We at Ambo TV are always looking for innovative expressions of faith, and spoken word poetry tops our list of favorite ways to creatively share our faith.

That is why we are excited for the ‘Poets in Autumn’ Tour, which kicks off this Friday, August 16, in Little Rock, Ark.  The PIA tour features six of the hottest spoken word artist in that country: Janette…Ikz, husband and wife duo Jackie Hill Perry and Preston Perry, Ezekiel Azonwu, Chris Webb, and Joseph Solomon.

“Each artist featured has created their own demand and have reached millions online utilizing the vehicle of spoken word to convey hard hitting transparent messages that challenge and encourage audiences,” reads a statement on the tour’s website.

For those unfamiliar with this art form, it is a high energy, passionate type of poetry intended for performance. As the poetry foundation explains, “though some spoken word poetry may also be published on the page, the genre has its roots in oral traditions and performance. Spoken word can encompass or contain elements of rap, hip-hop, storytelling, theater, and jazz, rock, blues, and folk music.”

All those elements of storytelling, rap, hip hop and more will definitely be on display during the PIA tour. Each night audiences can expect to hear original works from individual artists as well as experience collaborative performances. These pieces address the “difficult and narrow spaces of the Christian faith.”  

This is the fourth year the PIA tour has brought the nation’s top spoken word artist to cities across the country and the world. Criss-crossing the country, they are sure to be in a venue near you.  And if you’re not in the U.S., don’t worry. The tour will also head abroad where it will conclude in South Africa on November 17. 

Teaming up with Kingdom Promotion, the artist have “[served] over 100,000 people worldwide [and] seeks to engage culture using spoken word, and expose a people of all backgrounds to the hope of the gospel through this unique art form.”

To find tour dates and to purchase tickets, head over to the PIA tour website for more information. In the meantime, check out two of our favorite pieces from some of the tour’s performers.

https://youtu.be/QeY8lndPsdE