We are thrilled to announce that 13-year-old Izuchi Okorie will be representing the UK in the first ever International Low-Vision Song Contest (ILVSC). Her spoken word poem ‘Angry Black Girl’, set to original music, is inspired by the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matters movement. Izuchi will perform her piece in the final on May 21st with Rupert Mountjoy – her visually impaired mentor and musical collaborator.
The standard of all of the performers was incredibly high and we were overwhelmed by the amazing talents displayed by our visually impaired musicians during the UK Selection Round, which was hosted by LOOK.
Many of the performers are members of the LOOK Music Forum and Youth Forum, and it was during one of these online get-togethers that Izuchi met mentor Rupert. Rupert is a multi-talented musician and with Best’s disease – a macular degenerative condition resulting in sight loss. He spotted Izuchi’s talent immediately and encouraged her to enter the competition.
Izuchi started writing poetry at the age of 9. She lives in London and has an eye condition called ‘Nystagmus’ in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements that can affect vision, balance, coordination and depth perception. She also has albinism – a condition caused by a lack of pigment in the iris. Her poem “Angry Black Girl” tackles difficult and timely themes head on. Izuchi says:
“My poem is inspired by the microaggressions that black and ethnic minority groups face on a daily basis. The writing process wasn’t hard because the topic is close to my heart. It was easy for me to write it, and after I got the first paragraph done, my pen just flowed…’
LOOK CEO, Charlotte Carson, says:
“We are so proud of Izuchi being selected as the UK’s representative in the first ever International Low Vision Song Contest, and happy our mentor programme played a part in supporting Izuchi to share her talent in this exciting new competition. At just 13, her incredible piece is so reflective of the times we are living through – and the double discrimination that can be faced by young people who are both blind and black. It is so important we start talking about race and disability, and ways to help young people find their voice. This year has been such an isolating time for everyone, and we are very grateful to our 85 LOOK mentors spread throughout the UK who gift their time to be a friend and guide to young people on their journey with visual impairment. The collaboration between Izuchi and Rupert shows the transformative power of peer relationships.”
Izuchi has a call to action to other young visually impaired artists, who might feel held back from expressing themselves. She says: ‘Don’t limit yourself. Use anything as inspiration. As artists, we have to create so if one way isn’t open, there’ll always be another – we just have to find it. Don’t be afraid.’
How you can support Izuchi and Rupert
Izuchi and Rupert will perform ‘Angry Black Girl’ in the final of the International Low Vision Song Contest on Friday the 21st of May at 6pm (British Summer Time).
Please head to this website where you can watch the live event. A link to the online voting will be displayed during the show. Please vote for Izuchi and Rupert!!
Angry Black Girl
To listen to Izuchi and Rupert performing ‘Angry Black Girl’ click below.
Angry Black Girl
By Izuchi Okorie
Pew, pew, pew
One by one shots every word from my mouth,
Like a firing squad in America’s deep south.
Ahh,
The hum of an angel,
Blond hair, blue eyes
Sounds from heavenly skies
But we answered the same question in class.
Angry black girl
Angry black girl
Angry black girl
Then they asked me if everything’s alright at home,
Apparently my mums out wildin’ and my dad I’ve never known,
And I look after my siblings like I’m all grown.
So now it’s time to bring out the strap
Place my finger on the trigger and cock it back
See a stable household, I ain’t got it like that
According to them that goes for everyone who’s black.
Cos when I speak I’m too loud
When I smile I’m too proud
And now they’re threatened.
Angry black girl
Angry black girl
Angry black girl
Oh and just in case you didn’t know
We’re all criminals for sure
This has ended up as a war
I’m a lying so hear me roar
Because when we try to get a job we’re dismissed at the door
And when we go to shop we’re watched in your stores
Casually I’m in my tracksuit, hat, Nike, gloves
And you wanna put me cuffs?
‘Why? ‘‘For a stop and search’
And if I refuse? That defines I’ve definitely got a weapon.
Angry black girl
Angry black girl
ANGRY BLACK GIRL
Now don’t move!
Put your hands where I can see them
It’s my turn to shoot for real
And for this I have many reasons
So it’s time I put the bally on and go in for the kill
Cos I hate how you guys treat us
It’s about time I keep it real
Bandanna on, no face no case
This fully loaded barrel takes centre stage
My body slowly filling with rage
Because our picky hair was never it
Neither was our curves or our fat lips
We were told to use relaxer until our hair was straight
Then things got easier and we began to wear a lace
Now let’s talk about our braids
Because that makes our hair grow but you wear it when you feel brave
You took the best from us for so long to leave us in a mess
How many more black people do you wanna eat before your stomach can digest?
See I may be talking a lot but I just have to get this and more off my chest
But you can’t love our fruits but hate our roots
And that’s on being the best.
Angry Black Girl
Angry Black Girl
Angry Black Girl
An interview with Izuchi and Rupert
We caught up with Izuchi and Rupert after their dazzling performance in the International Low Vision Song Contest UK Selection Round to find out what inspired their work, how they felt about winning and what they plan to do next! Click below to watch the interview.
