Leroi speaks at Songshine

As a young man, Clarke was actively involved in the local theatre and utilised his artistic talents to draw, paint, sing and act. He has painted professionally since 1969 and was the first artist-in-residence at the Studio Museum in Harlem from 1969 through 1975. He has also had numerous exhibitions throughout North and South America.

Clarke was inspired to take the stage at Songshine, and advised young writers and poets to be patient with themselves, even as their talent, energy and potential were obvious, and to let their work evolve.

Featured act, rapso group, Word Sound and Power roused the audience with lyrically strong numbers such as “Questions”, “Freedom and Drum Done Cut”.

Also taking the stage on the night were reggae band Nylon Pool, rapsoman OzyMajic and singer Josette Joseph, among many others. The next edition of Songshine takes place on September 3.