Returning to the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) Poetry After Chai on Sunday 8th November offered an expanded evening of spoken word and storytelling inspired by the warmth of the traditional mehfil. The event was inclusive and a celebration of Bangladeshi arts and culture.
"Hosting Poetry After Chai 2026 at the Midlands Arts Centre was like a dream" said host and poet Saida Chowdhury (pictured). "We had a sell out show!"
Bangla Month (1st - 30th November) is a celebration of all things Bangladeshi brought to Birmingham by the Bangladeshi Artist Development Agency (BADA) and Legacy West Midlands.
From celebrating heritage to creating opportunities for the next generation, the BADA team is on a mission to bring communities together through arts, music, culture and connection.
"Thank you so much BADA and Legacy WM for this amazing opportunity to host at the Midlands Arts Centre", said Saida Chowdhury. "Aftab Rahman, the platform that you have created is wonderful and I watched two teens of only 12 years old perform their own written piece together. It was a beautiful thing to witness. Big thank you to Ayesha, the producer, for all the support and Junna for this opportunity".
BADA Month 2026 is more than a celebration - it`s a movement to honour roots, amplify voices and inspire the future.
Highlights included:
- A reading by Somnath Batabyal from his book "Red River" followed by a Q & A
- Lead poets Kohinoor, Jo Wright, Glyn Armstrong and Saida Chowdhury (pictured)
- A vibrant night bazaar
- DJ Hussy
- Open mic slots which featured well known poet and actor Stevie Quick
Hosted by acclaimed poet and author Saida Chowdhury this evening transformed the MAC into an intimate space where poets and storytellers explored political, social and cultural themes through honest, thought-provoking performances .
"A big thank you to everyone who came to support" said Saida Chowdhury. "It was a wonderful evening of great tunes and soulful music provided as a backdrop to the poems by DJ Hussy elevating the poems.
The lead poets - Jo Wright, Imran Chaudhury, Kohinoor accompanied by guitarist Suhail, Glyn Armstrong and I - endeavoured to bring something different and lead the audience on a wondeful journey.
The open mic participants were fantastic to say the least. Big thank you to Stevie Quick for coming to support me and share his wonderful poetry too.
Interviewing Somnath Batabyal was definitely one of the highlights for myself and hearing him read from his critically acclaimed book "Red River" gave us snapshots of what was in store for those of us who purchased his book.
A shout out to the fabulous Paul Stanley for promoting the event on BHBN Radio.
A magical evening of words, music and stories that reminds us what connects us as human beings. From our personal journeys to reminders of what our nations have endured and experienced as a collective and how we have overcome our challenges in our lives to inspire the next generation".
The Bangladeshi Artist Development Agency (BADA) was founded by Aftab Rahman, CEO of Legacy WM.
"Saida Chowdhury was amazing as host" he said. "Everyone at Legacy WM and BADA are delighted to be on this journey with her. She did such an amazing job as host. Keep writing and keep inspiring us all."
