Spoken word, instant composing and jazz intertwine in SPOKEN OPUS, as part of our concert series DATSKAT. In collaboration with wordsmith Manu van Kersbergen we invite a number of wordsmiths and musicians for each edition to join forces on stage, without any rehearsals or pre-arrangements. This edition features Roncha, Stryder, Sydney Lowell, Diana Dzhabbar and Kotokid.

Roncha  
Out of his rap background, with multiple group and solo releases, Roncha developed himself as a gifted spoken word artist. He took part in various Belgian slam poetry championships as a candidate and jury member, and he could be seen as a poet on national television. Roncha has not put his rap past behind him completely: he is about to release another album which includes many slam influences. 

Stryder 
Poet and a kid on the verge of the 1980s. Through hip-hop he learned the power of the word at a very young age. Aside from a spoken word artist, Stryder is a rapper. Together with Gaza he created the mixtape De stem van: a critical reflection on society and global politics. Currently he is a member of the hip-hop collective Camp Rauw, which recently released its debut album Meer dan muziek. 

Sydney Lowell 
The Amsterdam-based spoken word poet Sydney Lowell tells moving stories through her rhythmic lines. Sometimes critical, sometimes sensual, sometimes introverted, always soulful. She’s a poet out of necessity and sees her poetry not only as a reflection of herself, but also as an extension to reach out to others and operate as a messenger. Het debut EP WORD contains poems that, like her other work, are loaded with intention, spirit and emotion. 

Manu van Kersbergen host, Roncha, Sydney Lowell, Stryder spoken word, Diana Dzhabbar sax, Kotokid bass & synths