Poets celebrate Ama Ata-Aidoo’s legacy with “Voice On Words” Spoken Word Competition

The All African Women Poetry Festival (AAWPF) recently held its highly anticipated “Voice on Words” Spoken Word Competition at the prestigious British Council in Accra, Ghana.

The event showcased the exceptional talent of young poets from three renowned schools who battled it out for the coveted title. Among the participating schools were Holy Trinity Catholic Senior High School, La Presby Senior High School, and the outstanding representatives from Osu Salem Senior High School, led by the remarkable Ella Ahondo, who emerged as the winner.

The competition, divided into three exhilarating rounds, aimed to celebrate the power of spoken word poetry while honouring the legacy of renowned Ghanaian author Ama Ata-Aidoo.

Rhymesonny, a prolific poet known for his impactful performances and works as a poet and entrepreneur, and Dr. Ekua Kumah from the University of Ghana, served as esteemed judges for the competition.

In the first round, the students showcased their deep appreciation for Ama Ata-Aidoo’s works as they selected poems from her collection.

This segment not only paid tribute to the legendary writer but also demonstrated the participants’ understanding of her profound literary contributions.

The second round posed an exciting challenge, requiring the students to select and perform poems written by female African writers. This segment aimed to highlight the immense talent and diversity present within the African literary landscape, showcasing the voices of accomplished women poets.

The climax of the competition was the final round, where the young poets presented their own original compositions. This round offered a platform for the students to express their unique perspectives, experiences, and creativity through powerful spoken word performances.

The success of the Voice on Words Spoken Word Competition would not have been possible without the generous support of various organizations and institutions.

The KGL Foundation, FanMilk, National Theatre, Ghana Education Service, British Council, and the Black Women Rise Poetry initiative in the USA all playing crucial roles in making this event a resounding success. Their commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting poetry in Ghana is commendable and greatly appreciated.

The AAWPF’s Voice on Words Spoken Word Competition not only showcased the exceptional talent of these young poets but also provided them with a platform to express themselves, raise their voices, and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Ghana and Africa as a whole.

It is through such initiatives that a new generation of writers, artists, and creative thinkers could be shaped for the future.