And Then There Was The 54th SlamAfrica Edition - How It All Went Down.

Last weekend marked the crowning of the 54^th SlamAfrica winner  in a yet another successful  event that soared new heights in as for the first time, Slam Africa poetry challenge had managed to attract sponsors and this consequently  spelled good news for the slammers. That Flone initiative and Lovechild Records had come on board, this signaled a brighter future to the completion in the efforts to give the event the much needed credibility.

Anyway, I digress. For those of you keen on the weather, I’m sure you’ve noticed the mood swings it has shown of late and to say this was a worry before the event would be an understatement. Ian didn’t only bash me once, or twice but countless times calling me a naysayer for my fears of the rains falling on the hapless crowd. Pawa254 is undergoing renovation and this means that the event (And all the other events to take place at that location) had/have to be held outside.

It’s a public secret that Kenyans are very good in keeping time and this was no different. The event kicked off a bit late but time issues were soon forgotten after the slammers took to the stage, wowing the audience and taking them through their poetic journeys. The always vibrant duo of already established poets Teardrops and Gufy Dox did more than a brilliant emceeing job with their puns and wits that had the audience in cackles even the Judging panel which included the mean Kevin Orato, Richie Maccs, Mufasa and a surprise guest judge in Nana Ibrahim.

After the first two rounds, which blew everyone away with the slammers tackling just about every social norm and vices, it was evident that the judges faced an uphill task in choosing who the finalists were. This was of course exhibited when they took a considerable amount of time to deliberate on who deserved the podium finish.

And as they were deliberating, the audience were treated to some lovely tunes from Jawabu, Phyllis, and Mary with her midblowing rendition of the hit song “Hallelujah”. Other artistes who in took to the stage and equally wowed are the Dorphanage,  beatboxer- FlowFlani Wakaba, Gufy the mc and Teardrops himself. 

After much deliberation, from this pack: Ivan Irakoze, Hinga Mwojoria, Vincent Thuol, Griffins Ndine, Vanessa Ombura, Norman Mosoti, Samuel  Wagura, Desmond Walker Ogubi, Van Jan, only Ivan Irakoze , Vanessa Ombura and Desmond Walker made the cut to the podium.

The final round, as you’d expect was as fiery as fiery could ever get and the three finalists really gave each other a run for their money but eventually, only one winner was to be crowned the king/queen. Third place was occupied by Desmond Walker who walked away with a T-shirt and 1000 shillings courtesy of Flone initiative. Ivan Irakoze emerged the second best slammer bagging 1,500 shillings and a T-shirt all courtesy of Flone initiative.

The winner, or Slam queen if you like, Vanessa Ombura earned a recording contract worth 60,000 from Lovechild Records and 2,500 as well as a T-shirt all courtesy of Flone initiative.

Undoubtedly, this was the most successful event  as that the winning slammers had something to take pride in, unlike the past where the awards part has been marred by controversy.

Despite being the only Female slammer, Vanessa , through her success posed a great challenge to other female poets to apply to slam in the next Slam, which is slated for April. From the judges, the audience, the performers, the event organizers and God for making sure that the weather didn’t hamper the proceedings, everything about this event was a huge success, we can only hope that the next will eclipse this.

Over to you, critics.

Image: The 54th Slam Winner, Vanessa Ombura, receiving the crown from her predecessor, Virusi Mbaya.
Photo credit: Slumphotography.