Story Week 2026 AMPLIFIES
your WHAT'S ON FOR spoken word, poetry slams and storytelling across Australia this October
SIMA – aja monet+ Monstress
WHERE: Oxford Art Factory, 46 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
COST: $89
Start: 7 pm (local time)
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SIMA welcomes acclaimed poet, vocalist, and bandleader aja monet for her highly anticipated Sydney debut for the Sydney International Women's Jazz Festival 2026.
“She is not only a bard but a bandleader, one tapping the smoothness and urgency of soul to deliver restorative messages at a time when they’re much needed” - NPR
A Surrealist Blues Poet in the business of goosebumps and heart-gut truths, monet has forged a singular voice at the intersection of poetry, music, and activism. From her beginnings in New York’s Lower East Side poetry clubs to international stages including the Guggenheim, Newport Jazz Festival, and the Barbican, her spoken word artistry channels a legacy of resistance, love, and collective care that has earned her accolades from the NAACP Image Awards to a Grammy nomination.
With her dynamic quartet of Brian Hargrove (piano), Micah Collier (bass) and Zach Morrow (drums), monet will present works from her powerful sophomore album the color of rain. A compositional tour-de-force, works shift between musical perceptions of jazz, soul, hip hop, and blues, unfolding as a marvellous unleashing of the mind. With live instrumentation at its core, the album – featuring contributions from Meshell Ndegeocello, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Brandee Younger, Mereba, Ganavya, Mick Jenkins and Vic Mensa – moves between urgency and stillness, weaving surrealist imagery with incisive reflections on contemporary life—inviting audiences into a space of introspection, courage, and emotional resonance.
In performance, monet’s vocal delivery is a rare art. Her tone, rhythm, and cadence interact with music melodically and vice versa. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness one of the most vital and visionary artists of her generation.
Content Warning: Most Poetry Slams and literary events are all ages and some content may not be suitable for children. Performances may include strong language and / or adult themes.
Event times local time.
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Story Week is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Event image: event organiser’s own imagery.
