There is a unique global family of underground artists. Underground, like the days of the Harriet Tubman, in the trenches working to empower peace, unity and the essence of freedom. Dedicated. Motivated by a Force Unseen. Working to cultivate a dream – for the children, the descendents. Artists, emerging like the days of the Harlem Renaissance. Transcribing the “writing on the wall” into art and music and song. A movement fueled by Passion. A Passion moved by Spirit. And, a Spirit embedded in Love. And, passion is what can make the difference in our lives, our communities, and in the world. Therein lies the responsibility of life – Follow your passions and dreams…
An artist of many dimensions, Kemi Bennings is a native of Augusta, Georgia. She is poet, author, pioneer, nurse, visionary, tutor/mentor, soul singer and culinary artist. Shortly after moving to Atlanta, she was invited to host Patti Hut Café, one of Atlanta’s cornerstones in the poetry/spoken word movement. In October of 1999, she founded Cultivating Collective Thoughts, an exclusive poetry retreat for artists seeking to merge their talents with the genius and wisdom of elder poets, which convened for two consecutive years. In May of 2002, Kemi inspired Soul Sista’s Juke Joint, an evening highlighting local, upcoming and independent female artists from all over the country. Together with her partners, Jodine Dorcé, Nikki Edmonds, Shauna Marie Phillips, Kimberly Stewart, Christy Robinson and the many others that made up the Soul Sista’s Juke Joint family brought back the essence of the juke joint. With a mission to “elevate human consciousness through art, culture, music and the diverse power of women”, Soul Sista’s Juke Joint has showcased over 150 solo artists, poets, bands, visual artists, small businesses, and/or musicians, to date.
In September of that same year, Kemi released Evolution: a collection of thoughts, poems inspirations and musings, her first literary work. With lots of divine motivation, little funding, and no excuses, Kemi, was inspired by dear friend and writer, Ekundayo Bandele, to hand craft her books through the tradition of hard covered book binding. Evolution has sold approximately 2500 copies since its release.
In December 2002, “A Great Day In Atlanta” spawned while Kemi sat in the company of artists from the Washington, D.C. underground community. And, on Sunday March 30, 2003, on the steps of Clark Atlanta University’s Woodruff Library, John Crooms, Atlanta’s underground photographic historian, along with movers and shakers of Atlanta’s underground movement gathered for a photographic memoir that will forever reign in the hearts, minds and souls of all that shared in that moment. Reminiscent Art Kane’s, “A Great Day In Harlem”, taken in August of 1958, “ A Great Day In Atlanta” marked history; deeming the individual and collective efforts of artists, organizers, spearheads and promoters as a collective movement, thus documenting the Atlanta underground movement as a collective renaissance.
Somewhere between watching her mother in the kitchen, public television cooking shows and easy bake ovens, Kemi unearthed her culinary artist. With a love and fascination for gourmet vegetarian cooking, in April of 2004 she birthed Food For Thought Gourmet Vegetarian & Eclectic Cuisine, a creative culinary concept offering gourmet vegetarian lunch fare, course-style dining experiences and personal chef services. In July of that same year, due to one her valued clients, Kemi was invited to the set of Tyler Perry’s, Diary Of A Mad Black Woman to serve as personal chef to Tyler Perry, Kimberly Elise, Reuben Cannon, and Cecily Tyson.
In August of 2004, Kemi traveled to China, implementing Creative Soul Sessions, a curriculum creating dialogue and empowering the youth through the therapeutic uses of poetry, life skills lessons, and sound expression. A life lesson in itself, Kemi’s five-month mecca to China, as both student and teacher, was an opportunity to connect with more of her human family and to learn the ways of another world. While in China she began her second literary work of poetry, entitled Transformation: a journey of poetic revelations. She is currently seeking the publishing of both Evolution and Transformation as one work.
Most recently, Kemi was invited back as personal chef for the filming of Perry’s second feature film, Madea’s Family Reunion, slated for release in February 2006. This year her clients included actors Tyler Perry, Cecily Tyson and Jenifer Lewis.
