To Penboy, “RED” is more than just a colour, it is a two-sided coin: one face being a representation of love, passion, courage and energy, and the other face, a symbol of danger, anger and loss. All these interpretations of the vibrant and eye-catching colour were carefully channelled into the crafting of the 12piece spoken word album by the versatile and dynamic artist, Penboy.
Since the days of the Aristotle, spoken word has been used as medium to express the grievances of the people towards their leaders, giving a voice to the masses and the oppressed. In “RED,” Penboy maintains this ancient purpose of spoken word but blends it with a more contemporary purpose of spoken word as a form of art_ using it to express the internal battles that individuals face and the different emotions they experience on day today basis. That is why in “RED”, you will hear the voice of an oppressed people, the zeal of a patriotic citizen the cry of a hungry child, the plea of a broken heart, the wandering thoughts of a Christian at the verge of despair.
The album begins with a piece titled “Katabasis: Journey to the world beyond,” a poem which voices the unspoken thoughts of a Christian at the verge of despair. If you have ever asked yourself the question “Why did God let this happen?” this is the poem for you.
Aside from the complex concepts of spirituality, “RED” embodies the silent pleas of lover yearning for lost love and the bitter-sweet feeling that accompany a lost love. The poems “Limerance” and “Time doesn’t heal” effectively convey these emotions. To the heartbroken soul, grab a tissue before you listen to either of these.
Like a true artist, Penboy draws inspiration from his immediate environment, adding a soul to his art. The poem “Ballot box” in “RED” is a criticism of the lack of attention from international media concerning the anglophone crisis in Cameroon, the lack of respect for the sanctity of human life and horror of violence. Yet, as an agent of change and a beacon of hope, the poem talks about the ballot box as a power vault that citizens can unlock through voting the right leaders. In Penboy’s words the ballot box is “A highway to liberation.”
“RED,” in “Dreams and Nightmares” and “Blood Bath”, also tells the story of how the ravaging power of hunger transcends the intestines, starving even the dreams which make childhood colourful and adulthood promising. It tells the sad story of how war does not only leave lands in ruins, but plunders dreams and joy of the people, leaving nothing but ruin and nightmares in its wake.
The album also covers themes such as the ephemerality of human life, the loss of the zeal and the lack of courage to die, the shallowness of human empathy. It equally uses sarcasm and grim humour to remind the audience that when they die, their world ends but the world moves on.
Penboy himself describes the album thus;
“RED: unspoken thoughts, unchained emotions. This powerful spoken word album confronts the silence surrounding depression, giving voice to the pain, the fear and the resilience of the human spirit.”
Stream the album here –
RED – The ALBUM
Just as the colour red is vibrant, energetic, bright, attention-grabbing and loud in a subtle manner, so too was the event “RED.” On the 10th of March 2025, people from all walks of life poured into the mini valley behind the former Alliance Francaise in Buea, Cameroon. From the venue to the guests, the performances and the performers, nothing about “RED” was conventional or regular.
The dress code of the guests and the uncoordinated stage decor was in symphony with the themes of the songs and poems performed.
Sitting under the moonlight and surrounded by nature’s embrace, one would have thought they were about to hear tales of the good old days. Instead, their ears were fed doses of reality channelled through carefully crafted words, well directed stage acts and soul piercing music. (add images of Inkman and others on stage)
The event “RED” provided a stage for budding spoken word artists to showcase their art and to tell tales, not of fairies but of fear and fright, to boldly say no to social ills, while celebrating the beauty of life.
Seasoned spoken word artist such as Nyanga Sandy, also graced the stage during the event, “RED.” They used their experienced pens and refined voices to sing the praises of the African continent and Africans, while equally shunning war and violence.
The most anticipated display at the “RED” event was the host, Penboy’s, performance of some pieces from his most recent album, “RED.” Every aspect of his performance, from his costume to the body arts, the music and his impeccable stage craft, to his voice and tone all breathed life into the album “RED” and created an awe-inspiring atmosphere which left the audience shaken, motivated, stunned, broken and comforted.
The huge crowd which poured into every narrow crack of the valley for the official launch of the album “RED” during the event “RED” seemed to have been hypnotised by the performance, an indication of the soft power which Penboy yields with the relatable words of his poems and his captivating stage craft.
Link to full show –
RED – THE FULL SHOW
