New School Poetry Slam Competition unearths new literary talent
By Rolland Simpi Motaung
For Africa Month youth radio station, 5FM launched the 5 School Poetry Slam on 5 Breakfast show. The 5 School Poetry Slam competition aims to celebrate young people finding their voices, and expressing their creativity through performance poetry.
Through-out the month of May the station made a call for entries from young aspiring slam poets. Ropafadzo Chakezha; Nhlakanipo Mngomezulu and Naledi Nokukhanya Hlalele; were the three of the five lucky high school students who had the opportunity to perform their work live to the 5 Nation on 25th of May at SABC Headquarters in Johannesburg.
Donna Levin and Jacob Gordon who both attend a Jewish school were not present on the day but were given the respect and praise for their admirable participation in the competition. 5 Breakfast host, Dan Corder – who was also host for the day- says that 5FM supports and celebrates young people who are finding their voices and expressing their creativity through performance poetry for Africa Month.
The role of poetry and support for young poets
These young masters of the spoken word also had the privilege to work with activist, writer, and current World Poetry Slam Champion, Xabiso Vili- who also performed on the day. During an earlier interview similar to Corder sentiments, Vili also says that oral storytelling, including performance poetry, is a crucial and sacred tradition in South African cultures. In a complex and traumatized country, Vili believes there is a deep desire and passion to make sense of our community and this life in South Africa.
In preparing the young five poets for their showcase on Africa Day earlier in the week, Ayob Vania- 5 Breakfast host content producer- said:“The beautiful thing about poetry is that there are no wrong answers, just because we are writing poems, let us not forget that we are telling a story”. The support of family and friends- including facilitators like Vania- is key to any poet’s journey and creatives alike. It was delightful to see language and drama teachers also offering encouragement to the young poets on the day in Auckland Park.
“My Afrikaans teacher is here today, she and my English teacher were the ones who have been supporting me throughout my time.” says Nhlakanipo Mngomezulu who was informed by his teachers to enter the slam poetry competition.
Passion and pain through poetry
In a multilingual and multicultural country telling a story could mean different things to different poets. The five young poets hailing from high schools such as St. Andrews School for Girls, Jordoa College and Midrand Christian College a variety of themes, including mental health, identity and struggles of belonging. Though novices to spoken word- some have only written a few poems so far- these young poets’ exhilarating passions and pains are felt in their words.
“If ever the tragedy occurs that Tom loses his Jerry/ that peanut butter loses its Jam/ that the moon loses its Sun/ Remember not to suppress your inner most emotions/ Becoming a sleeping volcano read to erupt, but glide on these five phases as though you were a figure skater” Naledi Hlalele
“Travelling through time and space with grace beyond man’s jurisdiction/ with the letter L.I.O.N. on my throat as an inscription /So if anyone, anyone walks through these doors asking for my description/ tell them I am a dark skinned black Queen who walks like an Egyptian” Ropafadzo Chakezha
The growth of Slam Poetry in South Africa and internationally
Over the years there has been a phenomenal growth of slam poetry in South Africa that has seen an innovative mixture of video, music, and word in performances. Numerous platforms and events dedicated to showcasing the talents of local poets have added to this vibrant growth in the spoken word scene in the country.
Poetry movements such as the Word N Sound Live Literature Company’s Poetry League, the Inzync Poetry Sessions, Current State of Poetry (CSP) and Hear My Voice have played significant roles in fostering the evolution of slam poetry in the country. Similar to Vili- who competed against 40 slammers from 37 countries to become the winner for the first-ever World Poetry Slam Champion in Brussels in 2022- South African slam poets have also made a mark on the international stage.
Renowned poetry slam competitions such as the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival and The Rooted & Radical Youth Poetry Festival (R & R) previously named Louder Than a Bomb in the USA have been some key events for many South African slammers.
Slamming forward
Corder added that 5FM is uniquely placed to do this work- because 5 is the national youth radio station of the whole country. “It has always been the station’s purpose to celebrate and support young people, and make sure their voices are heard”. With more teenagers battling daily mental and emotional wars due to a variety of issues in a socio-economically unequal society, poetry serves as a vehicle for expression and healing. Such platforms created by 5FM in taking slam poetry to high schools are a greatly welcomed initiative within the spoken word community locally and globally.
To view full performances visit 5FM YouTube channel and the visit www.5FM.co.za