, Jamaica. At the age of 14, he Spicy Fingers was born in Kingston , Birmingham.

After leaving orth moved to the UK to live in Handsw age of 17, Spicy worked in the the Handsworthwood Boys School at attending Garretts hotel industry for two years, before f in 1980. After restaurant and qualified as a che Green Technical College, where he French, Italian experience as a Gourmet Chef of gaining considerable d his own catering business in che and Caribbean cuisine, Spicy laun ce the name Spicy Fingers. 1985 hen of the widest-read black

stage, as being one ring business, y is also known Alongside managing his cate poets in Britain at present, Spic by This is because of his hered his interest in the arts Spicy furt as the peoples poet. ies. Due from the local painting, writing poetry and stor deep empathy with and support Spicy was inspired to his extensive travel, r community. and wide ed on his try to write a range of poetry bas Spicy has been engaged in poe ools, riences, including personal life many expe ormance and workshops at sch and perf experiences. universities on a national 7, Spicy bought colleges and of children from On his first visit to Africa in 199 international level. Thousands benefited from . This empowered his natural his first drum the ages of 5 upwards have being connected and participative creative abilities as a result of Spicys dynamic, energizing of the vibration with the roots and foundation to poetry / story-telling. approach ion, Reflecting of word power and sound. Spicys most recent publicat can aptitude to connect An example of Spicys is an educational resource that Black, in 1994, whilst tool, alongside the National life with creative expression, be used as a shop, he was poems working in a Caribbean Food Curriculum. This anthology of te a poetry poster called ion motivated to crea is supported by comprehens s poetry poster A Hungry Man. This humorou questions which helps students proved to be a and was immensely popular and raise their level of attainment went on er. He hermore, catalyst for Spicys poetry care achievement in literacy. Furt es of poetry book, to produce and distribute a seri in working through tasks in the lly posters and calendars. people are guided to practica young and tivity in language based ame a prolific writer of poetry Spicy bec apply their crea k from friends a valuable due to much positive feedbac activities. Reflecting Black is young self-publish through and family he decided to aid to teachers who wish to help es ions. In make meaning of real life issu company Betterment Publicat his people was first book, Black Emotions, encounter, from love and 1995, his which we all expanded his ure, published. To date, Spicy has relationships, environment, cult es, the books, Black list of publications with social responsibility, family valu rning (2010) hood / Inspiration (2000), Black Ado motivation, citizenship, man . ecting Black (2011). and Refl womanhood ucing poetry a As a result of writing and prod Spicy continues his journey as y has creative writer, while 1986, to the present day, Spic since poet and and research ise, drawn inspiration from travel supporting others to do likew in a number of countries. he has carried out by running workshops with his art in This has led to him developing children and young people in l contexts , rent cultural and educationa diffe primary and secondary schools th s and dep ues, that has enhanced the richnes colleges and community ven back reflects e of to his writing. Importantly, feed as well as with adults, in a rang ownership munities. that the reader has kinship and com to connect of his poems through being able g ing and reality of the word. Bein with the feel international recognised as a poet on the

full or Spicy Fingers is available for formances, half day workshops, per rm as a guest speaker, and long-te as a workshop facilitator contracts and poet-in-residence. for a Workshops start from 275 and 475 for a full day, plus half day s is travel expenses. Spicy Finger but travels all based in Birmingham tion, over the UK. For further informa Spicy Fingers or to check to book sey at availability, please email Lyn co.uk. info@bookapoet. t is A non-refundable 50% deposi booking. required when making a nge any (We will endeavour to re-arra wherever possible.) cancellations Our terms and conditions are t.co.uk available at www.bookapoe included with and will be quotes / bookings.

ookapoet.co.uk www.bookapoet.co.uk info@b