Erik Jan Harmens in conversation with Akwasi

Poet and novelist Erik Jan Harmens explores the poetic side of well-known Dutch personalities. While many celebrities are primarily recognized for their work in music, theater, or television, some turn to poetry as a form of expression. Why? And what moves them to capture their thoughts in verse? 

This year, Harmens welcomes a special guest: the multi-talented artist and writer Akwasi. In addition to his impressive career in music and theater, he has made his mark in poetry with his performances and his collection Laten we het er maar niet over hebben. During this program, we’ll delve into his connection with poetry and hear him perform new work. Don't miss this inspiring and insightful conversation between two passionate writers!

Akwasi

Akwasi is a versatile artist, writer, and entrepreneur, known as the frontman of Zwart Licht and the creative director of Omroep ZWART. With his distinctive and creative approach, he brings together music, poetry, and social involvement in a unique way.

Born in Amsterdam-Zuidoost and raised in Osdorp within a Ghanaian family, Akwasi began his artistic career at a young age. In his teenage years, he traveled around the country with the spoken word performance Negerzoenen, blanke vla en jodenkoeken. During his studies at the Drama Academy, he co-founded the hip-hop group Zwart Licht in 2007 with producer Hayzee and MC Leeroy, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative, socially conscious music. In addition to his work with the group, Akwasi released solo albums and published a poetry collection in 2018. His style is characterized by a unique mix of openness, depth, and humor, elements he also applies as a speaker at lectures on social issues and personal experiences. As the creative director of Omroep ZWART, he advocates for more diversity and representation in the media, believing that stories are a powerful tool for fostering connection and empathy.

This year, Akwasi is releasing letters addressed to Surinamese resistance fighter Anton de Kom, going on an anniversary tour with Zwart Licht, and working on the growth of Omroep ZWART. With his dedication, he continues to be an important voice in the cultural and social debate.

Erik Jan Harmens

Erik Jan Harmens (1970) has published six poetry collections. In February 2023, De man die blauw werd was released: intense, crystal-clear poetry about not being able to fit in groups, yet not wanting to be excluded from them either. Harmens has published two collections of lyrical duets, one with Rick de Leeuw and another with Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer. He was the first poetry slam champion of the Netherlands in 2002.

In December 2022, Puur, the biography of Hef, was released. Harmens conducted twenty-five interviews with the rapper, on the couch in Rotterdam and in Curaçao. In addition to six poetry collections, Harmens has also written six novels. In late 2021, Rigolettohof was released, about how a man grows up in the seventies and eighties near a shopping center (the Ridderhof) in Alphen aan den Rijn, which would later become a crime scene on April 9, 2011.

Harmens created two podcasts about living without intoxication: Onverdoofd and Nuchter. In NRC Handelsblad, he publishes a series of essays about his autism diagnosis. His new book, Het grote autismeboek (The Great Autism Book), has been published by Thomas Rap.