First time Spoken Word artist Ashwin Mberi had the crowd begging for more. (Photograph by Melba Chipepo)
To some poetry is a platform to recite their favourite odes and mingle with other poetry lovers but for others it is a platform to say things that they would not say on a regular basis
. It is a space where they can simply put their life’s experiences on paper and let the world in on their joys, loves, hates, sorrows and expectations. For some it is a place where no judgement exists because they can speak certain things about their lives with the most profound freedom of expression that they do not enjoy from their family and friends. Poetry is an escape into a world where everyone is equal, where the good is so good you forget the bad. This Wednesday the Warehouse Theatre’s stage was the setting for old and new talent showed their love for poetry.The theme of this month’s show was ‘Open Theme For The Love of Poetry’. Poets Fallon and Queenie proved to be the favourites on the night judging by the applause that they got from the crowd. Both are inspired by life and recited very powerful poems on love, heartbreak and addiction. Every first Wednesday of the month, poetry lovers get a chance to express themselves and show their talent at Spoken Word. The show which is organized by Nesindano ‘Nunu’ Namises, Oshoshine Hivelua and Tanya is proving to be a favourite amongst both young and old. Nunu said that they received the biggest crowd of poets during auditions for this month’s show. Almost 30 hopefuls turned up at the auditions and some had to be turned away.Spoken Word is not only a platform for aspiring and professional poets to express themselves, it also has a philanthropic side. All proceeds collected at the show are used to fund the One Love project which helps to provide uniforms, school books and stationary to disadvantaged children. The children are sponsored on the basis that they continue with their studies and excel at them. 23-year old UNAM Bachelor of Arts student Ashwyn Mberi was a hit with the audience despite it being the first time he graced the stage at Spoken Word. His poem ‘Her intelligence’ had the crowd clapping and shouting “preach”. “I wrote the poem because I felt that African Women are not tapping into their potential, they are the blue print for their growth and that of Africa and yet they try to emulate American culture when they are true originals for true beauty. It is time that they aspired to fill the shoes of women like Winnie Mandela and Oprah” said Ashwin. The young poet draws his inspiration from his favourite poet and lyricist, American Hip-Hop artist ‘Common’ and said he identifies himself with the artist and also aspires to be like him as he is someone that is true to himself and others even though he is famous. Spoken Word takes place under different themes at the Warehouse Theater. Tickets to the show are N$40 for adults and N$30 for students.
