love, joy and sunshine” – with poet Felene Cayetano
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to Belize in Central America where they meet Felene Cayetano a Belizean, Garifuna, Librarian, Author, Mother, Screenwriter and Director. Describing Belize as “a place of love and joy and sunshine” she shares her passion for reading, for books, and for libraries. Poems this episode include: Dawn is a Fisherman by Raymond Barrow and In My Feet by Fe
Exploring Australia and its poetry
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to Australia which is amongst the largest countries in the world and home to the world’s biggest coral system. They meet with the High Commissioner for Australia His Excellency George Brandis QC who shares his love for Australia as well as his love for poetry, reading two classic Australian poems. And we hear from Jaya Savige, an Australian Poet l
Next stop Guyana with award winning poet Grace Nichols
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet award winning poet Grace Nichols, recipient of the 2021 Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry. Meeting at her home in Lewes, East Sussex, Grace takes us on a journey to Guyana sharing stories of growing up in a small country village before moving to the capital George Town and eventually migrating to England. Poems this episode include: Picture my Father, Wh
Discovering Cyprus and its Epic poetry
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to Cyprus – one of the sunniest islands in Europe. It has been written about and featured in literature over hundreds of years from Ancient Epic Poetry to Shakespeare. Our guest this episode is Dr Marios Psaras the Cultural Counsellor at the Cypriot High Commission who takes us on a journey discovering the richness of Cypriot literature. He shares
Discovering St Kitts & Nevis with 'the snapshot' poet H.E. Dr Kevin Isaac
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth's journey around the Commonwealth takes them to St Kitts & Nevis where they meet H.E. Dr Kevin Isaac, High Commissioner for St Kitts and Nevis and the current Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Dr Isaac is also a published poet describing his poems as 'verbal photography' taking snapshots of life. Poems
Next stop Cameroon
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth's journey around the Commonwealth takes them to Cameroon via Russia and Wales! They meet Eric Ngalle Charles a Cameroonian born, Wales based writer, poet, playwright, and actor who shares his remarkable journey crossing continents from Africa to Europe. Poems in this episode include If Heaven is Her Father’s Land, Her Father Can Keep It, and Fragments
Exploring Rwanda and its poetry
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth's journey around the Commonwealth takes them to Rwanda where they meet Melody Ingabire a Rwandan poet working at the High Commission in London. Melody paints a picture of Rwanda, reading thought provoking poems which reflect on the 1994 Rwandan genocide, as well as sharing her optimism for the future. Poems in this episode include Speak for the People
The Journey Begins with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall
Poetry from around the world! A fortnightly celebration of Poetry and The Commonwealth - the journey begins at Clarence House in London where award winning podcaster Gyles Brandreth and his daughter Aphra meet HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and Dame Joanna Lumley. Over the coming weeks Gyles & Aphra will be visiting each of the 54 countries of the Commonwealth, meeting poets, performers and peopl
Commonwealth Poetry Podcast - Trailer
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