20 Make it to Poetry Slam Semis

By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE 2022 First Citizens National Poetry Slam Competition is into the second-round stage of its competition and 20 top performers are through to the semi-finals.

The competition is hosted in collaboration with Bocas Lit Fest.

Bocas Lit Fest in a recent press release stated that 80 persons had stepped up to the challenge to deliver a repertoire of charismatic, thought-provoking, riveting and animated performances before five seasoned judges.

The first stage was streamed live on the National Poetry Slam – Trinidad and Tobago Facebook page and the Bocas Lit Fest website and is deemed the region’s largest and richest spoken word event in which the winner takes home $50,000, with $20,000 and $10,000 for runners-up.

The Poetry Slam was open to competitors of all ages and all topics. 

Bocas Lit Fest stated, “Taking full advantage of this inclusiveness, veterans, newcomers and some 2021 Slam finalists weighed in on trending social issues and matters of the heart, much to the delight of the audience, but in the end only 20 wordsmiths could go through.”

Group Marketing and Communications Officer – Events, CSR and PR for First Citizens Trudy Louison said, “By the level of talent that exudes from our people in Trinidad and Tobago. It was amazing to hear how eloquently an everyday topic, or less-thought-about personal experience, can be captured so creatively and paint a different perspective.”

Head Judge Arielle John was joined by Avion Crooks, Nicholas Sosa, Kwame Weekes and Jayron “Rawkus” Remy.

In commenting on the toughness of the competition she said, “The semifinals are where the competition really switches gears and people bring their best work forward. I’m excited to witness even more dynamic, risk-taking poetry that offers seat-gripping performances that we will struggle to forget.”

The two-part semifinals will be televised on August 21 and 28 August and both events will include a live in-studio audience. 

Semifinalists: