Haya Sizwe National Poetry Slam to Launch in Bulawayo

The inaugural Haya Sizwe National Poetry Slam is scheduled for Friday at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music in Bulawayo. The event will feature 30 selected contestants performing under the theme “Afrofuturism: Reimagining Africa Today for a Better Tomorrow.” The top three performers will receive cash prizes for their exceptional work.

The competition draws from a pool of 55 applications submitted nationwide. Women make up 70 percent of the contestants, highlighting a strong female presence and influence in Zimbabwe’s poetry scene. The selection reflects a commitment to diversity and the elevation of underrepresented voices.

A distinguished panel of adjudicators will evaluate the performances. The judges include Nomashawekazi “Lady Tshawe” Damasane, Chioniso Tsikisayi, Philani Amadeus Nyoni, Morset Billie, and Thuthukani “TK” Ndlovu. They will determine the top three winners based on creativity, delivery, and engagement with the theme.

Programme co-ordinator and WeCre8te Afrika founder Sondlane “Sox” Dube explained that the slam, curated by WeCre8te Afrika and Accountability Lab Zimbabwe, aims to provide a platform where voices are heard, stories are shared, and dialogue is encouraged. “The initiative aims to contribute to the arts space and to the broader discourse on narrative change in Zimbabwe and across Africa,” he said.

The Haya Sizwe Slam is expected to become an annual event, offering a consistent platform for Zimbabwean poets to showcase their talents. The event is free to the public, providing poetry enthusiasts the opportunity to witness the launch of a national literary platform that promises to shape the country’s cultural conversation.

This event positions Zimbabwe at the forefront of contemporary African poetry, fostering creativity, dialogue, and recognition for emerging voices.