FOUNDER celebrates one year of supporting Limerick’s creatives.
Limerick’s resident open mic space, Aze’s Room, blows out its candle with its first anniversary event taking place tonight at O’Mahony’s Booksellers.
The Aze’s Room anniversary includes a poetry workshop, returning to its roots. The night will conclude with an open mic segment to allow attendees to share their work.
Aze’s Room began last October in the Copper Room where poets and artists alike were invited to perform their craft. The idea came from Azeezat Muniru, born and raised in Limerick.
For newcomers planning to come, Azeezat shares some advice.
“Be as much of yourself as you can,” the hostess encourages.
“I like to pretend that I already know everyone in the room, and it makes it a whole lot easier to perform. When I address the crowd and fully acknowledge their presence in a way where they aren’t strangers, I feel unstoppable.”
The Limerick local started writing poetry two years ago, using it as an outlet as she felt like she “couldn’t express herself with ordinary words”. She began reading her work in open mics in Dublin and Cork frequently.
“These spaces were magical and gave me a strong sense of community and belonging,” she describes. “I just felt like that would be something wonderful that I could bring home to my friends and family.”
Since its humble beginnings a year ago, the open mics have brought out talented local creatives such as DATQIDEXCEL, the band KuRiRa, Camille Sarrazin and many others, creating a local community surrounding it.
“I’ve seen relationships blossom from each open mic. It’s so beautiful. I’ve come to see myself that Limerick is also way more talented and diverse than it lets on.”
The community the poet built strives to maintain Aze’s Room despite her not being in the city. While on Erasmus in Valencia, Spain, she planned two open mics with local artist Munesu hosting the events in her stead.
Aze’s Room has also served as a gateway for inspiration for Azeezat. The room has helped her move past her writer’s block and reviving her love for creating poetry.
“I think that if I can help myself stay inspired, then I can help others and we can all help each other,” the poet hopes.
With Aze’s Room collaborating with Limerick’s very own creative collective, State Your Flow, it’s safe to say there are no signs of stopping for the creative spaces.
“I do want to see it maybe finding a home, fitting into the Limerick’s tapestry and living on.”