Nigeria has introduced a new selection process to determine its representative at the African Cup of Slam Poetry and the World Poetry Slam Championship. This initiative aims to ensure fairness and excellence by selecting the nation’s best slam poet through a “slam of champions” competition.
According to Bash Amuneni, Nigeria’s Ambassador to these prestigious events, the new process will come into effect starting in 2026. He stated:
“The slam poet that will represent Nigeria at these international contests will be the grand slam winner of the champions’ contest,”
He clarified that the representative for the 2026 championships will be the winner of a grand slam featuring all major slam winners from across the country in 2025. This decisive “slam of champions” is scheduled to take place in January 2026.
ABOUT THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
- The African Cup of Slam Poetry (ACSP)
This is a Pan-African event that unites slam poets from across the continent to celebrate spoken word artistry. Established to foster synergy and unity within Africa’s artistic scene, ACSP has become a significant platform for cultural expression and collaboration. The inaugural edition took place in N’Djamena, Chad, in 2018, featuring participants from over 20 African countries. Subsequent editions have continued to promote slam poetry as a unifying force, with events held in various African cities.
- World Poetry Slam Championship (WPSC)
The World Poetry Slam Championship (WPSC) is a global competition that brings together national slam champions from around the world to compete for the title of World Slam Champion. The event celebrates the diversity and creativity of spoken word artists on an international stage. The 2022 championship was held in Brussels, Belgium, from September 26th to 29th, marking a significant milestone in the event’s history.
Both events play pivotal roles in promoting the art of slam poetry, providing platforms for poets to showcase their talents, share cultural narratives, and engage with audiences worldwide.
By adopting this transparent and competitive selection model, Nigeria underscores its commitment to elevating its presence on the global poetry stage!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
