Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo is a Nigerian-American award winning poet and the lead vocalist for the music group, Iyeoka & the Rock By Funk Tribe. She has a voice that is so organic, and powerful beyond measure. Iyeoka has shared the stage with great artists including Musiq Soul Child, Zap Mama, Gil Scot Heron, Sonia Sanchez, and Chuck D of Public Enemy. She is truly a poet with a purpose greater than what meets the eye.

Jamati: Please define who Iyeoka the artist is?

I’m a poet, a vocalist/musician and a revolutionary woman because of the art I weave.

Jamati: Take us  down memory lane to that moment when nothing else mattered but your decision to become a poet and a musician?

First I must say the journey was built on small pebbles and ordinary moments. My love for reading literature out loud, and for spoken-word poetry, contributed a lot, leading me to enter school competitions as a preparation for my current journey. I remember one of my first poems was a “Love Jones” inspired poem and, after that, my destiny with poetry and music became unquestionable.

Jamati: Who were your most poetic and musical influences?

I’ve always gravitated towards the likes of Nina Simone, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti and Michael Franti.

Jamati: How would you describe the writing process of your poetry/lyrics? Would you say its organic or synthetic?

Definitely organic.

Jamati: You are poetry and music all in one. Is there a moment when you feel one is more important than the other?

Yes, and it all depends on what I’m doing at that given moment be it poetry or music. The way I see it, there has to be a balance between the two. Sometimes I’m more driven towards poetry rather music and at other times I’m driven towards music rather poetry.

Jamati: Your voice is fierce and organic in a way that one can’t help but surrender to it. What would you say has been the most heartfelt thing you’ve ever heard about your voice?

I would have to say that the landmark experience I can recall was when I was in a high school choir and our musical director came to me and, in not so many words, said that I have a powerfully profound voice. That just became a trigger for me to stay strong at being a musician.

Jamati: I understand that you are in a band. Tell us more about that?

Well yes, I am part of a band called Iyeoka & the Rock By Funk Tribe, blending music genres like hip-hop, neo-soul and jazz .

Jamati: If you were to ever be given a chance to re-live any past poet’s or musician’s life, who would it be?

Iyeoka: Smile…To tell you the truth if you had asked me that question  a couple of years back I probably would have gave you a list as long as my arm but fortunately for me I’m at a point in my life where I strongly feel like I wouldn’t wanna be anybody else or re-live anybody else’s life but my own.

Jamati: What  is your favorite quote or saying ?

It would have to be what my mother always used to say to me–”No excuses to slow down your journey”.

Jamati: What book are you currently reading?

Eat, Love and Pray

Jamati: Any projects that you currently working on?

Well very soon I’ll be starting my West coast tour with my musical soul mate, Brian, a fellow band member  and soon after that I’ll be heading to the studio to start recording my next album.

Jamati: Thank you for sharing and may  blessings be upon you.

Thank you.

For more on Iyeoka visit her website.