A profile of Def Jam spoken word artist Bassey Ikpi

This Nigerian born spoken word artist has appeared on HBO’s Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry four times. In the past two years, she has opened up for Grammy nominated artists India Arie, Les Nubians and Luther Vandross. As a member of the all woman poetry collective, Diva Diction, Bassey appeared on the NAACP Image Awards as part of a tribute to Venus and Serena Williams. Bassey has also been a featured cast member of the National Touring Company of the Tony Award winning Broadway show, Russell Simmon’s Def Poetry Jam.

(Bassey with Mos Def)

In the Summer of 2003, Bassey was a part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Bassey has also been seen gracing the pages of magazines such as Nylon, Marie Claire, Glamour and Bust. She also recorded an original poem for the Kaiser Foundations, HIV/AIDS campaign, Knowing Is Beautiful. Bassey’s personal and heartfelt work has made her a much sought after performer.

She is currently working on her first collection of Poetry and Prose entitled, From This Safe Space and can be found performing and colleges and universities across the country.

For more information visit www.basseyworld.com.