Tantra-zawadi

Poet, Author, Filmmaker, Recording Artist Website: www.tantra-zawadi.com Contact: Debra Williams, Diamond and Company 917-216-8445

Tantra-zawadi best describes her work as “the love that I make through my art to the vision of the unseen reality." Soulful and sublime, her poetry explores love in all its forms; from the rush of the first kiss to the bittersweet. Born in Brooklyn, New York, as a performance poet and published author, Tantra also uses her voice to support the rights of women through creative expression. Biography

Tantra has performed to standing-room audiences at venues as far away as South Africa, London, Germany and Canada. She has performed original works in the off-Broadway productions of Girl – A Choreospective, A Night of Three God/desses: Soldier Blues and Powerful Women, Stolen Dreams – a Stage Play, An Evolution in Reinvention, the Numeral Three, Leaving My Apartment and Other Urban Adventures and projects with the vonduvoisdancecollective. Tantra's recent appearances include the New York Public Library of Performance Arts at Lincoln Center, the Austin International Poetry Festival, and the Badilisha Poetry X-Change Festival in Cape Town, South Africa and the Montserrat Poetry Festival in Missouri. Tantra is a 2010 Pushcart Prize Nominee for her poem “Girl,” and a recipient of the Kings County District Attorney's Office Women’s History Month Award.

Published Author: Tantra’s latest release, “Gathered at Her Sky” from Poets Wear Prada Publishing (June 2010), is available at Amazon.com, LULU.com, Tower Books.com and iTunes iBookstore.com. Tantra is also a contributing writer for several on-line magazines. Tantra, a mentor for Girl-Child Network Worldwide (GCN), will donate partial proceeds from Gathered at Her Sky to GCN. Tantra is also the author of “alifepoeminprogress” from Chuma Spirit Books, and her poetry was featured in several publications including Essence and SpokenVizions Magazines.

On Screen: Tantra has made several appearances on cable television, local and satellite radio shows. Known for being on the cutting edge as an artist and for speaking out about issues such as HIV and AIDS awareness, Tantra’s poem and video “Scarlet Waters,” was featured on the Product(RED) video wall to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS in Africa. She has directed two short documentaries: “Girl, The Film – Volume I, A Message from Ardija Red-Cloud” and “A Silent Genocide ~ A Brief Insight into HIV/AIDS,” both edited by Oliver Covrett. “A Silent Genocide” was selected and screened as part of Cine Mostra AIDS Brasil 2010 in Sao Paulo. Tantra also participated in a public service announcement for BETAH Associates produced by Marc Herbert Productions aimed at promoting HIV/AIDS awareness. Tantra’s videos and films may be viewed on-line at http://www.youtube.com/tantrazawadi. Music and Poetry: Tantra-zawadi is a member of Collective Spirits and their “Love Planet” EP produced by Jonny Montana and Neil Maclean (Camio Recordings), showcases Bennett Holland on keys, Tantra on poem and Dana Byrd on vocals. Tantra is also a contributing artist on several recorded spoken word/musical compilations world-wide. Discography

Gene King Presents Out of the Blue, ft. Tantra-zawadi/Dana Byrd, Shines Records (2011)

African Sunrise, Groove Assassin ft. Tantra-zawadi/Dana Byrd, GKF Records (2011);

Secrets of Life, Nastee Nev ft. Tantra-zawadi/Dana Byrd, DIN Recordings (2010);

Don’t Let Go, SoulAgenda ft. Tantra-zawadi/Dana Byrd, DIN Recordings (2010);

Love Seeker, Groove Assassin ft. Tantra-zawadi/Dana Byrd, GKF Records (2010);

Rizen, Cendrine Marrouat (Five Years and Counting) ft. Tantra-zawadi (2009);

The Liberation Sessions Soul of the City by Mwalim ft. Tantra-zawadi on Tension (2009);

The Deal, Poetic Stimulus ft. Tantra-zawadi/Tshombe Sekou Harris (2009);

EARTHOLOGY, Floyd Boykin, Jr., ft. Tantra-zawadi (2009);

The Love Planet EP, Collective Spirits (2008);

Natural: Bring That Poem Home (Tantra & Fisiwe, 2005);

Urban Avant Garde: Live at the Nuyorican Poets Café (2001);

Selling My Diamonds, Precious Gift (2000). Press Reviews “Gathered at Her Sky”

“Tantra-zawadi is one of the finest and greatest female poets who has undoubtedly ushered in a new era and genre that will take the 21st century into one where humanity will move forward. She rejuvenates the weak mind, shakes and moves hard hearts. If one wants the power of poetry, then Tantra’s is the holistic package.” -Betty Makoni, CNN Hero and Founder of the Girl Child Network

“Tantra’s writing oozes with the passion of Neruda and the sensitivity of Sonia. Her words can warm the coldest of hearts.” -Bruce George, Co-founder of Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam

“Tantra-zawadi’s poetry speaks of a global consciousness and ambassadorship; each word of every line reminds us of the connection we have to one another in the race to win.” -Tshombe Sekou Harris, Founder/Host of Freedom Verse Café

“The power in her words percolates; the truth in her story persuades; and the activism in her message is victorious.” -Chuma Whahid Rasul, Founder/CEO of Chuma Spirit Books, LLC and author Of The Third Eye of a Butterfly Love Seeker Groove Assassin ft. Tantra-zawadi Gotta Keep Faith Records

“I must tell you that the track is grooving. But if you have been a follower of this awesome poet, you would know that anything that she is on turns to gold.” -Dante Rizon, (The Scoop) Spokenvizions Magazine

“In demand producer/DJ Groove Assassin makes his debut on Gotta Keep Faith Records with the massive ‘Love Seeker’ featuring freaky keys and chords alongside mean spoken words by Tantra-zawadi over a relentless funktified groove.” -Mike Fossati, Spirit of House

Soldier Blues

Tantra-zawadi knows from impact - Soldier Blues--a "poetic movement" concerned with the well-being of our military forces and their families--makes her wicked-sharp, blues-based spoken word performance the solid core of a contained multimedia team presentation. She's sensational, rousing and right as rain. Eva YaaAsantewaa Arts Journalist “alifepoeminprogress”

“Her book, 'alifepoeminprogress,' allows you to see the many dimensions of her outstanding talent. In her book, she displays what I perceive to be the epitome of a woman evolved. She has the kind of spirit that encourages others to look inside themselves instead of elsewhere for respect, dignity, happiness, and above all, love. In my mind, she exceeds Platinum status because the pleasure I receive while reading her work is priceless." -Renee Johnson, Platinum Poets

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