Isele! Spoken Word Poetry Prize 2013 Shortlist

Isele! is pleased to announce the shortlist for the inaugural spoken word poetry competition. The judges revealed their thoughts on the judging process:

“It’s never easy to judge creativity because every work of art, especially when it comes to spoken word, has merit and appeals to its own specific audience. But some works carry a power and presence a listener finds very difficult to ignore. They draw you in and make you see, make you feel the complex universe of emotions that forced the poet to speak. These were the kinds that made it to this shortlist.”—Dike Chukwumerije, renowned spoken word poet and writer

“Being chosen to be a judge in the Isele! Poetry contest was an exciting trip into a world of words spun by fresh new voices in Nigerian poetry. My experience was infused with the passion and individuality these young people brought into their craft. Some were dramatic, some pathetic, others came with panache but all were, nonetheless, passionate. And that sums up for me the experience of participating in classifying and determining the standard of the Isele! poets. Looking forward to Season 2 already.”—Sage Hasson, renowned spoken word poet and writer

The winner of the N50, 000 prize will be announced on Monday, September 16, 2013, and the winner will receive the award at the Orange Crush Award Night event that will hold in the city of Port Harcourt on Saturday, 19th October, 2013.

The shortlist:

1. Tosin Akingbulu for “Shades of L
2. Nathaniel Soonest Iheanyi for “These Children
3. Gbenga Osowe for “My Thoughts on the National Anthem
4. Prosper O. Anuforo for “Adura
5. Moyosore Orimoloye for “Lessons from Nollywood
6. Obafemi Farinde for “The Other Side of Eden

Links to videos of their spoken word performances are available on the Saraba Magazine website, the Saraba Magazine Twitter account, the Saraba Magazine Facebook page and the Saraba Magazine Tumblr.

Thank you
Ukamaka Olisakwe
For: Isele!