In this fortnight’s episode join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they head to Tonga to chat with young poet Anna Jane Lagi. Anna’s poetry tackles everything from cultural identity to big issues like brain drain, domestic violence, and mental health. She shares her personal journey as a young Tongan woman and how she’s shaping her own culture through her art. Poems this episode include: Send my love; Go and Come Back: and I was young once too, all by Anna Jane Lagi.

We start off the new year with a special episode featuring two extraordinary voices from Jamaica: artist, songwriter, and cultural force Phleer Carter AKA Ryan Carter, alongside the award-winning poet, Lorna Goodison. In this powerful conversation, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth dive deep into Jamaica's rich artistic landscape, blending the rhythms of music with the power of poetry.

Phleer Carter takes us on a musical journey through Jamaica’s vibrant scene, sharing his creative process and how his roots have shaped his art. From the pulse of reggae to the soulful echoes of island life, Phleer reveals the stories behind his songs and the deeper connection to his homeland.

Meanwhile, Lorna Goodison, whose poetry has captivated audiences around the world, reflects on her own journey—from her childhood immersed in Jamaica’s eclectic influences to winning the Commonwealth Poetry Prize in 1986. Lorna shares her reflections on love, justice, and the indomitable spirit of the Jamaican people, reading from her powerful collection of poetry, including The Road of the Dread, After the Green Gown of My Mother Gone Down, and Guinea Woman.

This episode is a celebration of Jamaica’s artistic soul, where music and poetry intertwine to tell the stories of love, loss, and the unbreakable spirit of a nation. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of Jamaica’s culture through the eyes of two of its most influential voices.

Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation that resonates with the heart of the Caribbean.

Join us for a very special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast brought to you from Buckingham Palace to celebrate the winners of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 - the world's oldest international schools' writing competition. In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet the brilliant young winners and hear from some of the supporters of the Royal Commonwealth Society. Guests this episode include actors Tanya Reynolds and Toby Stephens, comedian Richard Ayoade and award winning journalist Clive Myree. Alongside the exec chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Linda Yueh CBE, and the brilliant young winners: Evangeline Khoo – Senior Winner, Erynn Liew – Junior Winner, Cristabelle Yeo – Senior Runner Up, and Victor Kiyaga – Junior Runner Up. Their winning essays can be read online at https://www.royalcwsociety.org/post/qcec2024winners