To mark International Poetry Day yesterday (March 21), the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) showcased the legacy of the Arab tradition of oral storytelling by hosting a Poetry Slam session that brought together seven spoken word artists from across the UAE on a common platform to share their passion for the written word, poetry, arts, and music.
Organised for the first time by EPA in line with its commitment to enrich the literary landscape of the emirate, the event was held at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi – a restored Creek-side house in the Arts District in Al Shuwaihean that serves as a venue for contemporary art exhibitions and events.
Bringing their own unique flavour to their performances, the seven poets performed modern poetry in both English and Arabic, and addressed subjects as diverse as the pandemic, Arab culture, love and heartbreak, spirituality, home and exile, and issues of identity in their allotted 15 minutes.
According to Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA, “The tradition of poetry is centuries-old and is rooted in the oral traditions of our ancient societies. Like literature, spoken word poetry too is a form of self-expression, and can transcend barriers in age, gender, and cultures by connecting people on an emotional level.”
He added: “EPA’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening the literary landscape of the region also extends to empowering voices through verse, which is an integral part of our cultural heritage. By hosting its first Poetry Slam, EPA aims to build a powerful platform to foster local talent and encourage spoken word artists to share their creative use of the power of everyday language to forge a strong connection with a supportive community.”
The free-to-attend session, held from 6pm to 8pm, featured performances by Dr. Afra Atiq, an Emirati poet and spoken word artist, who explored a broad range of topics including heritage, culture, identity, self-acceptance, and grief. A sought-after bilingual Emirati scholar, educator, and communications expert, Dr. Afra holds a strong record of academic and professional excellence and is an ambassador for women and youth empowerment, education, and the arts.
Shamma Albastaki, an award-winning poet and artist based in Dubai, enthralled the audience with her great energy and performance skills. A regular on local and international platforms, Albastaki is the winner of the 2019 ADMAF Creativity Award for her ethno-poetry collection, “Bayt la bayt” (House to House).
Zeina Hashem Beck, whose poems are reflections on linguistic and cultural translation, is a Lebanese poet based in the UAE. She shared her experiences of being at the intersection of languages and insisted on loving the broken world.
Content creator Alysia Knowles regaled the audience with her searingly honest words while Rasha Alduwaisan, an oral historian from Kuwait, explored unexpected aspects of the region’s heritage.
Palestinian rapper Suhaib S. Alises, who was born in Jordan but grew up in the UAE, brought hip-hop flavour to the stage while Ahmed Yousif, who grew up in a poetic home, reflected on his inner self-power, faith, and spirituality.