Today we’d like to introduce you to Kito Fortune.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been around poetry my entire life. My father, who is from Guyana, used to recite famous poems and speeches on stage and in the house all the time. He used to have us memorize poems and recite them in the car on the way to school in the morning. Despite all the exposure, I didn’t start writing until college. My roommate and I started binge-watching poems by Rudy Francisco on YouTube. At the time, I was lost over this girl I went to school with, so of course, like so many others, I started writing poems to impress a girl. I didn’t even think I was a poet at the time; I was just telling people, “I’m not a poet. She just inspires me, you know?” Maybe a year later, I showed my sister this poem I wrote, and she encouraged me to keep writing, so I did and never stopped! I went to the open mic at my school and found a poetry collective called the 2 Cents Movement, and that was it. Collaborating with other artist who were also striving to become better writer, competing in slams, and really just finding a tribe of people who valued writing made all the difference. Ever since then, whenever I get to a new place, I seek out the poets and the creatives because they give me life, and I dedicate my writing to passing that energy on to others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
NOT AT ALL! Still isn’t. I think the hardest part early on was buying into this being my purpose. Like a lot of people who are children of immigrants. We normally art taught to believe that we don’t have the luxury of choosing a profession in the arts. Success is not guaranteed, and there is no clear roadmap how to get there. My father changed the trajectory of my family’s entire existence by choosing to enter the medical field. So, it was very hard to convince him and others that I could repay that sacrifice with something as uncertain as poetry. If I’m being honest, I still don’t believe have done it. The hardest part of doing this is battling every day with doubt and the pressure of succeeding. I’m always pushing to do it quick enough so my grandmother can witness it, so I can relieve the burden of worry off my dad’s shoulders, so I can inspire my students, little cousins, and one day my children to believe that it’s possible. Every day, I take the weight of all that and measure it against the purpose that God has given me to share these stories. This art that has the power to pull heartstrings and educate and inspire is my responsibility to put out into the world, and if I don’t, the very unique and powerful version that only I can create will be lost.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a spoken-word poet. I mean, I’m also a musician, an educator, a voice actor, and a host, but my specialty is in writing and performing poetry. There are so many incredible poets in LA and around the world, but I would say what I am known most for is being an incredibly passionate performer. I go onto stages and into classrooms, looking to snatch the attention of the person who doesn’t want to give it and captivate anyone who does. My voice has always been my best weapon, and spoken word gives me the platform to wield it to move people. It also lets’s release all of the pent-up rage, sorrow, and joy that is trapped inside of me.
I think what I am most proud of has been my improvement as a writer. Specifically, the writing. I think I have always been a performer and have a natural affinity for being on stage, but being able to convey the messages and stories in so many different ways now is a testament to how hard I’ve worked over the years and the poets and mentors who have poured into me. Being a part of the slam team at Da Poetry Lounge and representing my city is a gigantic place of pride for me and is a major reason why I have been able to improve the way I have.
Honestly, any time someone comes up to me after a performance and says, “I feel like I wrote that poem,” or “How did you put into words exactly what I was feeling?” That is the stuff that makes my heart grow 3 sizes. Anything I do that can help people access or work through their feelings makes every single part of this worth it.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
It’s hard to pick out just one, but all of them involve spending time with my family. Whether it’s playing video games with my cousins (especially Super Smash Bros). Making up songs in the kitchen with my sisters or watching the Lakers with my dad; none of them are major significant life-changing moments, but all of those things are so precious to me.
Pricing:
- The zoo 10$ on Amazon
- Contact email or IG for any booking inquiries
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitofortune/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW8jjVN-jLnwbn30PbtWKHg
