The greatest emotion the reader can achieve is inspiration
Christena williams
Author
Portfolio
Step into the Kreative world of Christena Williams
AKA Antonia Valaire
Antonia Valaire, a name synonymous with heart-pounding performance, is celebrated for weaving enigmatic narratives that unveil word, sound and power, the radicalist, and the intensely gripping with revolution and youthful exhuberance. With every performance, she plunges into the depths of inspiration, creative thoughts, Philosophy, History, Politics, spirituality, African Identity, orchestrating nail-biting tension and unforgettable thoughts etched in memory, keeping her audience on the edge of their seats. She is considered by industry experts has a profound wordsmith in the Caribbean region.
The Poetry school tour, 2023
Bio
Jamaican poet Christena Williams, better known by her stage name of Antonia Valaire was a Nominee in the 39th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) Spoken word. Her Alma mater is Spanish Town high school. Valaire has won the International Spoken Word Artist from the People of Extraordinary Talent (P.O.E.T), USA, for which she retained in 2021.
Additionally, she represented Jamaica at The Marché de la Poésie in France, 2023. She has represented Jamaica as a YouLeader and Speaker in Dominica Republic, 2022 and Cuba, 2024.
book reviewer
Glenville Ashby, a highly respected book reviewer, gives "Pearls Among Stones" a glowing recommendation. He acknowledges the raw power of Christena's poetry and speaks of it with utmost praise and admiration.
Bachelor of Arts in History and minor in Philosophy University of the West indies, Jamaica Concentration: American and African History |
Book Publications Pearls among Stones: Black Gold: Out from Babylon system: Liberation of mind |
Representing Jamaica Marché de la Poésie in France funded by UNESCO, EU and Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, The Caribbean and the European Union, 2023. Representing Manifesto Jamaica in the workshop: Case study of cultural entrepreneurship in Jamaica. Cuba, 2024. Caribbean Youth fellowship in Leadership &Public Policy with Centro de Análisis de Políticas Públicas, International Republican Institute and National Endowment for Democracy. Also chosen as a Caribbean youth fellow to attend regional conference in Dominican Republic, 2022. |
Short Course in Cinematic Sound Design Whisper Studios, San Francisco Studied the art of creating immersive soundscapes to enhance the atmospheric quality of thriller films. |
Education
Antonia Valaire educational and Life's journey has equipped her with a deep understanding and multiperspective of the nuances of Poetry writing, History and Philosophy, from crafting deep rooted narratives to creating immersive and vibrant readings and performances. Her commitment to mastering the art of writing is evident in her academic and international accomplishments. She is driven to speak truth and justice and to speak for those who do not have the platform.
Body of work
2013
Pearls among stones
"Pearls Among Stones," offers a heart-stirring voyage through the depths of human existence. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, this collection will embrace you, inspire you, and remind you that your voice matters. Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience—
2018
Black Gold
It is important that we share our narratives to encapsulate multi-perspectives of our realities, Awe, This book is going to make you laugh out loud, probably make a sigh, a scream or possible shed a tear or two. So just cozy up under the sheets, have your lamp on and drink some Hot cocoa and dive into this wonderful book.
2018
Out From Babylon system: Liberation of Mind
In this unapologetic work, author Christena AV Williams, a revolutionary poet hailing from Jamaica, takes readers on a journey that demands courage and revolution. Having faced discrimination, pain, poverty, and even terrorism, Williams is a warrior who refuses to be silenced. Now, she invites you to dive into her world and discover what it truly means to break free.
2023
DisPoem, Portland
Dispoem Festival organized by IRAWMA winner RasTakura
2021
100+voices for Miss Lou anthology
Matches Shoes Box was selected in 100 + voices for Miss Lou, 2021
2023
Anarchy, France
Anarchy was selected by International Judges that led to be featured in French newspaper and performed during the Marche in France, 2023.
Testimonials
Maxwanette A Poetess
Author and Publisher of P.L.O.T.S.
This young Poetess has blown us away with the raw emotions of her talent. She gives a detailed, yet birds' eye view of the things that are going on in life. It's an awesome read, to say the least. The title is befitting. DYNAMIC! We encourage everyone to sit down and give this book a good read. You won't be disappointed.
Stephen L. Wilson
Copy Editor of Pearls among stones
When Christena Williams asked me to help as "another set of eyes" for her amazing poetry collection, I had only a limited understanding as to her ability to shape mere words into vivid experiences! Each poem is uniquely crafted, and focused with artistic fortitude and skill. Christena Williams pours her voice out onto the page with each individual offering. She brings forth emotions and empathy from the reader as she connects in a lasting, timely way.
Tiffany
Author
I thought about how to express the feelings that came over me after reading Pearls among stones. It was quite overwhelming. I felt proud, that someone in my age group posses such a strong and beautiful mind to create this masterpiece. I felt inspired by the words of each poem I read and some of them touch close to home. Christens Williams is a genius with the heart of a warrior...
Terence Thompson Jr
Award-winning Photographer
This book is amazing. First poetry book purchase and one I will certainly recommend. The introduction to the book show raw emotions and leaves you connected to the Author. You will want to read her work.The poetry is mind gripping, entertaining and will leave you lyrically consumed.
Accolades
Prime Ministers national youth Award
International Spoken word
Sarabita masters award
Catapult a caribbean arts grant
Highest youth award in Jamaica (2013)
National Spoken Word Award by P.O.E.T. and Blaq Ice productions (2020 & 2021), USA
Awarded by Ah Times Ras productions
(2020), USA
supported by Kingston Creative, The American friends of Jamaica and Open society foundation (2022)
Major art Awards
Marche de la poesie
Case study as An cultural entrepreneur
Awarded by Jamaican Youth empowerment through Culture Arts and Nationalism, (2016)
Selected from 252 submissions from the caribbean, ten poets were chosen and supported by UNESCO and EU and etc, (2023), France
Represented Manifesto JA as a presenter (2024), Cuba
Press
The Prime Minister’s Youth award recipient as a Budding Author
The Gleaner Nespaper
History might be her major at the University of the West Indies, Mona, but 21-year-old Christena AV Williams has a passion for poetry.
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Jamaican Woman From Portmore To Represent Jamaica At Prestigious Poetry
Jamaicans.com
She is one of ten young Caribbean creatives who will be featured at the 40th edition of UNESCO’s Poetry Market to be held from 7 to 11 June at the Place Saint Sulpice in France.
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Marche de la Poesie
UNESCO
Emerging Caribbean poetry, guest of honour at the Paris Poetry Market, with the support of UNESCO Transcultura
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The Pearl
The Jamaica Observer
“I see my work, poetry, advocating for the people who can’t speak for their rights. I want to use my work to inspire people...
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Interview with poet and author, Christena Williams
Sacheen Laing, award winnig Author
Amongst the numerous accounts of the negative behaviour of young people in Jamaica, several continue to stand out and are making their mark. Today, I sat down with poet and author Christena Williams
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Jamaica Poetry Fest a night of fun, depth and blackness
The Gleaner
The youngest of the lot was also the most militant. Antonia Valaire's pleasant countenance belied the strength of her convictions.
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Thank you
Contact
Christena Williams
https://linktr.ee/antoniavalaire