Success Is Consistent

After months of meticulous planning for InYou&Oh!—a night exploring sex and intimacy through poetry and art—nothing could have prepared us for what unfolded.

What’s the Tea?

On the night of the event, the venue threw not just one, but several spanners our way. And yet, through years of experience creating seamless, engaging, and immersive nights, we met every challenge with that je ne sais quoi we’ve come to embody.

(Photo Credit; The Quick and the Brave)

We served—despite the hostility.

We moved gracefully through a swamp of preventable obstacles that the venue seemed determined to create. Each last-minute demand was met with clarity, composure, and quick thinking.

We were told we needed to manage the door—despite prior agreement that this would be covered.We were asked for extra bar payments—after being assured payment would be settled at the end of the night.We were informed the kitchen closed early by one of our guests—overlooking how essential food is to the guest experience. Our set-up time was suddenly cut short—impacting sound checks, staging, and installation. And the promised tech? Incomplete.

And while these moments could be dismissed as disorganisation, it’s difficult to ignore the wider context in which they occurred.

As a Black-led events company operating within spaces like Ministry Members' Club, we are often navigating environments that are not built with us in mind. Spaces that welcome our creativity, our culture, and our audiences—yet don’t always extend the same level of structure, care, or respect behind the scenes.

It raises a familiar question: would the same last-minute changes, lack of preparation, and shifting expectations be acceptable if the team looked different?

We don’t pose this lightly. But it’s a reality many Black creatives and producers continue to encounter—where professionalism is expected from us at the highest level, while not always being reciprocated.

Still, the feedback afterwards was, as always, incredible.

Our audience remained blissfully unaware of the chaos behind the scenes. We were like ducks—gliding effortlessly on the surface while paddling furiously beneath it. The crowd responded with the energy and openness we had hoped for, fully embracing a judgement-free space centred on intimacy, expression, and the power of sexual energy.

(Photo Credit; The Quick and the Brave)

We were proud to partner with TENGA Global and Sinful Global, whose contributions helped us create luxury giveaway bags that elevated the experience even further.

While this wasn’t our first InYou&Oh! night, it marked a new level of scale. Following our previous event at Soho House Dean Street in February 2025, we envisioned something even more expansive—featuring an interactive art installation, a wider lineup of performers, and the addition of music and live body art.

However, faced with unexpected limitations, we had to adapt in real time.

We scaled back the stage performance originally planned for Nat Nye and myself. Instead, I stepped into a solo piece—exploring self-body painting and movement. Nerve-wracking at first, it became a moment of transformation. Through vulnerability, I discovered a new level of confidence and creative freedom.

After a quick change, hosting began.

Nat later joined me on stage once the majority of guests had arrived, and together we led the Haiku Erotic Poetry Games. Guests engaged with interactive prompts via QR codes and were invited to share their creations. The result? Bold, playful, and delightfully risqué haikus that lit up the room.

The night continued with standout performances:Impeccable poetry from Duality D and Blue Lotus.Powerful spoken word from internationally renowned Lyric L.A soulful, sultry set from Floetic Lara, and a high-energy finale from Mikel the Energy leaving the audience wanting more.

Despite the challenges, the night was a success.

Because success, for us, is consistent. It’s not defined by perfect conditions, but by our ability to create, adapt, and deliver—every single time.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re more motivated than ever to continue building InYou&Oh!into a space where art, intimacy, and expression collide without limitation.

More nights are coming soon.

Stella Bee is a creative, performer, and Co-Founder of Mansa Harts, the Black-led platform behind InYou&Oh!—a space redefining how we experience sex, intimacy, and expression. Through poetry, art, and immersive events, she creates experiences that centre pleasure, honesty, and the freedom to exist unapologetically.

GET TICKETS: HERE

Poetic Temple returns to The Africa Centre, drawing inspiration from its landmark exhibition celebrating 60+ years of African creativity and influence in Britain. As part of this legacy, we host monthly spoken word nights every third Wednesday.

After an incredible 2024–25, we continue our mission to raise £6,000 for the Centre—making 2026 the year we reach our goal.

Join us from April 15 for curated evenings of open mic, featured poets, musicians, and live art—culminating in a special August auction of works by Stella B, alongside powerful poetry performances.

Dates:

• April 15 – Sons of Africa

• May 20 – The Lyrical Pugilists

• June 18 – Windrush

• July 22 – Re-Membering

• August 21 – The Auction

🎟 Early bird tickets available now🎟 10% discount for all events🎟 20% of sales support the fundraiser