Physical Address
Kampala, Uganda.
WhatsApp: +256393256764
The Art of a slam Poem and how to write one.
As you pen down a poetry piece, do you ever hear a small voice guiding your hand? He tells you where to put a hyphen a comma, full stop or an apostrophe. Guess what ? If the answer is yes, then you have already mastered half the art of a Slam Poem and how to write one.
By definition, slam poetry is described as a form of performance of poetry that combines the elements of performance, writing, competition, and audience participation. Simply put, slam poetry is poetry that is performed at a poetry slam.
A poetry Slam is simply an event organized to perform slam Poetry. It is an event of expression, art, voicing ideas and competition all while trying to pass across messages to the audience. The audience also has active participation in a Poetry Slam.
While formats can vary, slams are often loud and lively, with audience participation, cheering and dramatic delivery. In modern Poetry Slams however, Hip-hop music and urban culture are strong influences, and backgrounds of participants tend to be diverse.
Slam Poetry is slightly different from other forms of poetry. The difference is rather simple and it is that Slam poetry is written with the intention of being performed or spoken aloud, while the other is written specifically for the page. Slam poems are meant to be performed while other poems are to be left in pages and a reader has the liberty of attaching their own emotions to it rather than feel the emotions of the poet.
Slam poetry doesn’t depend on the page for its power but rather depends on the speech or how it is presented. Slam poets evoke emotion and the power of everyday language and delivery with their enthusiasm and voice, unlike the more formal or academic poetry techniques where it is easier for a reader to attach their own emotions to a piece rather than feel the emotions of the Poet.
Where a poem on a page might use lineation as a device, the slam poet may use breaks or silence as a device. This in itself is the art of a slam poem.
Characteristics of Slam Poetry.
Written based on a Theme.
The Slam poems are often written around a theme and there are many themes such as politics, social issues, family, or friends. The Theme is the central idea of the Poem and the entire poem rotates around it and the deeper the theme, the better the results.
Clear and Precise.
The poem typically makes a clear point or statement,. Slam poetry does not beat around the bush but rather states facts the way they are, however harsh they may be.
Always evokes emotions.
Who would not be touched while watching someone pour out their emotions in a narrative style? It is very engaging and also evokes very many emotions within the audience and the judges as well. It surely makes the audience feel a certain way.
Can have a rhythmic element or not.
Slam poetry usually has a rhythmic element. There are some that are written based on free flaw due to the message intended by the poet or the emotions imparted into the poem. Most slam poems however tend to be non rhythmic because they are written off of expression and emotions rather than impressiveness.
This is one of the most helpful note to recall when learning the art of a slam poem and how to write one.
Performances of slam poetry have no props, costume, or music.
When it comes to Slam Poetry, the performances do not have music because every emotion in the reciter’s voice needs to be captured by the audience and the panel of judges as well.
They usually do not use costumes or even props as well because the idea is to bring out the realness of the poem. In modern Slam Poetry contests however, music could sometimes be included.
Here is a sample excerpt from a Slam Poet titled Mama by Emi Mahmoud that could guide us as we explore the Art of a Slam Poem and how to write one;
Mama
I’m not saying dating is a first world problem, but these trifling motherfuckers seem to be.
The kind who’ll quote Rumi, but not know what he sacrificed for war.
Who’ll fawn over Lupita, but turn their racial filters on.
Who’ll take their politics with a latte when I take mine with tear gas.
Every guy I meet wants to be my introduction to the dark side,
Wants me to open up this obsidian skin and let them read every tearful page,
Because what survivor hasn’t had her struggle made spectacle?
Don’t talk about the motherland unless you know that being from Africa
means waking up an afterthought in this country.
Don’t talk about my flavor unless you know that
My flavor is insurrection, it is rebellion, resistance
My flavor is mutiny
It is burden, it is grit and it is compromise
And you don’t know compromise until you’ve rebuilt your home for the third time
Without bricks, without mortar, without any other option”
Emi Mahmoud
Mama is a powerful piece that brings out various concerns. It is a piece of art embedded with multiple themes that concern not only a human being g but an entire Nation, an entire race. It is centered around relationships, war, inner turmoil as well as insecurities that stare back at us as we look at the mirror every single day.
This slam poem also depicts its major theme as the fight for Freedom. As Emi Mahmoud plays around with the themes, she brings out the need for sacrifice in order to achieve liberty and peace. How would this poem not trigger strong reaction from people of color?
