ABOUT MESSIAH
New York based poet, Hip-Hop artist and incarcerated youth activist, Messiah Ramkissoon, has a message: words possess power.
As a native of Trinidad and Tobago, from a household full of music and spirituality, Messiah credits his West Indian family for the roots and culture which have governed and influenced his life path. It was there, at the age of four, that Messiah first discovered the power of words, thanks to a second mother who encouraged him to write and perform poetry.
Journeying to The United States at the age of eleven, an experience that included struggles with the U.S. immigration and justice systems, Messiah’s early journey culminated with recognition as Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and Maryland, earning him a scholarship award to attend prestigious Howard University.
After graduating from Howard, Messiah began his career teaching poetry at Washington DC's famed Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Beginning in 2007 and continuing to the present day in New York, Messiah has served as a mentor and programming liaison for incarcerated youth in Maryland, Washington and at Rikers Island in New York City.
Messiah is a three-time champion of the nationally-televised Apollo Theater showcase (his poem “Shareka Was A Champ” brought the Apollo crowd to their feet while illuminating the HIV crisis). Having shared platforms on many renowned stages, Messiah’s focus and passion remains centered in the purpose and devout execution of his artistry and its impact on the culture.
Artistry & performance
Photo courtesy of Richard Ryals Photography
Messiah Ramkissoon’s artistry lives at the intersection of poetry, Hip-Hop, and cultural storytelling. His work is rooted in the belief that words are more than expression. They are instruments of transformation. Drawing from his Caribbean upbringing and his lived experiences navigating identity in the United States, Messiah crafts performances that are emotionally charged, socially conscious, and deeply personal.
Messiah has captivated audiences with spoken word pieces that blend rhythm, narrative, and raw vulnerability. His performances are marked by precision, presence, and purpose, whether delivering a poetic monologue that confronts injustice or a lyrical Hip-Hop track that explores resilience, fatherhood, and generational legacy.
On stage, Messiah moves fluidly between poet and emcee, storyteller and motivator. His live presentations combine powerful lyricism, commanding delivery, and authentic connection, creating experiences that resonate long after the final line is spoken. Each performance is an invitation for audiences to reflect, feel, and reclaim the power of their own voice.
Through music videos, live showcases, keynote stages, and cultural platforms, Messiah continues to evolve his craft while remaining grounded in substance and message-driven art. His artistry entertains, awakens, and inspires, no matter where you find him, from the screen to the stage.