Meet Andre Sansbury | Spoken Word Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andre Sansbury and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andre, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It was something that I never really did for myself. It may sound odd, but I determined at an early age that my life wasn’t for me, it was for the benefit of others. My purpose on this earth was/is to teach others from my mistakes and help them to avoid paths filled with great pain. My poetry is healing and influential to so many, why wouldn’t I want to share it with the world? Something that started as a hobby became my life. For years, I received messages across social media platforms in regard to the benefit of my poetry to this world. Eventually, I had to stop ignoring my purpose and begin to walk in it. Now, I’ve successfully been a full time spoken word artist for a year and I love the purpose it serves to the people and the community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, I am better known by my stage name “Suavethepoet”. I hit the ground running, publishing my first book at 19. Now 27, I have been published 18x, the author of a best-selling poetry novel, and the creator of an international award-winning short poetry film. I’ve also been featured in magazines, newspapers, and on stages all over the United States, even performing in Kuwait City in 2020. Already in 2023, I was the curator of the first ever poetry art exhibition in Fayetteville, NC’s history and I performed in a spoken word play with Season 15 winner of America’s Got Talent, Brandon Leake. My biggest focus as of late has been perfecting my craft in the spoken word form and traveling to share my gift with the world while also curating my own events to allow upcoming artist a space to share their gift. Currently I am shifting some of that focus into my upcoming book, “The Hangover”, which will be releasing on Barnes & Noble this fall. This book will focus on my struggles with mental health, PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. The thing that’s most exciting about me and my art form is that it’s acceptable to all dynamics. I can go perform at a High School in the morning and discuss things like mental health and self awareness through my poetry then leave and go perform erotic poetry at an adult venue. I have so much personal experiences that has allowed me to discuss a wide range of topics in detail. I just want to put poetry in the faces of those who thought they would never enjoy the art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well right now, I am in Raeford, NC. It’s honestly not much to do here, but I would drive them into the city of Fayetteville for some activities. Still not much to do, but I would probably take them to the Arts Council downtown to see some art and to The Sip Room after for some wine. If I knew they were coming in advance, I would make sure I scheduled my monthly open mic, “Sessions with Suave” at The Big Apple so they could enjoy an intimate experience with dope poets. A lot of the food here is only good when it first opens, then it goes downhill but I would take them to Cru. The food there is usually good eats, I know a lot of the people who work there, and it’s always good vibes; just have to make sure they brought they checkbook cause it can be expensive. Other than that, I usually don’t do much where I stay. I travel a lot, it’s just a good location to be for my kids at the moment.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Not to be cliche’, but all praise has to go to Allah before anyone else. After the most high, I have to give credit to so many people for where I am today. So many people that someone will probably be mad that I missed them. For starters, my poetry organization, Lost Voices Empire. This consist of my brothers in ink, Poetic Zae, Nick Courmon, and Jeremiah I’shod. I learn so much from them each day and they have my back through anything. I have to give a shoutout to my mentor of 10 years, Tanneline Wilson. It is so important to have a mentor when you are embedded in the community at such a young age the way I am. My ex-wife, Ta’jah Cloyd has been important to the foundation that I built this journey on. She may not be my lover but she is my best friend and encouraged me to take the leap of faith and dive into this career full time. Lastly, all of my Bingham family and friends. Way too many to name but they know who they are. Regardless of the dark roads we may have traveled together, they ensured I always knew my light was brighter.

Website: https://suavethepoet.square.site/

Instagram: Suavethepoet2.0

Facebook: Dre Reco Sansbury Jr.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@suavethepoet1329