A Spoken Word, Performance, Recording, and Cultural Impact Period.
Era Overview
The Phenzwaan Era marks a foundational and influential chapter in the career of THE POET PHOENIX JAMES, centered around his evolution as a pioneering spoken word poet, performer, recording artist, and multidisciplinary cultural force. During this era, Phoenix James developed his distinctive voice in poetry and performance, released seminal spoken word albums, garnered early awards for his craft, and expanded his creative presence across live stages, recording studios, and media platforms.
Phoenix James – In His Own Words
“I started performing poetry and spoken word live in 1998 under the moniker Phenzwaan, laying the foundation for my evolving artistic voice.”
— Phoenix James, reflecting on the beginnings of Phenzwaan
Key Projects and Album Releases
Spoken Word Recording Albums (Early Era)
These early spoken word poetry albums established Phoenix James’ presence as a recording artist and innovator in sound and performance.
- 2000 – The A.R.T.I.S.T.
Debut spoken word poetry CD album establishing his national presence within the spoken word scene. - 2001 – Meditations of A Cosmic Wordsmith
Second spoken word poetry CD album, blending poetry and musical elements. - 2002 – We Will Survive
Third spoken word poetry CD album, continuing his early discourse in sound. - 2002 – Phenzwaan Live @ The Spitz
Fourth spoken word CD album capturing live performance energy. - 2003 – Inevitable Mystique
Fifth early spoken word CD album, expanding his sonic narrative. - 2005 – Like a Phoenix
Sixth spoken word poetry CD album blending spoken word with experimental textures. - 2005 – Alchemy Fluid Vol: 1
Seventh spoken word CD album continuing experimental momentum. - 2005 – Alchemy Fluid Vol: 2
Eighth spoken word poetry CD album expanding his sonic exploration. - 2006 – Solidified
Ninth spoken word CD album, concluding a prolific era of foundational recordings. - 2008 – Phenzwaan Now & Forever – The Definitive Collection (Double CD)
A curated double CD collection of his best works, marking a culminating chapter of the Phenzwaan catalogue. - 2009 – Phenzwaan Now & Forever – The Definitive Collection
Broader digital and physical release of the 41-track collection.
Note: These early works represent his foundational spoken word and musical expressions prior to the era of widespread digital streaming.
Early Awards and Recognition
During the Phenzwaan Era, Phoenix James received multiple awards recognizing his excellence in spoken word, performance, and artistic contribution.
- 1999 – Hackney Empire Award for Best Performance, highlighting stage presence and poetic excellence at a historic London venue.
- 2000 – Farrago Zoo Award for Best London Poet.
- 2000 – Dr. Martens Nationwide Poetry Prize Award for Best Poetry Performance.
- 2001 – Dr. Martens Nationwide Poetry Prize Award for Best Writer.
- 2002 – Farrago Zoo Award for Best Slam Poetry Performance.
- 2003 – Farrago Zoo Award as Seasonal Slam Champion.
- 2004 – International Library of Poetry Editor’s Choice Award.
- 2005 – Soul Baby Live Awards: Best Spoken Word Artist and Most Votes Over All Categories.
- 2007 – Fashion TV Award for Best Male Model.
- 2009 – BEFFTA Award for Best Spoken Word Artist.
Public Reception & Press Reviews
Below are selections of media praise and audience testimonials that reflect the resonance of Phoenix James’ work during the Phenzwaan Era:
“Phoenix James’ poetry is perfect for my show!”
Phillip Gregory, Radio Show Host, United States – Jazz Poetry Cafe Radio
“Can only be described as compelling, delightful and thought provoking!”
Kamau Crawford, London UK – Progressive Entertainment
“The guy is a genius!”
Dave Carey, Creative Development Director, London UK – Chicken Shed Theatre
“An extremely talented writer!”
Lizie Gower, Managing Director, London, UK – Academy Films
“The Marvin Gaye of spoken word!”
Poppy Seed, Performance Poet, Creative Innovation Coach, Lecturer, London, UK – PoppySeedMusic.com
“A very controversial poet!”
Akosua Annobil, award-winning Journalist, BBC & Observer contributor, London, UK – Choice FM Radio
“In-depth literary works that look at the lifestyle of young people today… his anti-gun poem will not leave you untouched!”
Wozzy Brewster OBE, Midi Music Company, London, UK – TheMidiMusicCompany.co.uk
“Uses words in a masterly way to make your listening worthwhile. Capable of carrying right on out to the stars!”
Sally Evans, Editor & Publisher, Callender, Scotland – Poetry Scotland Magazine
“Phoenix James became the 1st ever spoken word recording artist to perform at the Annual UG Music Awards on Bermuda…”
KingMix.WordPress.com
“I have come across a lot of poets… his use of words is bar none.”
Ike Hayden, MC, Under Da PoeTree, London, UK – Phenzwaan.com
“Now and Forever is an amazing double CD that clearly illustrates Phoenix James’ awesome talent…”
Kimberly Meghan Roberts, Teacher, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Phenzwaan.com
“An incredible wordsmith… rich, multilayered and multitextured work from the Cosmic Wordsmith.”
Fatima Abdul-Kareem, Journalist, London, UK – Create 24:7 Magazine
“One of the most beautifully written poems I’ve ever read… he makes you travel through his words…”
Marion Lombardi, Music Blogger, Podcast Host, Writer, London, UK – Carminelitta.com
“Phoenix James confidently took the stage… self-assured and sincere and a pleasure to watch.”
Tanya Smith, Researcher, BBC Learning, Manchester, UK – Girls On Film
Legacy of the Phenzwaan Era
The Phenzwaan Era represents a seminal creative and recording phase in Phoenix James’ artistic journey, marked by:
- Early establishment as a spoken word poet and performer
- Pioneering spoken word recordings blending poetry, music, and experimentation
- Recognition through awards, press acclaim, and audience resonance
- Development of a distinctive cultural voice that influenced subsequent creative projects
This era stands as a testament to Phoenix James’ foundational contributions to spoken word art and performance culture.
On Screen – I Write
Phoenix James performing his ‘I Write’ poem live for Slam Poets on BBC Television in 2004.
This is the first of the Phoenix James Eras. It precedes the Fashion Romance Era. Explore other Phoenix James Eras:
THE FASHION ROMANCE ERA [2006-2010] – https://phoenixjamesofficial.com/the-poet-phoenix-james-the-fashion-romance-era/
THE PAY FOR SEX ERA [2012-2014] – https://phoenixjamesofficial.com/the-poet-phoenix-james-the-pay-for-sex-era/
THE STAR WARS ERA [2015-2017] – https://phoenixjamesofficial.com/the-poet-phoenix-james-the-star-wars-era/
THE VLOG ERA [2017-2019] – https://phoenixjamesofficial.com/the-poet-phoenix-james-the-vlog-era/
THE PROLIFIC WORKS ERA [2020-2025] – https://phoenixjamesofficial.com/the-poet-phoenix-james-the-prolific-works-era/
About the Eras
The Phoenix James Eras are a chronological framework used to document and contextualise the creative output of poet and spoken-word artist Phoenix James. Each Era represents a distinct period in his work, defined by recurring themes, formats, and modes of expression rather than by individual releases. The Eras are presented in sequence and serve as an archival and reference structure for understanding his wider body of work.
An official record of this era can be found on ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7509-2372