34 poets have advanced to the semifinal rounds of the 2024 First Citizens National Poetry Slam, following intense in-person auditions in San Fernando, Port of Spain, and Tobago. The selections were announced on Friday 1 March.
Nearly 100 hopefuls delivered their verses before a distinguished judging panel. This year’s judges included Richard “Chromatics” Rajkumar, Patti-Anne Ali, Victor Edwards, Evelyn Caesar Munroe, and head judge Arielle M. John.
One of the most anticipated elements of the championship, the Wild Cards, will once again add an exciting twist to the Slam. This unique feature allows four poets who narrowly missed the qualifying scores to compete in pairs during each semifinal, with the opportunity to join the Grand Slam finalists. Among this selection is ten-year-old Markus Wylie from Tobago, who brings a fresh burst of youthful energy to the mix.
The audition performances covered a diverse range of topics, including politics, sexuality, religion, and self-esteem. Head judge and poet Arielle M. John lauded the quality of the audition pieces, expressing her admiration for the depth and sincerity of the performances.
Reflecting on the influx of new talent, John remarked, “I’m grateful to see so many new faces enter the ring this year. Poets are gaining confidence and really pushing themselves to create powerful, spirited, and truthful work.”
The semifinals will take place in two rounds on 23 and 24 March at the Central Bank Auditorium in Port of Spain. Tickets, priced at $100, will soon be available for purchase at selected venues and online at www.bocaslitfest.com/poetry-slam.
The poets will compete for the chance to perform at the Grand Slam finals on Sunday 28 April, as the First Citizens National Poetry Slam concludes the 2024 NGC Bocas Lit Fest. The winner’s row takes home a total of $80,000 courtesy First Citizens, with first, second, and third places receiving $50,000, $20,000, and $10,000 respectively. Reigning Slam Champion Kyle Hernandez, who automatically advances to the Final, will face off against 14 qualifying poets from the semifinal round.
The 2024 NGC Bocas Lit Fest, the largest annual literary event in the Anglophone Caribbean, will run from 25 to 28 April, featuring a diverse programme of readings, performances, discussions, workshops, and other exciting events.
The semifinalists:
- Abdul Majeed Abdal Karim
- Abibi-Africa Williams
- Alexandra Stewart
- Alicia Haynes
- Annette Taylor
- Celestial Marshall
- Daniel Baptiste
- Darion Cunningham
- Dennis Joseph
- Derron Sandy
- Dershawn Hernandez
- Earth Lezama
- Gabrielle Murray
- Joel Philip
- Kaliq Cook
- Kedisha Thomas
- Keeron Isaac
- Kevin Soyer
- Kevin Fortune
- Master-Akeem Phillip
- Michael Logie
- Ronaldo Mohammed
- Seth Sylvester
- Shakir Gray
- Shakira Burton
- Shimiah Lewis
- Soleil La Barrie
- Stephanie Smith
- Swasthi Maharaj
- Tevin Douglas
Wild Cards:
- Gabrielle Abdool
- Markus Wylie
- Nia Thompson
- Renaldo Briggs
For First Citizens National Poetry Slam updates, follow @nationalpoetryslamtt on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or call the Slam Hotline at 375-2155.