theguardian.com
Abidjan Slam Poetry Event Highlights West Africa's Socio-Political Challenges
Burkinabé poet and DJ Otemptic performed a slam poem in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, addressing jihadism and women's resilience, attracting 200 attendees and highlighting the use of spoken word poetry to process social and political challenges in West Africa.
- What is the significance of Otemptic's performance in Abidjan regarding the socio-political context of West Africa?
- In Abidjan, Ivory Coast, the Burkinabé poet and DJ Otemptic performed a slam poetry piece about jihadism and women's resilience, drawing 200 attendees. Her performance highlighted the challenges faced in Burkina Faso, connecting personal experiences to broader societal issues. The event showcased the power of spoken word to address difficult topics.
- How does the history of spoken word and poetry in Ivory Coast, such as zouglou, relate to the current revival of slam poetry?
- The slam poetry event in Abidjan is part of a broader revival of spoken word poetry across West and Central Africa. This resurgence is occurring amidst significant social and political upheaval, including recent coups, economic instability, and the threat of jihadist groups. Poetry provides a crucial outlet for young people to express their frustrations and experiences.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of the growing popularity of slam poetry as a form of social commentary and community engagement in Africa?
- The increasing popularity of slam poetry in Africa signifies a growing need for alternative platforms of expression and community building among marginalized youth. The success of poets like Noferima Fofana, who overcame personal hardships to win the Slam World Cup, indicates the transformative potential of art and cultural initiatives in addressing societal challenges. This trend might inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the resurgence of poetry in a largely positive light, highlighting its role in providing solace and empowerment for young people in the face of adversity. While acknowledging the challenges, the overall narrative emphasizes the positive impact of poetry on personal growth and community building. The headline, if included, would likely reflect this positive framing.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the poetry slam events and the poets' personal stories, but it lacks broader context regarding the socio-political climate in the region. While it mentions coups, economic insecurity, and jihadist threats, these are not explored in depth, limiting the reader's understanding of the full context surrounding the renewed interest in poetry. The article could benefit from including statistics on youth unemployment or the impact of jihadism on the population to provide more context for the poets' experiences.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the role of poetry slams in providing a platform for young people in West and Central Africa to express themselves, particularly in the face of socio-political challenges and economic insecurity. This fosters creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, contributing to improved quality of education and personal development. The initiative by Goethe Institut in supporting these slams further demonstrates investment in education and youth empowerment.