ANGELA HARVEY Alternatively known as POPPY SEED Writer/composer/performance poet POPPY SEED is an act that takes performance poetry to a new level. She presents poetic jazz-roots and culture that has been described as being on the 'cusp of poetry and song.' She sheds a positively appealing 'light' on urban music scene. Born in London on Poppy Day (11.11) of Jamaican parentage, Poppy Seed embraces remembrance of past generations.
Poppy Seed has been making steady waves on the London poetry scene for the past seven years. Appearances include Glastonbury, Chats Palace, ICA, The Albany, Base, and Oval theatres, Africa Centre, Yaa Asantewa Centre, Rock Garden, Portabella Jazz Fest, Subterania, The Fridge, various Community Festivals, London Colleges, Prisons and social injustice campaigns. 1998 saw extensive work on the first album, and 1999 marked the Poppy Seed debut in Jamaica where she received an overwhelming reception and notoriety. She was acknowledged at International Black Woman 2000 in London where she gave an outstanding performance, and went on to be a hit in New York, performing live on the circuit and radio. She touched the audience at the Bernie Grant Memorial event, and toured UK 'In Celebration of Our Sisters' ending at Royal Festival Hall March 2001. She appeared in the Munich (Germany) poetry Festival 'Lyrik Eins' in April, broadcast live on TV and radio. The Afrikan Liberation Day event Manchester, and various carnivals and festivals marked a busy summer 2001. Appearances in South Africa ended the year; 2002 International woman's month saw student circuit performances, a guest appearance at 'Swollenski's' in the Strand; all the way Live at 'Kindred Spirit', and Poppy Seed is co hosted the Anti Racist Fest in Eltham (the area of the Steven Lawrence murder) July 2002. Unsigned artist POPPY SEED seeks record company support to develop/ promote the current album, 'A Taste'; and reach wider audiences. Now working on the second album, Poppy Seed is set for various appearances on the London scene in 2003. Watch out for Poppy Day II.II.2003! 'In Remembrance!'
Poppy Seed has been described as being a 'cut between Eryka Badu, Bob Marley, and a Breeze of her own.' Some add Sade to the list of comparisons. Poppy Seed's original music and melodies embrace Afrikan Roots, reggae, jazz, R&B and pop influences, which 'enhance the themes of the poetry'. The lyrics are socially and environmentally aware, conscious, and well crafted. Poppy Seed is easy to listen to, moving, and inspiring. Live music and performance is the Poppy Seed preference and stronghold. One must see to appreciate the visual and spiritual experience.Poppy Seed (Angela) describes herself as, an 'environmentally friendly humanitarian' who is 'dealing in poetic sound power to entertain and educate.' She appears for PA's, Acoustic sets with 3-5 musicians, and full band sets (extending to 10 members) when logistics allow. 'An Evening with Poppy Seed' (full band) is always mesmerising, & suitable for theatres and large music stages.