Levi Tafari, born and raised in Liverpool by his Jamaican parents, is the author of four poetry collections. His plays have been performed at the Unity Theatre and the Playhouse in Liverpool, as well as at the Blackheath Theatre in Stafford. He has also worked on educational projects running creative writing workshops in schools, colleges, universities, youth centres, prisons and libraries. Levi Tafari has made a well-received film on Rastafarianism for BBC television’s Everyman programme entitled The Road to Zion. His musical projects include work with Ghanian drum and dance ensemble Delado, the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and his own reggae fusion band Ministry of Love. He has also played with Urban Strawberry Lunch and Griot Workshop and has recently worked with jazz musician Dennis Rollins.

Levi’s work is deeply rooted in the oral tradition and has often been described as an Urban Griot, the griot being the traditional consciousness raiser, storyteller, newscaster and political agitator. His words move to a strong reggae beat, but it’s also very humorous.

Levi Tafari is brought to Malta by the British Council. In Malta he will be leading creative writing workshops in Maltese schools, as part of The British Council’s INDIE project (Integration and Diversity in Education).

Levi Tafari will be holding a reading of his poetry next Tuesday 10 March at 8pm at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta. Entrance is free of charge

How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

I am 48 years of age, my star sign is Cancer and my date of birth is 24 June 1960.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

I would like to be doing what I am doing now, which is writing and performing.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Having my family around me. Also to live in a world free from racial hatred and prejudice.

What is your favourite occupation?

Writing, performing and travelling around the world.

Significant other?

My wife Carol.

What is your greatest fear?

The environment crashing and nuclear warfare.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Love, respect and trust.

How would you like to die?

I would like to pass over to the other side in my sleep.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I don’t have a greatest extravagance.

What is your greatest regret?

I regret not learning to play a musical instrument.

What is your most treasured possession?

My talent for writing and performing.

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

The talent of playing a musical instrument.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Slavery.

Where would you like to live?

I would love to live in the Caribbean preferably Jamaica.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My dreadlocks.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

IE Marcus Garvey, Bob Marley, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Mohammad Ali, Maya Angelou, Nanny of the Maroons and my mum and dad to name a few.

What is it that you most dislike?

Racism.

What is your motto?

“Believe you can achieve, shape your own destiny.”