Poets galore at Book Cafe

Poets from all walks of life converged at the Book Cafe last weekend to participate in the "House of Hunger Poetry Slam – The Ides of March".

The "House of Hunger Poetry Slam" celebrates performance poetry with a monthly "slam" that reverberates with vibrant live poetry, diversity, satire and passion and is a prodigious podium for acquaintance and it permits interface with other "versifiers" who have been exceptional in their poetry and there is room for sharing philosophies and fresh ideas.

Ethnomusicologist Hector Mugani said the "Poetry Slam" was named after Zimbabwean writer Dambudzo Marechera and it was in honour of the late musicians Andy Brown and Sam Mtukudzi.

"This month's edition celebrates the poetry of William Shakespeare and the poetic prose of the late Andy Brown and the late Sam Mtukudzi, who both passed away around the 'Ides of March' in 2012 and 2010 respectively" he said. Over 16 poets took part in the "House of Hunger Poetry Slam – Ides of March", with young sensation "The Orator" clinching the win from "Madzitateguru" and "Illmatrix" who came first runner-up and second runner-up respectively. "The Orator" clinched the title of this month with his poem titled "Bonde". The poet dazzled the crowd with his deep literature much to the dismay of other poets such as Madzitateguru, Sekuru Nhanho, Mwanakomana and Oliver Twist, whom he marginally outclassed.

"This lively and joyful event of poetry has grown to see most of the new generation of poets such as Madzitateguru, So Profound, The Scarecrow and Momo Size, taking advantage of the platform by showcasing their poetic excellence through the aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of literature and language," he said.

"The House of Hunger Poetry Slam" currently enjoys residency in Zimbabwe and South Africa, but has nurtured poets who have travelled around the world with some having performed at the Poetry Slam World Cup. The next "Poetry Slam" is expected to take place on April 4.