Spoken Word Artist Expanding Metroplex Showcase

Queen Nef, Nefertiti Abraha by her birth name, is a socially-conscious woman on a mission.

A native of Grand Rapids, Mich., Nef moved to Atlanta in November 2009. After arriving, she quickly saw an opening in the local scene for vocal artists who are outside of the mainstream.  In no time, Nef had launched "Potent Poetics,' a talent showcase featuring a variety of artists ranging from neo soul and hip hop to conscious rap and live bands.

"Being an artist myself, when I went to these places to perform I didn't feel welcomed," Nef said. "I was an outsider but there were so many others out there like me who felt the same way as I did. So I decided to do something about it and that's how my showcase began.

"What I offer is a positive space for artists to express themselves. And though no profanity or sexually explicit lyrics are allowed, with the right setting I've found that people will come out and support," Nef says of her show going into its sixth production.

Nef's latest show was Thursday evening at Metroplex, 1959 Metropolitan Pkwy, Atlanta, Ga. 30315. The showcase packed a powerful punch with thought-provoking, substance-based lyrics from local underground favorites and newcomers alike.

On the roster were Solstar, a soulful hip hop band; The Poet Toyoko, a female hip hop artist; Swagg Effect, a hip hop group; Vic Ferg & Ms. Funani, a neo soul duet; Poet Messiah, a spoken word artist; Nazar, a conscious rapper; and Arai Kazi, a hip hop artist. The event was enhanced by a vendors' station with artists and merchandisers selling artwork, tee shirts and other creative items.

"Coming from Michigan there weren't a lot of venues or spaces for artists to perform or express themselves visually or verbally," Nef said. "I want to incorporate a variety [of genres] into my showcase to give everyone with something positive to express a platform from which to do so."

Queen Nef has truly taken full advantage of the opportunities the city has to offer and is making a name for herself with quick fashion. Her plans are for advancing the showcase in 2011 by taking it to a larger venue, securing sponsorships and, eventually, featuring established underground artists such as Talib Kweli, Most Def and K'Naan.

To contact Queen Nef for booking information, visit her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NefHipHop.