Storytelling, Poetry, Spoken Word
Having witnessed Angela Drew’s captivating spoken word performances multiple times, it is clear to me that everyone should experience her artistry at least once. Originally from Berkeley, California, Angela has made Modesto her home for over 20 years now. It is here, where she raised her children and found her voice as a storyteller.
Angela recognized her gift for storytelling at an early age. Her aunt taught her to read at 4 years old, and she began writing and acting out stories by the age of 8. She always understood that words held power, stating, “I knew words could soothe, stir, or solidify connection. There are many styles of spoken word, including confessional, political, informational, odes to favorite things/people, calls to action, and more. My poetry has a more rhythmical rhyming scheme.” Her inspiration comes from various styles and influences, particularly Hip Hop. She said, “I consider myself to be an artist performing spoken word poetry, kind of like a Blues singer, performing songs.”
Angela believes that spoken word poetry is a powerful way to share and connect with others rather than being read from a page. She uses her poetry to focus on amplifying the voices of BIPOC and marginalized communities who feel underappreciated.
Through her performances, Angela has touched the lives of many by offering new perspectives. She hopes to reach and uplift every person who has ever felt unseen or unheard, especially young black girls and women struggling with imposter syndrome. Angela’s children also inspire her with their bravery and passion for life, motivating her to continue growing and striving to be her best self.
Angela gains additional inspiration at her performances and from the world around her, whether through taste, smell, conversation, or social gatherings. It brings her a tremendous amount of joy when, moments after a performance, someone from the crowd approaches to express how her words have impacted them.
As a first-generation college graduate with a degree in Business Communications, Angela pursued higher education as a personal accomplishment. In addition to that achievement, being a local spoken word artist and author, Angela Drew should be praised for her performances. They are engaging and powerful and showcase Angela Drew, the woman. As I stated in the beginning, everyone should experience her artistry at least once. Her performances offer a unique and enlightening perspective that can resonate with individuals from all walks of life, proving her to be a local talent worth celebrating. I believe Angela said it best when she told me, “I often say that my poems don’t come TO me, they come THROUGH me.” I encourage you to check her out!
To connect with Angela Drew, you can follow her on Instagram: @she_spits_fire, on Facebook at: Angela Drew, or visit her website: www.linguisticartistry.com, where you will find her children’s book, “Elderberry Wine,” celebrating the beauty of elders, is available for purchase on her website and Amazon.
