An Evening with Raymond Antrobus and James Massiah

This year, I had the privilege of hosting an evening at the Wimbledon Book Festival, bringing together two remarkable poets Raymond Antrobus and James Massiah.

The discussion centred on identity, language and how we make sense of our own world. Raymond read from his new book, The Quiet Ear, exploring sound, silence and belonging through his own personal experience. His readings were intimate, layered and human, a reminder of how the power of words can bridge experience and emotion.

Cindy Sasha and Raymond Atrobus at Wimbledon Book Festival

James Massiah at Wimbledon Book Festival

Raymond Antrobus reading at Wimbledon Book Festival

James Massiah followed with an performance of his poems an observation on hedonism and pleasures, offering his perspectives on modern life and amoral egoism.

The atmosphere in the room was electric, an engaged audience leaning into every word. There was a shared sense of reflection and excitement that lingered long after the event ended. I’m so grateful to the Wimbledon BookFest team for their support and for curating a space where artists and audiences can meet on such meaningful ground.