Jus a Trace: The Boudoir Edition at Senses Marché on Belleville St Michael - A Sensual Poetry Event and Tribute to Late Deejay Warren Jon Doe Forte

Poetry enthusiasts congregated in the snug ambience of Senses Marché on Belleville St Michael last Saturday night, embracing the allure of Jus a Trace: The Boudoir Edition, meticulously orchestrated by communications specialist Tracy Moore.

The former journalist discovered her passion for spoken word decades ago in the vibrant city of Toronto. And despite initial reservations about her assimilation into the local scene, she found the encouragement she needed from late deejay Warren Jon Doe Forte and the lyrical virtuoso Dr Stedson RPB Wiltshire. Finally conquering her apprehensions, she made a triumphant return to the stage this past February. This event, synonymous with love, also serves as a touching tribute to Forte on what would have been his birthday.

In the wake of the success of the inaugural event, this more sensual iteration heralded as the sultriest night in October, was conceived. While pyjamas remained optional attire, a few audacious attendees fully embraced the theme by donning bedroom attire.

Among them was Carmen, one of the featured performers, who embodied the theme wholeheartedly. She donned a captivating scarlet negligee that accentuated her curves, weaving mesmerising tales of love and heartbreak. Her velvety voice held the audience spellbound as she delivered pieces such as Garment of Love, Breakup Sex, and Love Me Like Poetry.

With each performer gracing the stage, the audience was progressively engrossed in their narratives, harmonised by an ensemble directed by the musical maestro, Jomo Slusher. While all the presentations were brimming with vivid imagery, the appearances of Rhyminister and Sunrokk introduced a distinct flavour. Carmen’s pieces exuded sensuality, but Rhyminister and Sunrokk brought their signature styles, laced with humour. Rhyminister delved into the intriguing topic of the Horner Man, while SunRokk, in his effortless style, chronicled fractured relationships and sexual prowess. He ingeniously employed cricketing analogies to resonate with the Caribbean context, weaving sexual undertones through song titles from Edwin Yearwood and Lil Rick.

Kweku Jelani, renowned for his mellifluous vocals as much for his deft handling of the trumpet, emerged as another evening highlight. His inclusion by promoter Moore proved to be astute, as he showcased his musical prowess on the trumpet and demonstrated his versatility as a singer. Jelani’s repertoire traversed multiple genres, commencing with Robin Thicke’s Lost Without You, transitioning seamlessly to Estelle’s Come Over, and effortlessly moving into Romaine Virgo’s I Want to Go Home. He added a touch of risqué charm with Stiffy’s Body in Trouble and offered attendees a tantalising preview of original material from his forthcoming EP, scheduled for launch on October 29.