Home Blog

King Yaw Crowned World Slam Champion at 2025 Poetry Championship in Mexico, Making History for Ghana

0

Ciudad Juárez, Mexico — June 2025. Ghana just shook the globe not with drums, not with jollof (this time), but with words. Slam poetry words. Rhythmic, revolutionary, and roaring with purpose. King Yaw, known offstage as Yaw Osafo Kantanka Kyeremateng, has emerged the World Poetry Slam Champion, lifting the crown high for Ghana, Africa, and every poet who has ever dared to spit truth with a heartbeat.
But before we scream “ɔmo yɛ wild!”, let’s rewind.

The World Poetry Slam Championship (WPSC) is the Olympics of spoken word. It’s where the best of the best meet, one mic, three minutes, original poems, no props, and all heart. Organized by the World Poetry Slam Organization (WPSO), this global championship brings together slam champions from every continent to battle it out with truth, style, and fire.

Poets are judged on content, performance, and the soul they throw into the room by audience members and professional panels alike. It’s not just art; it’s impact with punctuation.

The 2025 WPSC was held May 30th to June 1st in the desert city of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Hosted by Circuito Nacional Poetry Slam México in partnership with Abya Yala Poetry Slam and the WPSO, the event was as hot as the sun but ten times more electrifying.

Over 30 countries participated, from Japan to Kenya, Colombia to Germany, with both in-person and virtual performers showing up ready to transform silence into standing ovations.

King Yaw, proudly waving the red-gold-green with black star, was Ghana’s poetic gladiator. And what a performance it was!

  • Semifinals? He nailed a perfect 30 in Round 2.
  • Finals? He tied for top score — 59.9 out of 60.
  • Result? First place. Gold medal. World Slam Champion.

And backing him with flair, strategy, and calm fire was Ghana’s Slam Master, Theophilus Atuahene Adu, known globally as IyamAtuahene the PR tactician, culutral architect, and master of behind-the-scenes magic who led the charge with precision and vision.

VALUE PREPOSITION OF THIS VICTORY

Let’s not kid ourselves, this is monumental.

  1. Global Recognition: Ghana is now officially on the global slam map, no longer a rising star but the star.
  2. Creative Validation: For every poet grinding in Osu, Adabraka, Madina or Tamale this proves that Ghanaian narratives matter globally.
  3. Youth Inspiration: This win is a loudspeaker to young voices: you can rise, rhyme, and reign.
  4. Investment Magnet: Brands, institutions, and cultural ministries the arts work. Now’s the time to plug in.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

Ah, let’s talk family.

Ehalakasa, Ghana’s trailblazing poetry movement, is the incubator where King Yaw found his fire and IyamAtuahene honed his strategy. From dusty open mics to curated national slams, Ehalakasa has consistently built platforms for poetic expression, mental health, social justice, and cultural celebration.

In fact, it was under the Ehalakasa Grand Slam system that King Yaw was selected as Ghana’s official rep — a process built with transparency, creativity, and vision. This win is proof that community-driven art ecosystems work when they are nourished with professionalism and purpose.

They say poets are broke philosophers. Well, King Yaw just broke that myth with a trophy. Ghana’s spoken word scene didn’t just clap back. It clapped forward. With rhythm, roots, and revolutionary rhyme.

So next time you hear someone say “words don’t matter,” tell them Ghana just won the world with syllables.

And to the world, we say: welcome to the Ehalakasa era. It Still Lives In Us 

Written by: Theopilus Atuahene Adu aka IyamAtuahene
Slam Master AND EHALAKASA Managing Partner,

“Where the voice of the people becomes the power of the people.”

World Poetry Day Open Mic Night: Your Voice, Your Story, Your Stage

0

Accra, Ghana – March 21, 2025 – The power of words takes center stage as Heritage Brewery and Ehalakasa come together to celebrate World Poetry Day with an unforgettable Open Mic Night.

At 6:00 PM sharp, poets, storytellers, and spoken word artists will gather at Heritage Brewery for an evening of rhythm, storytelling, and unfiltered self-expression. The event is FREE and welcomes everyone—from seasoned slam poets to first-time performers looking to share their voice.

Why You Can’t Miss This

1️⃣ A Stage for Every Poet – Whether you’re a performer or a listener, this is a night to immerse yourself in powerful words, raw emotions, and creative storytelling.

2️⃣ A Poetry Community Like No OtherEhalakasa is a movement. It’s where poetry breathes, where culture meets rhythm, and where every word carries weight.

3️⃣ A Celebration of Spoken WordWorld Poetry Day is more than just a date—it’s a global call to amplify voicesthat need to be heard.

Join the Movement

This is more than just an Open Mic Night. It’s a moment to connect, express, and celebrate the magic of poetry. Bring your voice, your energy, and your poetic soul.

Date: March 21, 2025
Venue: Heritage Brewery
Time: 6:00 PM
Entry: FREE

Let’s make history—one verse at a time.

#WorldPoetryDay #Ehalakasa #SpokenWord #SlamPoetry #OpenMicNight #PoetryCommunity

AFI Crowned 2025 Sheshe Slam Champion with an Unforgettable Performance

0

In a night filled with rhythm, passion, and the sheer power of spoken word, AFI emerged victorious as the 2025 Sheshe Slam Champion, solidifying her place among Ghana’s finest slam poets with a winning streak from 2023, 2024 and 2025.