As a result Kemi was invited to perform her poetry in Jenifer Lewis’ “Divas for Katrina Relief" held at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles. She shared the stage with divas, Nancy Wilson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, Roxanne Reese, Anita Whitaker, Freda Payne, Eloise Laws and Spanky Wilson to name a few.
A fusion of poet, messenger and soul singer, Kemi combines jazz, blues, gospel, house and soul genres to inspire a generation of artistic change through her debut CD release, Prevelations 12:18, subtitled Spirit On My Back, twelve tracks of poetic revelations.
Kemi states candidly “In my opinion, we as artists, and writers are the soothsayers of it all; together we possess the energy required to balance the universe.” She spends her time inspiring other artists to live as artists, being true to their spiritual being. “Insomuch as art comes through conceptualization, the artist is connected to a higher spirit, a force compelling the artist to create visions of what lies within, or on the other side of that which transcends human consciousness.”
Words Unspoken Expressed through Open Channels Reverberate in the Ether Regions Where i Store Up the Harvest of Love, and Draw from a Proper Reserve When my Soul needs Feeding... So Much Beautiful, So Much Grace in One Place.
The Blessed Lesson, Never Take the beauty of Our People and Our Planet for Granted
Get the Most out of Our Close Knit Family, and Cherish Every Moment Spent Near...and Know that Although I am Far from Home, I am Transmitting Love to You from Over Here.
Great seeing you last night. Don't forget Oct 10th @ Shauns 1029 Edgewood Ave for my Birthday. Hope to see you..and feel free to bring some folks. No cover ever. Enjoy your week.
Soul Sista's Juke Joint Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at The Five Spot - 1123 Euclid Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307
Featuring:
Nikki "The Diva" Wade Rhonda Thomas Von of Dallas, TX Ozara Ode SongByrd Jackson and introducing: Femme de la Funk - The All Female Soul Sista's Juke Joint Band
PLUS...
Visual Artistry by Brandi Pettijohn and Linda Costa
Fashions by Cat Belle and Agape
and a Sneak Preview of "Reclamation: A Celebration of Black Erotica" Art Exhibit
Doors open at 8PM - Show starts at 9PM
Admission only 10 dollars
MAKE IT A POINT TO BE THERE! WHAT GOES ON IN THE JUKE JOINT, STAYS IN THE JUKE JOINT!
Spirit Leads When Mind and Body Follow Eyes See in Phyical Yet InI See Spiritually Soulfully Connected to Those w/Good Reception Moving On a Chord in Accordance With the Divine Allignment We Are Triumphant No Matter What...
SIS it is always a great TREASURE to be in conctact with you I am so Proud of you and your many Journeys because I know you will take us to the places you have been & Go with your spirit-songs-& poetry so with this may GOD continue to Bless u in all u do in LIFE and Yo bringing up the PATTI HUT almost bought a tear in my EYE.Massive LOVE & RESPECT
Thank you so much for sharing your gift of spoken words and song with us at the benefit concert to raise awareness and money for NAMI and the Atlanta Day Shelter!! You are the mother of spoken word in the ATL!!
Thanks for the add... I had to write you and say that I truly love your poetry and music, it touches my soul. I also had the opportunity to see you perform live at the Conscious Cafe, last saturday in the ATL (I sat behind you) Kemi!! you did your thing girl!!! And once again, thank you for creating such soulful poetry.
Hey there, What has been goin on witcha? Hope to see you tonight if the Father is willing and the creek don't rise! If for some reason I am not there, have the best of shows!!!!! Much love, Yoel
Join QUEEN BEE, PRECIOUS, BIG SWEETS and the SSJJ Ensemble TONIGHT (THURSDAY) AT SOUL SISTA'S JUKE JOINT! Doors open @ 8PM, Show time @ 9PM :: The Five Spot - 1123 Euclid Avenue, Atlanta 30307 :: $10 at the door
