They first came together at the request of David Nelson (founder member of The Last Poets), who invited them (along with former BKS member shortMAN) to support the London tour of his new band The First & Last Poets. Wanting to give the legend a worthy performance they callorated their performance to offer an unforgettable night. Tongues couldn’t stop wagging about their collective effort. It began the process of what was to become BEST KEPT SECRET.
Since then they continued to experiment with their eclectic mix of styles & subject matters, hitting stages and exciting audiences all over the UK poetry scene. They eventually launched themselves formally as BEST KEPT SECRET in 2005 with a two part show “The League of Extraordinary Wordsmiths” & “TuggS.T.A.R For President”. The event called over 500 people together for what is now a legendary night!
As well a scintillating performance, this launch began to solidify BEST KEPT SECRET’s place as pioneers in the art Spoken Word Theatre. Their relatively new reputation led them to be called to Norway for the 1st Afrikan History week held in the country.
They brought this momentum forward with them when they were asked to open for Revolutionary Hip-Hop superstars DEAD PREZ (2006). On a show full of hard core Rappers and Grime MC’s, the only spoken word act on the bill were seemingly out of their depth. Especially when the audience became restless and the act before them were booed off as the crowd called “DEAD PREZ – DEAD PREZ”. But BEST KEPT SECRET fearlessly took to the stage and effectively stole the audience, perfectly setting the stage for the Dead Prez performance.
In 2007 they collaborated with legendary spoken word promoters Afropick (Of SOUL FOOD fame) to headline the Wise Words Poetry Summit.
Always trying to push the bar, the collective continued to explore their unified efforts with "GANGLAND". This ensemble piece addresses the issue of Black on Black Gang violence in the UK from a multi faceted perspective. Original performed in Nottingham as a part of the Nubian All Stars Project for Afrikan Caribbean youth (2007), they brought "GANGLAND" to London with 2 completely sold out nights in Oxford House Theatre (2008).
This work signaled a new maturity in their development and led them to do workshops on Social, Cultural & Political literacy in many institutions from Schools to Young offenders Institutions. Community youth clubs an even the Houses of Parliament. They are also very well sought after among grass roots community organizations and institutions, who see the work of BKS as direct extension of community activism.
In 2009 they reworked “Tuggstar For President”, adding Spoken Word specialists Mosaique, FLOetic Lara, Kai Gama, as well as Actress Tedicia Wint to the cast, selecting the Cochrane Theatre as the stage. This critical campaign style Spoken Word Theatre piece captured the mind of its audience. Again sold out shows and rave reviews tell the story of what now a Legendary show.
The only thing more inspiring than their creative brilliance is that BEST KEPT SECRET have accomplished all of this on the basis of Self-Reliance. Achieiving in all their endevours independently of mainstrea/commercial backing.
Their original, productions & performances have sent shock waves throughout the international community with requests from Nottingham, Birmingham, Canada, Norway, Sweden, United States, Jamaica and the Afrikan continent arriving thick and fast.
Who knows what is next for this phenomenal union of style & substance. What is clear is that their style of EDUTAINMENT is unique in both quality & content. It is impossible to ignore the impact BEST KEPT SECRET are having and will continue to have. Soon, the world will know, the most lethal poets in the business are a secret no more.
