So as a rapper who moonlights as a poet, I meet many poetry fans and enthusiasts. Guys who do not necessarily love my poetry but they respect the whole art as an entity. So in comes the question of the “open mic model”. Here, we meet 3 very distinct people. There are writers, performers and readers. The whole idea is great at the exposure of talent but at the same time, it kills the beauty of the art! For there are good writers who are not good performers. There are lovely performers who can’t write to save their own lives! And there are others who come to the events to see just how many lunatics can come together and create a forum for themselves. I say this for every art form is indeed, a form of lunacy.
So I congratulate all who have done and are organizing open mics. But I also send out a cry… Lets help each other grow! On behalf of the writer who has the best piece but can’t recite it. On behalf of the dope performer who needs material. Let’s grow the art from within and let’s keep it real! In part 2 of this article, we shall tackle “The Commercialization of Poetry”.
© Jemedari (His work, His twitter)
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11 Comments
bintimswahili
I think that the moment we put rules and limits to how performances are done is the moment we kill the art..
Let me explain..
It’s fine to have poetry sessions and events where all the poets are good and inspiring and the performances are extraordinary, and these events can be arranged and even charged so that the audience can be guaranteed their money’s worth..
But for the growth and development of the art, we need Open Mics.. This is the only platform that will allow new poets to try out and who knows maybe the next best thing can be discovered… If we moderate this too much we might run the risk of locking people out
How is a person supposed to know whether they are good or bad if they don’t stand in front of an audience of strangers who can give them an honest opinion? How can a person learn and develop their craft if they don’t expose themselves to criticism?
14 Oct
Natacha
I totally agree but please let me know where in nairobi u can have these open mics where u can actually hear the poet perform. open mics have become social event more than art events…
14 Oct
Sanya Noel
Most guys can’t perform coz they are afraid to, it applies to me, and i’ve got guys with the same syndrome, they can write masterpieces, open mic sessions should give us this exposure
14 Oct
Lenny
Absolute truth. I am a good writer but i am yet to try performance. Behind the mirror, i am awesome!!
14 Oct
Jemedari
As we are growing our fans, pages, blogs and sites, we also get to that point where its a poetic mall. Everyone is goin to be selling the same shit with different names. Coz 80 percent of the …poetry fans are, themselves poets and they can read thru the accents and swagger and ‘deep’ poetry. The growth is here, more corporates are recognizing poetry, more international recognithon… But, theres a few individuals who whether pfwerful or not, are going to call our bluf! As I have often said, ” a light at the end of tie tunnel, might just be that oncoming train!” Am glad we can pen down what we think coz what we need is that growth…
15 Oct
baru
i agree totaly Jemedari…
not every one can perform like you do and not everyone can write like you do….
there should be some barter trade of sorts
15 Oct
manyuira kisima(wilson)
i agree with u man
u have said it jemedari
and personally i cant perform out the poems but writing God has given me the ability
i hope there shall come an equilavent of open mic to adress issues as this
18 Oct
Jacquendinda
Open mic events are necessary–very! I write, i do not perform- not everyone can- i agree with you. Open mic events cannot stay away from being social events- we are social beings- its in us- some come for the art- so come for the socail part of it- but am glad the open mic craze is doing more good than harm- i am appreciating art more- all kinds! I never used to love live performances- for no reason! Lele, elani, afrology and entoneosoul have proved me wrong-
open mics-am addicted!
6 Nov
rags
I like your post. Short and to the point. I am a poetry enthusiast who respects the art but cant write poetry even if a gun was put to my head. I do admire all poets from minda magero to Piñero. Cant wait to read your next post on the subject.
6 Nov
Hellen
I concure with you. I am consider myself artistic,i can write poetry bt i doubt my courage when it comes to performing!
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