Meet Travis “Brotha Trav” Wright | Poet and Spoken Word Artist, Radio Host, Air Personality

We had the good fortune of connecting with Travis “Brotha Trav” Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Travis “Brotha Trav”, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I don’t think a person decides to be an artist or a creative. I believe God chooses us to be artists and creatives. I started off drawing sketches as a young child and took art classes throughout school. I played percussion instruments and marched in my high school’s band. At the age of 27, in response to being terminated from a job in Northern Virginia, I wrote my first poem and I’ve been writing ever since. I returned to my hometown, Augusta, Ga in 1997, to find there weren’t any venues hosting poetry readings. A friend of mine allowed me to host an open-mic poetry show inside of his culture shop on Broad Street. I printed out a stack of black and white paper flyers and handed them out around town. The event was an instant success, with standing room only and people gathered on the sidewalk. This is when I knew there was a need and I can be the person that provides this service. I developed my passion into an actual business, Uprise Enterprise, in which we host and promote artistic concerts, plan events, and coordinate artist bookings. My God-given gift has also allowed me to get paid as as a poet as well as master of ceremonies. So, in response to your question, I did not choose this artistic career. The career chose me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a spoken word poet with heavy hip-hop influences. Most of my rhymes are written in bars, similar to rap music. I tend to use a certain cadence when reciting my works and I incorporate my experience in drama and public speaking into my performances. I also have a strong passion for using my gift to uplift and encourage, however I do not shy away from painting raw, hard truths with my words. I attempt to always leave the reader/listener with something to contemplate.

I’ve learned that persistence and consistence are key. I now have over two decades experience in writing and performing, as well as promoting and hosting events. With experience, it is natural to become great at whatever we direct our energy toward. Having an education and years of experience in marketing and management has also played a part in my success as an artist/entrepreneur.

One of my favorite and most influential rappers is KRS-One. He developed a term known as “edutainment”. He proves that art can be both entertaining and educational at the same time. In my artwork, as well as my stage show, I utilize this formula. I take the opportunity of having listening ears and I strive to positively influence them while entertaining. This is the reputation I’ve aimed to establish for my brand.

I’m most proud of my most recent accomplishment. I, along with two other artists, was selected in a city-wide competition in which we will have the opportunity to artistically depict an era in Augusta, Ga’s history known as the Golden Blocks Era. I will be teaming up with a visual artist who will paint a mural on a building in this historic district. I will be writing a poetic description of what will be pictured within the mural. Another accomplishment that I am proud of achieving is being selected Augusta’s First Poet Laureate in 2012.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Outside of working a full-time job, my day to day life can be somewhat exciting and adventurous. Let’s say my friend arrives on Sunday. We’ll start the day with mimosas and chicken and waffles at Metro Cafe. From there we will head to the radio studio, where my friend would get a chance to witness my wife and I hosting our weekly, live radio show, “Brotha Trav Presents Hidden Gems”. Over the first part of the week, we’ll learn local history at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum, get in some exercise walking the Augusta Canal, and we’ll enjoy smoothies at Nutritious Alternatives. We will get plenty of rest and relaxation in the gazebo in my backyard. Then, we will kick our weekend off being entertained, eating, drinking and dancing at Oak Restaurant and Lounge, where I host a weekly spoken word show called “Verbal Therapy, Throwback Thursdays.” On Friday night, the plans are to catch our favorite band, “ATL Dreamvision” performing live at Suz Lounge. On Saturday we’ll rise and visit the Augusta Market on the Savannah River, where we will be able to shop with local vendors, artists, and farmers. The week would conclude with dinner, music, and drinks back at my house in the backyard.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my story, I’d like to give a huge shout out to Alvin and Barbara Franklin. They owned a studio located in downtown Augusta called Studio Art Gro. In their studio, they would offer vocal lessons, art classes, and poetry workshops. Mrs. Franklin has played a huge part in my early development as a writer, and she helped me acquire the confidence needed to recite and perform in front of others. The couple has played the same part in many people’s lives and they continue to unselfishly sow into others’ lives decades later.

Instagram: @godbrotha1

Facebook: brotha trav the godbrotha also uprise enterprise

Youtube: Brotha Trav

Other: Listen to Brotha Trav Presents Hidden Gems on Round Here Radio (app) Sundays 2pm – 4pm Est