About Poetry Slam: A Poetry slam is a competitive art event in which poets perform spoken word poetry before a panel of judges. Slams are often loud and lively, with audience participation, cheering and dramatic delivery. Hip-hop music and urban culture are strong influences.

Poetry slams began in Chicago in 1984, with the first slam competition designed to move poetry recitals from academia to a popular audience. American poet Marc Smith, believing the poetry scene at the time was “too structured and stuffy”, began experimenting by attending open-microphone poetry readings, and then turning them into slams by introducing the element of competition.

The performances at a poetry slam are judged as much on enthusiasm and style as content, and poets may compete as individuals or in teams. The judging will be handled by a panel of 3 judges.

Deadline: April 30th

How to participate?: Upload your video to YouTube as an unlisted or a public video with the title “African Schools Debate Foundation Poetry Slam 2023 + Your Full Name”

The Top 3 videos will get a certificate!

Panel of Judges: TBA

Video Limit: 5 Minutes