Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetryis a cable phenomenon bringing the art of performance poetry into the homes of millions of television viewers. Performance poetry is present for a new generation to appreciate. This research focuses on how the African oral element of nommo is present in Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry. This research seeks to uncover how the concept of nommo is manifested in Def Poetryand how the use of nommo becomes an effective element in this genre. Using an Afrocentric rhetorical analysis, the characteristics of nommo studied were rhythm, soundin’ out, repetition, stylin’, lyrical quality, improvisation, historical perspective, indirection, call and response, and mythication.

Keywords

nommo Def Poetry orality Afrocentricity spoken word rhythm soundin’ out repetition call and response mythication

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Asante, M. K. (1987). The Afrocentric idea. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.

Asante, M. K. (1988). Afrocentricity. Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press.

Asante, M. K. (1990). Kemet, Afrocentricity, and knowledge. Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press.

Asante, M. K. (1998). The Afrocentric idea. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.

Cummings, M. , & Roy, A. (2002). Manifestations of Afrocentricity in rap music. Howard Journal of Communication, 13, 59-76.

Daniel, J. L. , & Smitherman, G. (1976). How I got over: Communication dynamics in the Black community. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 62, 26-39.

Diop, C. (1974). The African origin of civilization. Westport, CT: Lawrence Hill.

Hamlet, J. (1998). Afrocentric visions: Studies in culture and communication. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Harrison, P. C. (1972). The drama of nommo. New York: Grove.

10.

Jahn, J. (1958). Muntu: The new African culture. New York: Grove.

11.

Karenga, M. (1988). Black studies and the problematic of paradigm: The philosophical dimension. Journal of Black Studies, 18, 395-414.

12.

Murray, M. (2002). Talkin’ Broadway’s Broadway Reviews: Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. Retrieved July 13, 2004, from http://www.talkinbroadway.com/world/DefPoetryJam.html

13.

Myers, L. J. (1987). The deep structure of culture: Relevance of traditional African culture in contemporary life. Journal of Black Studies, 18, 72-85.

14.

Oyebade, B. (1990). African studies and the Afrocentric paradigm: A critique. Journal of Black Studies, 21, 233-238.

15.

Salinas, M. (2002). Russell Simmons getsDef in it: The hip hop impresario brings urban poets to Broadway. Retrieved July 15, 2004, from http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm?int_news_id=2742

16.

Simmons, R. & Lathan, S. (Producers). (2004). Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry[Tele-vision series]. New York: HBO.

17.

Smitherman, G. (1986). Talkin’ and testifyin’. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University Press.

18.

Spun, B. (2002). Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. Retrieved May 21, 2004, from http://www.nyrock.com/reviews/2002/defpoetry.asp

Manifestations of Nommo in Def Poetry

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References