From poetry, to soul, to funk, to hip-hop, San Diego resident Gill Sotu is an entertainer that transcends the power of spoken word through music. With influences ranging from Gil Scott-Heron to Paul Simon, his uplifting words and music create a soulful journey in the spirit of America.

Sotu holds a number of titles, including Los Angeles Green Grand Slam Poetry Champion (2007), Ventura County Grand Slam Champion (2006), semi-finalist of the National Slam representing the San Diego Slam Team (2008), and three-time winner of Borders Books Annual Poetry Slam. Additionally, his debut album “Elephant Heart” was nominated for five Mavric Independent Music Awards, including Hip-Hop Album of the Year (2008).

In crafting his art over the years, Sotu has found a synergy between the competitiveness of slam poetry and the unifying aspect of open mic forums. His sophomore release "Flawed American Male" highlights this synergy through a unique blend of polished performances and collaborations with high caliber artists, masterfully combining spoken word and vocal melodies with funk, soul, acoustic, and hip-hop elements. Through this approach, along with an insatiable desire to be heard, Sotu is primed to get the attention he deserves as a poet, songwriter, and entertainer.

Gill Sotu currently hosts Train Of Thought, a successful weekly Open Mic at Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center in North Park, San Diego. He has facilitated poetry workshops in San Diego’s juvenile county lock-up for over 2 years, was the host and performer for Russell Simmon's HBO's BRAVE NEW VOICES semi finals, the host for ACLU’s Freedom Of Expression Showcase, and chairman of San Diego's Fiesta Del Sol Community Stage.






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