Over the years, there have been a noticeable growth and viral interest in the spoken-word in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean as a whole.  This art form focuses on the aesthetics of word play such as intonation and voice inflection, and touches on a variety of serious topics such as social injustices, politics, race and community.

No longer is this performing art seen merely as a hobby or remains exclusive to underground niches. Today, the spoken-word artistes and poets are being represented on public stages, performing as opening acts and in some cases headliners for local concerts, events and even government functions. They can also be heard on television and radio local ads.

Some talented spoken-word artistes in Trinidad and Tobago

Below is a popular piece by Trinidadian Poet and Spoken Word artiste Zakiya Gill, titled. ‘140 Characters’ which still gives an audience the ‘chills’ whenever it’s performed.

What’s even more amazing about this new growing trend, is that a lot of today’s millennials have taken a keen interested in the art, which many compares to the art of storytelling that our ancestors used in the past to entertain and educate. If we visit the history of the spoken word in Trinidad, will see some similarities between this art form and ‘Kaiso’, the father of calypso; and ‘Rapso’ which was made popular by ‘Brother Resistance’ in the 1980’s.

Alexandra Stewart – Winner of the 2019 First Citizens National Poetry Slam Competition

Caribbean Entertainment Hub commend the following platforms such as the First Citizens National Poetry Slam Competition, The NGC Bocas Lit Fest, The Two Cents Movement and many of the local popular creative hubs in Trinidad and Tobago, for not only supporting but creating a space for this art to be nurtured and explored.

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#Spokenword #Poetry #PoetrySlam #TrinidadandTobago