In a night filled with powerful words and raw emotion, the first edition of Word Kalcha Poetry Slam at Alliance Française Harare saw Bhanshee emerge victorious, clinching the top prize of $100 in a thrilling finale against Starlight from Bulawayo. The event, which took place on January 22, 2025, drew a crowd of 96 poetry enthusiasts and marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter in Zimbabwe’s literary scene.

A Star-Studded Affair

The slam attracted a diverse audience, including notable figures from Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape. In attendance were the Director of Alliance Française Harare, representatives from the LitFest team, including Mr. Chirikure and Kudzanai Thodlana (also known as Dutch), Batsirai Chigama from the Poetry Society, and a delegate from the French Embassy in Zimbabwe. The presence of media personnel underscored the event’s significance in promoting local talent and fostering cultural exchange.

The Battle of Words

The competition unfolded in three intense rounds, each showcasing the depth and diversity of Zimbabwe’s poetic talent:

1. First Round: All 15 participants took the stage, setting the tone for an evening of verbal artistry.
2. Second Round: Seven poets advanced, including Kuda Rice, Bhanshee, Tadana Nakai, I Eat Lemons, Starlight, Sekuru Soro, and Shingirai Manyengavana.
3. Final Round: The field narrowed to five finalists – Bhanshee, Tadana Nakai, Sekuru Soro, Shingi, and Starlight.

A Nail-Biting Finale

The climax of the evening saw Bhanshee and Starlight locked in a tie, necessitating a final showdown. In a democratic twist, the entire audience was called upon to vote, adding an electric atmosphere to the already charged event. Bhanshee’s performance ultimately swayed the crowd, securing their victory and the $100 top prize.

While Bhanshee took the crown, the other finalists also shone brightly:

• Second Place: Starlight from Bulawayo, awarded $80
• Third Place: Tadana Nakai, taking home $60

These prizes not only recognized the poets’ talents but also highlighted the event’s commitment to supporting and encouraging local artists.

A New Chapter in Zimbabwe’s Literary Scene

The success of this inaugural Word Kalcha Poetry Slam signals a promising future for spoken word events in Harare and beyond. “This is just the beginning,” Morset Billie, one of the organizers. “We’re already looking forward to our next Word Kalcha event on February 19th.”

The slam provided a platform for both established and emerging poets to showcase their skills, fostering a sense of community among Zimbabwe’s wordsmiths. It also demonstrated the power of poetry to unite people across different backgrounds, with participants and audience members alike sharing in the emotional journey of each performance.

As the dust settles on this groundbreaking event, the literary community in Zimbabwe is buzzing with excitement. The Word Kalcha Poetry Slam has set a new standard for spoken word competitions in the country, blending traditional poetic forms with contemporary themes and performance styles.

With its successful debut, the Word Kalcha series is poised to become a regular fixture in Harare’s cultural calendar. As one attendee put it, “This isn’t just about competition; it’s about celebrating our voices and our stories. I can’t wait to see how it grows from here,” said Billie.

As Zimbabwe’s poets sharpen their verses for the next slam, one thing is clear: the Word Kalcha Poetry Slam has ignited a spark in Harare’s literary scene, promising to illuminate the path for a new generation of wordsmiths and poetry lovers alike.

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