Jamaican-born cultural curator Ingrid ‘Ingrid B’ Bazin is celebrating nearly 25 years of shaping South Florida’s spoken-word scene with The B Side Slam, a National Poetry Month event set for April 12 in Historic Overtown.
Born in Jamaica with Haitian and Barbadian roots, Bazin has spent decades amplifying Caribbean voices through her platform, ON THE B SIDE. What began as grassroots poetry gatherings has grown into the region’s longest-running spoken-word series, providing a stage for poets across the Caribbean diaspora.
“This alone is a whole Caribbean passport,” Bazin said, reflecting on her identity. “Our histories are linked across the Americas, as evidenced in our food, language, and culture. Poetry allows us to express all of that, adding context, depth, and vitality to our stories.”
The B Side Slam, part of National Poetry Month, will bring together South Florida’s top poets in a judged competition featuring original performances and a $500 prize. The event will take place at Red Rooster Overtown from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Beyond competition, Bazin says the event celebrates storytelling, heritage, and shared Caribbean and American experiences.
“On our stage, you hear English, Spanish, and Creole,” she said. “You hear stories about love, loss, family, migration — stories that resonate across islands and generations. It’s about connecting communities while highlighting the unique textures of each Caribbean culture.”
Maintaining a poetry movement for nearly 25 years has not been without challenges, including funding, visibility, and audience engagement. Still, Bazin credits the platform’s longevity to the artists and community that continue to support it.
“The poets show up. The people show up. The energy is real. This isn’t just work — it’s a calling,” she said. “We’ve helped shape South Florida’s spoken-word scene while nurturing emerging talent.”
Bazin also reflected on memorable performers who have left lasting impressions, including Sunni Patterson and Miami-based poet Taboo, whose performances often explore themes of motherhood, resilience, and Caribbean identity.
As ON THE B SIDE approaches its 25-year anniversary in December 2026, Bazin hopes younger generations will embrace and preserve Caribbean culture.
“We have a responsibility to tell our stories,” she said. “Through food, music, dance, and especially poetry, we share culture. Every island has its own history, sound, and traditions. We highlight those differences while connecting people across communities.”
Bazin founded ON THE B SIDE in 2001 and later served as poet producer for Lyric Café on BET J and Centric TV. She continues to curate community-driven events focused on cultural preservation, storytelling, and wellness.
The B Side Slam is one of 25 events leading up to ON THE B SIDE’s 25th anniversary celebrations later this year.
Tickets and additional information are available at getonthebside.com.
