SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR GRAND SLAM 2024/25

 

The Grand Slam 2024/25 will be held on 23rd-26th January 2025 in Nairobi. In preparation for the country’s premier poetry competition, the organizers Creative Spills held three preliminary rounds this year each with 9 contestants. 



This year’s grand slam participants drawn from the three preliminary rounds include: Scar Poetry, Writefully Ochomo, Ni T.A.P, Kiragu, Dominion, Timelines, Nature Servant, Musaa King, Belvin Thee poet and Just Wairimu. Scar Poetry, Writefully Ochomo and Ni T.A.P move into the Grand Slam as winners of the first, second and third preliminary respectively. 

To participate in the Slam, prospective poets send three pieces to Creative Spills in Word, PDF, Audio, or Video. After submission, those shortlisted will be called for an interview at named locations in Nairobi. Thereafter, the judges will train the selected 9 or 10 on the performance art before the material day. This ensures that all the performers are up to date with the requirements of the slam festival in Kenya. The judges are thorough and so expect the best from those who get to perform on the stage. 

Even though the primary languages of Slam Africa poetry in Kenya are English, Kiswahili and Sheng, there have been cases where mother tongue poems are selected. Apart from native languages, international languages like French have been embraced as long as the performer meets the criteria laid down in the submission form. 

Speaking to Kevin Orato, one of the slam judges, there is a lot that goes into planning and execution of slam event. For starters, preparation involves getting to meet the contestants. Even though most of the shortlisted candidates are from Nairobi, some may be out of town or even international acts. Orato observed that the logistics are sometimes immense that they have to dig deep into their pockets to facilitate transportation and hosting costs. 

Tickets to the slam festival are still on sale here: https://mookh.com/store/event/poetry-slam-africa


  

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