Youth Voices Poetry Slam

Words can be very powerful and one local group is bringing the rhythm of speech to the stage tonight. Youth Voices is launching the Word Power Slam Poetry Campaign. The event will kick start an eight month campaign by the Global Parish Project, which includes performances, workshops and a school tour. News Five spoke with Education Coordinator for Youth Voices, Nyabinghi Melanie Price about tonight’s event.

Nyabinghi Melanie Price, Education Coordinator, Youth Voices

“So tonight at the Pickwick Club, the Belize Pickwick Club in Belize City, we have the Word Power Poetry Night and mini slam; what a mini slam is, is a completion and we use poetry as our vehicle, right; so we have about fourteen young people between the ages of fourteen to twenty two to show their good stuff, perform their poetry, talk about AIDS; poverty, murder, relationships, love and there’s a plethora of different topics that our young people are looking forward to sharing. So we have a panel of judges who will be looking at different criteria, their writing style, their stage presence, their lyricism, their engagement with the audience, so it’s really a great time for people to come out and listen to what young people have to say; look at what their thoughts, opinions, their solutions are to the problems that are going on and also to get a theatrical entertaining perspective as well.”

Andrea Polanco

Nyabinghi Melanie Price

“So I know that following tonight’s event there will be an eight month period of activities including visits to school and collaboration with different artists. Tell us a little bit more about that?”

Nyabinghi Melanie Price

“Yes, so we are participating with Nello Player and Jenko on an educational tour to about ten schools; so our first tour and first school will be Canaan High School on May twenty-third and then we will go to ACC, Nazarene, Excelsior and E.P Yorke, Muffles College; but we will be coming out to share the message of positivity. Conscious Belizeans youth expressing themselves and Jenko and Nello Player will be sharing their albums that are just being released.”

Keiron Gaboural

Keiron Gaboural, Youth Voices Poet

“I am a force to be reckoned, the serum to ailment, the spark of tomorrow. Uptight I may seem; bad vibes spoil sport. Righteous is my belief; enlightment daily stride, enemy of your eyes am I to those who are program. Don’t ask, just do it. But I’ll be like damn, this ain’t Nike. Step back or get check. You see George gave me the beat, so I rhythm to life. Hip lie—the soul of Ghana. The black fish shines over all. The base in my voice set foundation for leaders to rise on and I am not talking about the politicians and the missionary. Here is dedicated to the outcast, the oppressed, the confused and misused, the backs of all those you wipe yuh feet on.”

The launch of the Word Power Slam Poetry starts at six-thirty this evening at the Pickwick Club on Princess Margaret Drive. Kenny Morgan, River of Fire and other local poets will be a part of the featured appearances. To get more information on the upcoming activities you can call Youth Voices at 677-5571 or email at youthvoicesbelize@gmail.com