BRIDGING the gap between the artfulness of music and spoken word was Illovo poet, Chris Fallen, whose prowess saw him meet and perform his poetry for one of his musical heroes at the Gagasi FM headquarters.

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Fallen said that for him, the moment was history-in-the-making when he recited his poem to welcome global music legend and Grammy award-winner, Anthony Hamilton, before his performance at the Durban International Convention Centre on February 25.

Hamilton has won a Grammy for best traditional R&B Performance for his song You’ve Got The Love I Need. He is also known for Charlene, Cool, and Best of Me.

“From where I come from to moments like this, it feels like I am walking in purpose, one verse at a time. My poem for Anthony Hamilton was more than just a welcome, it was a bridge between his music and our home in Durban. I intentionally wove the titles of his most loved songs into the poem, blending them with my own words and storytelling. This was my way of showing respect, not just to him as an artist, but to his journey and the impact his music has had on us here in South Africa,” said Fallen.

He explained that it was his hope that his poetry helped make Anthony Hamilton feel the weight of his impact and that his sound has travelled, lived and grown within countless South Africans.

“At the same time, I used the poem to paint a picture of Durban. I spoke about its warmth, not only the weather, but the spirit of the people. I wanted him to feel welcomed into a place that embraces art, soul, and authenticity, just like his music does. The poem became a meeting point between his legacy and our culture, his voice and my words, his story and our city. I hope that it said to him, ‘You belong here too.’”

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