Eclipse, Richie Innocent's Second Book, is Out Now

As someone who never learned to read properly until he was 10 years-old, education is a big deal for Richie Innocent. It was important for him to launch Eclipse, his second book, on September 8 which is recognized as International Day of Reading.

Eclipse contains 56 poems which address various issues, including Artificial Intelligence and infidelity. The Jamaican poet’s first book, Perseverance, was released in September, 2024.

“I wasn’t able to read until I was about 10 years-old, and ever since I was introduced to poetry my mind was stimulated and I became fascinated with words and reading,” said the New York-based artist. “My English literature teacher Mrs. Cornwall at St. Elizabeth Technical High School (in Jamaica) asked the class to recite a poem and I delivered it in dancehall style, and all the students from the eighth grade wanted me to repeat what I did.”

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared September 8 International Reading Day in 1966. It was first observed the following year.

Richie Innocent said there are similarities with his books.

“There is a connection between perseverance, which is having strong faith and belief that whatever you are doing, regardless of the difficulties, one must stay the course and keep on the mission and journey,” he explained.

Although he was born in Kingston, Richie Innocent considers St. Elizabeth — a rural parish in southern Jamaica — his home. It was where he learned to read and express himself through music, first as a deejay then as a poet.

In May, he won the International Reggae And World Music Awards’ (IRAWMA) Best Poet/Spoken Word Entertainer category.