Mama by Emi seems to be more of free flaw in regards to the topics that she has decided to tread on. There are however a few words here and there that create the right rhythm for this poem. There is use of words like Because what survivor hasn’t had her struggle made spectacle? And also My flavor is insurrection, it is rebellion, resistance. My flavor is mutiny. It is burden, it is grit and it is compromise
Need I mention that her poem is straight to the point and definitely precise? This is the true art of a slam poem and how to write one.
How to write a slam poem.
Choose a theme
For the very start, before you write a slam poem, you need to choose a theme for the poem. What kind of message would you like to put across to the audience and the panel? What would suit your taste better?
As you choose a theme, keep in mind to choose a theme you are passionate about and are very well conversant with. The more you know about a topic, the deeper your slam poem will turn out to be. Passion is also a very important drive when it comes to relaying messages. Have you realized that you express yourself better when you are talking about something you are very passionate about? That is exactly my point!
If depression or anxiety is something you feel strongly about, then write about it. Let what you are passionate about be your inspiration to create a great masterpiece. As the saying goes, Passion is the best ingredient that will fuel your writing.
Face your ghosts.
Will my piece be good enough? Will my audience receive it well? Will anyone ever understand the message am trying to put across? Will someone find my poem relatable? If you have ever been a poet, you will understand all these questions all too well. They sound very familiar, right?
That is the fear that you need to get past. Those are the ghosts you need to face. If you are to write a slam poem, you need your inner voice guiding you on how to take twists and turns as you develop your piece. If your inner voice is overshadowed by fear, it will not give the best outcome and you will not express yourself to perfection.
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Often, the things that we care about are deeply personal to us. Even when your passion leans towards something very painful, It can be a very positive experience to share the pain you have felt, and it may touch others in ways you don’t expect. Guess what! You could even be a stranger’s shoulder to lean on.
Listen to your inner voice.
This brings us to our next step. Do listen to your inner voice. Slam poems are often guided by that inner voice. In most cases, you will realize that the voice that guided you while writing a slam poem is the same voice that you will use while reciting this poem at a Poetry slam.
Let your inner voice take control of the whole writing process and watch how beautifully your slam poem will turn out to be.
Focus on the format of your poem.
You can let your emotions take the lead and make a wonderful free flaw slam poem. Your poem doesn’t have to have a set rhythm or rhyme scheme, but you will come to notice that many slam poems repeat sounds here and there to make the poem more interesting.
There are many Slam poems are usually free verse as well, but they can use line breaks and punctuation for emphasis just like traditional poems. The rhythm embedded in this poem gives it a different thrill that will have the audiences captured and glued to your performance.
Also remember to observe the length of your poem. Refrain from writing a slam poem that will take more than three minutes during your performance. You will want to aim for a poem that takes 3 minutes or less to read aloud.
Practice and Practice.
Be sure to practice! If you can, practice in front of a mirror so that you can see what you look like as you perform. Not only does this build your confidence but also enables you to see how you can express yourself as you see best. Besides, Practice makes perfect and so in order for you to perfect your slam poem, you need to practice how you will perform it.
Now that you have mastered the art of a slam poem and how to write one, let your emotions guide you and let nothing stop you. For a few interesting Slam Poems, take a look at the link below;
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poems/best/slam
Frequently asked questions
How do you rhyme in slam poetry?
Slam poetry is mostly defined by its lack of traditional poetry features. First of all, it doesn’t follow any particular rhyme scheme. Parts of the poem might rhyme, particularly if the poet wants to draw attention to that section, but some slam poets don’t rhyme at all
How long should a slam poem be?
Since Slam Poetry is meant to be performed and not written down, a 3 minute limit is the most common maximum length. Even during Poetry Slams, after 2 minutes, performers get a warning, so they know they only have a minute left.
What are the features of slam poetry?
Slam poems are often written around a theme, such as politics, social issues, family, or friends. The poem typically makes a clear point or statement, or makes the audience feel a certain way. Slam poetry usually has a rhythmic element. It is also characterized by performers having no props, costume, or music. When it comes to modern slam poetry however, music is one of the common new developments as it gives a feel of excitement when played in the background.
How best can you explain what a poetry Slam is about?
A poetry slam is a competition in which individuals or teams perform their own personal poetry before an audience, which judges the poems and the artists’ performances. Poetry slams are often held on college campuses or at coffee houses.
