The Dri Fish

 

Poetry with different forms of diversity, you’d think he had a split personality, delivering a spoken word dramatically, humorously, seriously is the work of Femi Lawal, on stage known as "the Dri Fish".  A Spoken word performance artist, who has been performing poetry since 1996. The Dri Fish presently a member of the spoken word performance group called "THEE FAMILY", that was formed in 1998. As a member of "THEE FAMILY" and as a solo artist, Femi has performed at various different local poetry avenues, such as the Blacks and Wax Museum, Larry Stuarts, Xando’s, Barns and Noble Book store, the Heritage theatre, Five Seasons, the Arena Playhouse Just to name a few. He has also performed at several different colleges, such as ST. South Amherst College, St. Mary's College, UMBC, University of College Park, Morgan State University, Loyola college, the college of Notre Dame, Dennison University (in Ohio), the School for Intl. Training (in New England), and UMASS (in Boston).  The Dri Fish was the year 2000 Art scape poetry slam champion, and placed second in 2001 Art Scape Slam.

 As a member of “Thee Family” Femi has help organize spoken word showcases for the high schools encouraging positive living, creative writing and thought. He is also known for  performing at youth against violence rallies as well as various festivals in the Baltimore area. During the summer of 2001 he gave assistance to the Nu- World Ensemble, a group of high school children who put on a show to fight against domestic violence. In addition to that The Dri Fish performed representing the Maryland Art Council in the first Multicultural Summit Conventions in the Fall of 2001. Femi considers his poetry to be very unique in style and presentation. He also uses his art to express his feeling and perceptions on numerous different topics such as war on drugs, murder/guns, relationship (man and woman/ family), political system, respect for life, occasionally makes up funny scenarios plus many more. He believes his words to be informative, humorous, sarcastic and a little bit abnormal a times, yet always having a meaningful message.

The Dri Fish is also a founding member of Poetry For The People Baltimore, an organization that seeks to use poetry to heal, develop and celebrate the creativity in the in the Baltimore community.

 Like a fish out of water one does not fit in, like a fish out of water he suffocates trying to fight the negative energy that surround him by using words to paint pictures.