Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolan Apoets.
GOD AND POETRY SAVED MY LIFE. GOD AND POETRY OPENED DOORS FOR ME I NEVER KNEW EXISTED.
Meet the poet whose heart pulsates with his passion for the art form that saved his life. Fans proclaim that his energy is contagious, and his message, overdue. The spoken word performer known as Yolan A Poet’s Poet was born in San Diego, California to working-class parents, with their own penchant for writing and dramatic interpretation. Yolan, a former gang member, has seen the worst and best life has to offer; both inspire him. After he was nearly failed by a massive heart attack, causing him to be diagnosed with CHF (Congestive Heart Failure), Yolan sought greater purpose. Poetry became his release. These days, he taps into an inherent ability to match words to feelings, verse to reason, meters to moments, and linguistic patterns to deeper meaning. Where many succumb to illness, Yolan perseveres and channels the rhythm of the man-made chambers implanted inside him to spread messages of power and pride through every mic he touches. A history enthusiast, Yolan identifies generational guideposts to pen poems that resonate and inform. From the scourge of the crack epidemic to the viciousness of Southern California’s gang violence to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and the continuing plague of racial injustice, his performances thunder with truth, intelligence, and practical reason. He cunningly adds hints of hip-hop culture and politics into his work to enhance his broad appeal. Yolan brings reliability to the stage by infusing heartwarming personal experiences into most of his work. If you listen close enough, you are acutely aware of the influence Gil Scott-Heron, Dr. Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, Edgar Alan Poe, Langston Hughes, and others have on the artist. The result? Audiences flock to see the award-winning poet perform at the Houston Improv, Houston’s House of Blues, NRG The stadium, and top venues in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Louisiana. Yolan is a published poet, community activist, actor, and motivational speaker who credits his family and God for bringing him this far. He is currently working on his second book. Through his affiliation with philanthropic groups including Sol-Caritas and Project Push Forward, he makes altruism a cornerstone of his daily life. Yolan, who believes everyone must pay acts of kindness and mercy forward, is determined to shine a light on unknowns who possess the gift of the spoken word. The promise and success of others empower him; a characteristic this fearless poet’s poet knows will amplify his narrative for generations to come.
Has it been a smooth road?
In my life, nothing came easy to me except school. It was my getaway from the streets and what was happening in my home. Moving to Houston in June of 2001 was an absolute culture shock yet in a good way. It showed me you don’t have to be a product of the environment you live in but, a voice to help the communities you grow up in. As a poet turned spoken word artist, I never struggled with speaking my poems. I always felt reciting is therapeutic. The most ferocious roads I had to overcome started on June 5th, 2015, at 2:15 in the morning. I had a massive heart attack, flat-lined twice. a stent implanted, IDC (defibrillator/pacemaker implanted) and then put on the heart transplant list. This was the biggest fight in my life. No longer being able to work, play with my kids, go on dates with my wife, and being unable to perform. yet, I was taught never to quit; never give up. 4yrs later, I still have my symptoms or good days and bad days. but I’ve been able to start doing what I love once again, and it’s spitting my heart on the stage. The journey is the correct word. Taking all the bumps and struggles in this game called life and using them to keep pushing you.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My brand Yolan Apoets Poet and #jusathought specialize in helping the youth, young adults and our elders, I’m known for being apart of the nonprofit group, Project Push Forward that focus on the education, survival, and success for our youth. encouraging fathers to be the beckon in their children’s life amongst other things. But I’m mainly known for my stage presence as a spoken word artist, stage plays, and now, the 2018 movie debut for the indie film…’ PIPE DREAMS’. The thing I’m most proud of is producing and seeing my growth from a person who felt his brand had no purpose to be wise enough to listen to all my fans, family, and friends who supported me during some of my roughest times to never give up. Since a child, I was always told I was different, lol you act old. It’s the elders and older homies who spoke wisdom in me before I even started jr. high. My father made it his point to teach my siblings and I, our history and the strength of nothing can stop you but you. So, what sets me apart? I actually love poetry, jazz, history of all cultures, and hip hop. Somehow, I’m able to blend all of these things into my life and business.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
This is the youngest city in the nation. It’s also the fastest-growing diverse city in America. I know for a fact that had I stayed in my hometown, I never would have had as much success as I do now. This is the place to start any type of business. Yes, I would recommend it. I actually always try to get my people to move here. The only thing this city needs improvement in is those evil potholes and construction work on our freeways; It hasn’t stopped since I moved out here lol
Pricing:
- $250 per poem
- $20, $30 for tickets for Sol-Poetry and the Houston Improv presents the show
- $10 to $15 for my #JUSATHOUGHT t-shirts and $20 for my upcoming book, The Unknown Child Name Yolan
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8322474765
- Email: apoetpoet78@gmail.com
- Instagram: apoetspoet
- Facebook: yolan apoetspoet
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
