JONAH DENAE: POET, SPOKEN WORD ARTIST

SpearHead Conversations Podcast

In the latest episode of "Spearhead Conversations," Xavier Mercado interviews poet and spoken word artist Jonah Denae from Milwaukee. Jonah shares her journey from a modest upbringing, crediting her first-grade teacher, Miss Davis, for igniting her passion for poetry. She reflects on how poetry has given her a voice and contributed to her resilience. Jonah discusses how Milwaukee's diverse culture and music scene have influenced her artistry. Starting with battle rapping in 8th grade, she drew inspiration from artists like Nas, Jay-Z, and Tupac, blending poetry with music to create a unique style. Recent achievements include her book "Beyond Thin Walls," performances at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and being a finalist in the Milwaukee youth poet laureate competition. Jonah also shares the challenges she faced on her creative journey. Looking forward, Jonah talks about upcoming projects such as her new single "Last Woman Standing," more books, and ventures into acting and music video production. She and Xavier highlight the importance of authenticity and perseverance for aspiring artists.