Pictures from WordSlam IV

The fourth edition of the poetry slam was organized by Goethe-Institut Nigeria and Culture Advocates Caucus on November 28, 2009 at Goethe-Institut Nigeria in Victoria Island / Lagos. The evening, compèred by Yinka Davies and Yemi Oyewo, started with school kids reciting poems which they had developed in a workshop with German-Nigerian singer Adé Bantu. Afterwards, several notable spoken word artists seized the stage, including Papa English, Awoko, Edaoto and others. The “Open Mic” session gave upcoming artists a chance to perform in front of the audience. As the sun came down, the literature programme turned into an afrofunk concert when famous German-Nigerian singer Adé Bantu and his band went on stage.

WordSlam IV Poetry Slam

The success story of the poetry slam organized by Goethe-Institut Nigeria in collaboration with Culture Advocates Caucus continued: several notable poets showed the audience the true qualities of the art of the spoken word in Nigeria. The featured poets of “WordSlam IV” were: Uche Uwadinachi, Cornerstone, Ayodeji Akinpelu, Papa English, Funmi Aluko, Ayeola Mabiaku, Awoko, Edaoto and Muri Amulegbajo. The “Open Mind & Mic” session was, like in previous editions of “WordSlam”, giving members of the audience the chance to perform a short poem as well.

WordSlam IV Bantu Concert

The fourth edition of “WordSlam” culminated in a concert by famous German-Nigerian singer Adé Bantu and his band. Adé Bantu’s vibes – a mixture of hip-hop, reggae and afrofunk which he calls “the sound of fufu” – turned what started as a poetry performance into an exciting live concert in the evening. Bantu was raised in Lagos (Nigeria) and Cologne (Germany) and currently resides in both cities. This musician sees himself as an Afropean who is constantly inspired by both continents.

WordSlam IV School Outreach Programme

The “School Outreach Programme” gave poetry-interested school kids from Ajegunle and Ikoyi the opportunity to train their writing and performing skills with a great conductor: Adé Bantu. He was also featured in the fourth edition of “WordSlam”. Bantu showed the kids how to use rhythm and rhyme, how to act on a stage and how to capture an audience. The results of the workshop were displayed along the other performances on the “WordSlam” stage on November 28.

German-Nigerian afrofunk musician Adé Bantu, he played until late that night.

Poet Ayodeji Akinpelu on stage.

Children from Ireti Grammar School performing.

Singer Yinka Davies was one of the two compères for the evening.