Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolan Apoets.
GOD AND POETRY SAVED MY LIFE. GOD AND POETRY OPENED DOORS FOR ME I NEVER KNEW EXISTED.
Meet the poet whose heart pulsates with his passion for the art form that saved his life. Fans proclaim that his energy is contagious, and his message, overdue. The spoken word performer known as Yolan A Poet’s Poet was born in San Diego, California to working-class parents, with their own penchant for writing and dramatic interpretation. Yolan, a former gang member, has seen the worst and best life has to offer; both inspire him. After he was nearly failed by a massive heart attack, causing him to be diagnosed with CHF (Congestive Heart Failure), Yolan sought greater purpose. Poetry became his release. These days, he taps into an inherent ability to match words to feelings, verse to reason, meters to moments, and linguistic patterns to deeper meaning. Where many succumb to illness, Yolan perseveres and channels the rhythm of the man-made chambers implanted inside him to spread messages of power and pride through every mic he touches. A history enthusiast, Yolan identifies generational guideposts to pen poems that resonate and inform. From the scourge of the crack epidemic to the viciousness of Southern California’s gang violence and the continuing plague of racial injustice, his performances thunder with truth, intelligence, and practical reason. He cunningly adds hints of hip-hop culture and politics into his work to enhance his broad appeal. Yolan brings reliability to the stage by infusing heartwarming personal experiences into most of his work. If you listen close enough, you are acutely aware of the influence Gil Scott-Heron, Dr. Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, Edgar Alan Poe, Langston Hughes, and others have on the artist. The result? Audiences flock to see the award-winning poet perform at the Houston Improv, Houston’s House of Blues, NRG The stadium, and top venues in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Louisiana. Yolan is a published poet, community activist, actor, and motivational speaker who credits his family and God for bringing him this far. He is currently working on his second book, ‘The Unknown Child named Yolan.’ Through his affiliation with philanthropic groups including Sol-Caritas, headed by Carlos Wallace, and Project Push Forward, led by Deric Muhammad, he makes altruism a cornerstone of his daily life. Yolan, who believes everyone must pay acts of kindness and mercy forward, is determined to shine a light on unknowns who possess the gift of the spoken word. The promise and success of others empower him; a characteristic this fearless poet’s poet knows will amplify his narrative for generations to come.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In my life, nothing came easy for me. It was a constant battle for survival on a daily basis. Many of my family and close friends lost their lives due to gang violence or violence in general. In addition to the crack epidemic, which destroyed my city and caused my siblings and me to be placed in foster care until my grandmother got full custody of us. Too many struggles to mention. School and sports were my get-a-way from the streets and what was happening in my home. It was my English teachers that recognized I had a gift for writing and taught me to put all my thoughts on paper and not a gun. It works sometimes. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I noticed that I truly had a knack for poetry. Moving to Houston in June of 2001 was an absolute culture shock yet in a good way. It showed me that you don’t have to be a product of the environment you live in but, a voice to help the communities you grow up in. As a poet turned spoken word artist, I never struggled with speaking my poems. I always felt reciting was therapeutic. The most ferocious roads I had to overcome started on June 5th, 2015, at 2:15 in the morning. I had a massive heart attack, flat-lined twice, a stint implanted, IDC (defibrillator/pacemaker implanted) and then put on the heart transplant list. This was the biggest fight in my life. No longer being able to work, play with my kids, go on dates with my wife, and unable to perform. Yet, I was taught never to quit; never give up. 4yrs later, I still have my symptoms or good days and bad days, but I’ve been able to start doing what I love once again, and it’s spitting my heart on the stage. The journey is the correct word. Taking all the bumps and struggles in this game called life and using them to keep pushing you.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from the competition?
My brand, Yolan Apoets Poet and #jusathought, specializes in helping the youth, young adults and our elders. I’m known for being apart of the nonprofit group called, Project Push Forward, that focus on the education, survival, and success of our youth, as well as encouraging Fathers to be the beacon in their children’s lives, amongst other things. But I’m mainly known for my stage presence as a spoken word artist, and stage plays that include, Just When You Thought You Had Me, Calling of A Call Girl, Colored Girls, And Dance Cries. I began my on-screen debut with the 2018 movie release for the indie film… ‘PIPE DREAMS,’ and currently in post-production phase for Definition Of Manhood, and 5 Components Of Love. I’m currently in production of filming the movie, ‘HELP2.’ The thing I’m most proud of is producing and seeing my growth; from a person who felt his brand had no purpose to becoming wise enough to listen to all my fans, family, and friends who supported me during some of my roughest times, encouraging me to never give up. Seeing the smiles on my daughters’ faces and knowing I have a legacy to leave them is truly humbling. Since a child, I was always told that I was different, or often referred to as “you act old.” It’s the elders and older homies who spoke wisdom in me before I even started Jr. high school. My father made it his point to teach my siblings and me our history and the strength of nothing can stop you but you. So, what sets me apart? I actually love poetry, jazz, history of all cultures, and of course hip hop. Somehow, I’m able to blend all of these things into my life and business.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is a non-stop race, a marathon! Once you become successful at one thing, it’s on to the next. I see success as any goal you complete. Whether it be earning a degree, getting that new position, beating an addiction or overcoming any obstacle–to me, that is a success. My own personal successes for me has been making it past 21, raising daughters in an environment that they can rest easy at night, taking the gift that God gave me with this poetry and using it for my people instead of my personal gain. This is my truth. I have become very successful at this because it was always my dream to do so. Reach the masses with your talents. My criteria is simple: character and integrity is the most important; have positive people in your corner and around you at all times; you can’t obtain success alone; never give up, never quit; don’t allow outside distractions to dictate your moves, and always have daily goals on top of your yearly ones. These things have & continue to sustain me in my path of becoming successful.
Pricing:
- $150 to $250 for booking
- $15 to $20 for #JUSATHOUGHT T-SHIRTS
- $20 for my upcoming book The Unknown Child Name Yolan
Contact Info:
- Phone: 832 247 4765
- Email: apoetspoet78@gmail.com
- Instagram: apoetspoet
- Facebook: Yolan apoetspoet
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