Since finding success as an entertainer in Kenya, Joanne Ball Burgess keeps running into people on the streets of Bermuda interested in hearing what she’s been up to overseas.

Tomorrow night she will be sharing about that journey through song, dance and poetry at Chewstick’s Neo-Griot Lounge.

She said: “I used to read my poetry or sing my songs at Chewstick years ago when they were in their old space. So now that I have grown as an artist and my music has been doing well in East Africa, this is my way of giving back to Bermuda and our youth and the community.

“If things aren’t working out in Bermuda there’s a whole world out there and I want to share about my journey and my experiences, so that’s why I am doing a Griot Session.”

Mrs Ball Burgess said she would be happy to answer people’s questions about career over the past few years.

This will also be a time for people “to get up close and personal” with her as an artist.

In 2012, the performer was invited to serve as a judge on Sakata, the Kenyan version of America’s Best Dance Crew; while last year she released her own music video called Chiziqa which topped the charts in several parts of the country.

She said she was “really excited” to share her story in this musical way and partner with Chewstick.

“I love Chewstick’s vibe and what they do in the community, so to be a part of that story telling it’s beautiful,” she added.

Mrs Ball Burgess has been singing since she was six or seven years old and started writing poetry in high school.

She said performing had “always been a part of [her] life growing up”, but described herself as a very shy and quite child.

“Even though I was shy I still wanted to sing, dance and share my poetry,” she explained. “And I think slowly as I got older and got to know myself better I got more comfortable with it.

“I think growing up on a small Island where everyone is looking at you and comparing you to someone else, it’s east to remain in a shell, so getting off the Island really helped me. I have lived in the US, Israel and Nairobi and seeing how I have been received in different places has allowed me to come out of my shell and feel comfortable in my own skin.”

Mrs Ball Burgess is also back on the Island to release an e-book version of her children’s book Lizard and the Rock.

The show starts at 8pm with an opening performance by Matthew Johnston. Tickets are $10 at the door of Chewstick’s Neo-Griot Lounge, located on Court Street in Hamilton.