RELEVANCE OF SPOKEN WORD POETRY IN THE PRESENT-DAY CHALLENGES OF AFRICA
Olumide Holloway (King Olulu)
Poetpreneur | Gifted Storyteller | Screenwriter | Spoken Word Poet
Two major challenges facing Africa is the low level of literacy/education and increase in the level of unemployment. This has called for more innovative and engaging ways for Governments, Corporate Organizations, Educational Institutions and even private individuals in solving these two issues.
One of the ways we propose to solve these two problems is to intellectually inspire, educationally engage and excitingly entertain the minds of the people, using Spoken Word Poetry.
Why Spoken Word Poetry?
Spoken Word Poetry is a form of the literary/creative arts which includes Drama and Prose, thus, it is a genre of entertainment, based on its role as the vibrant performance aspect of poetry.
My opinion on the art form is that; Spoken Word Poetry is a tool of impact, a medium of communication, and a mode of expression. In addition, Spoken Word Poetry can help to increase the level of literacy among the youths, enhance and ensure better communication among people across the globe, and serve as a source of livelihood for talented individuals.
Economic Impact of Spoken Word Poetry
The art form can help provide employment for talented persons and this is in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): i.e. ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, as well as, promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
The growth of a spoken word poetry industry will create jobs and businesses for creative individuals i.e. the performers, event organizers, event promoters, video crew, photographers, (Poetry) bloggers, magazines, TV and Radio news crew, sellers of merchandise/branded poetry products, poetry teachers/trainers etc.
Social Impact of Spoken Word Poetry
Spoken Word Poetry is a genre of entertainment, a tool to increase the level of literacy, a means of livelihood and a medium of communication among people across the globe.
It will cultivate and improve the reading culture among the youths.
It will encourage acquisition of knowledge among people.
Provides positive content for websites/ bloggers, magazines, TV and Radio.
Serve as a platform for people to express themselves freely.
It will encourage emotional intelligence and aid with emotional therapy.
Written by Olumide Holloway (King Olulu)
Twitter @olulu4ever, Instagram @olulutheking, [email protected], +2348025070892