With an electrifying score of 57 (29 in the first round and 28 in the second), she captivated both the audience and the judges, delivering a performance that was nothing short of spectacular.

The competition was fierce, with Twita Lit finishing as the runner-up with 53 points and Mama Rasta securing third place with 50 points. But AFI’s ability to command the stage and weave words into a compelling narrative set her apart.



What Makes AFI a Champion?

AFI’s performance was a masterclass in poetic delivery—blending emotion, storytelling, and a commanding presence. She tackled themes that resonated deeply, drawing the audience into her world with every verse.

Her triumph at the Sheshe Slam is not just a win for her but for the entire spoken word community, reinforcing the power of poetry in storytelling, advocacy, and self-expression.

The Future of Sheshe Slam & Ehalakasa

The Sheshe Slam continues to be a pioneering platform for emerging voices in poetry. As Ghana’s premier spoken word movement, Ehalakasa is committed to pushing boundaries and creating spaces for poets to shine.

AFI’s victory consolidate her prowess and cements her claim as the most decorated Woman Slammer in Ghana as the 5th best slammer in the World Poetry Slam Championship 2024 and the only woman to win the SheShe Slam three times in a row, the world is waiting to see how she will continue to transform words into impact.

Follow @ehalakasa for more updates on the poetry scene.

#Ehalakasa #ShesheSlamChampion #SpokenWordRevolution #AFIThePoet #PoetrySlam

Whinna Yentem Takes on SheShe Slam IV Can She Conquer the Stage?

0

The stage is set for SheShe Slam IV, and Whinna Yentem is stepping into the spotlight, ready to make waves.

Hailing from Kongo in the Upper East Region, Whinna is a spoken word poet, writer, voiceover artist, and MC whose journey into poetry began two years ago. By day, she’s a dedicated veterinarian, but by night, she wields words like a master, using poetry as a tool to express emotions, tackle pressing issues, and inspire others.

On Saturday, March 8th, the Food Court at Accra Mall will be transformed into a battlefield of words, where poets will go head-to-head for the ultimate GHC 5,000 prize. With her sharp wordplay and deep storytelling, will Whinna claim victory?

Join us at 7 PM and witness an unforgettable night of raw poetry, passion, and purpose.

Stay updated at www.ehalakasa.com

#SheSheSlam #WhinnaYentem #SpokenWordUnleashed #Ehalakasa #PoetryBattle

Maame Rasta Takes the Stage at SheShe Slam IV Will She Dominate?

0

On Saturday, March 8th, the SheShe Slam IV stage at Accra Mall will experience the raw energy and wisdom of Maame Rasta. With words that challenge the norm and a presence that captivates, she is a force to reckon with.

SheShe Slam IV isn’t just another poetry event—it’s a battle of voices, emotions, and truths. With GHC 5,000 on the line, only the most powerful performance will claim victory.


Can Maame Rasta take the crown? There’s only one way to find out. Join us at 7 PM at Accra Mall’s Food Court for an electrifying night of poetry and spoken word excellence.

Stay connected at www.ehalakasa.com

#SheSheSlam #PoetryUnleashed #MaameRastaSpeaks #SpokenWordPower #Ehalakasa

Efa Steps into SheShe Slam AS Poet with Fire and a Purpose

0

This Saturday, March 8th, the SheShe Slam IV stage at Accra Mall will witness a poetic force—Efa. With a voice that cuts through the noise, Efa is more than a performer; she is a storyteller, a disruptor, and a truth-teller.

In a space where words carry weight, she is stepping up to challenge, inspire, and possibly walk away with the grand prize of GHC 5,000. Her artistry is a fusion of passion and purpose, and her presence at SheShe Slam IV is one to watch.



Will she take the crown?
There’s only one way to find out. Join us at 7 PM at Accra Mall’s Food Court for a night of electrifying poetry, raw emotions, and unforgettable performances.

Stay connected at www.ehalakasa.com

#SheSheSlam #PoetryUnleashed #EfaSpeaks #SpokenWordPower #Ehalakasa

She Northerner Takes the Stage at SheShe Slam A Voice from the North, A Story for the World

0

This Saturday, March 8th, all eyes will be on the SheShe Slam IV stage at Accra Mall as She Northerner brings a force of storytelling, culture, and resilience to the slam poetry battleground.

A poet who embodies the essence of Northern Ghana, She Northerner is more than just a spoken word artist—she is a storyteller, a movement, and a voice for the unheard. With a blend of authenticity, power, and deep-rooted narratives, she is poised to shake the crowd and the judges.

Her performance at SheShe Slam IV is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see if her words will claim the 5,000 GHC grand prize.



Will she take the crown?
There’s only one way to find out. Join us at 7 PM at Accra Mall’s Food Court for a night of electrifying poetry, raw emotions, and history in the making.

Stay connected with us at www.ehalakasa.com

#SheSheSlam #PoetryUnleashed #SheNortherner #SpokenWordPower #Ehalakasa

Princess Brings “P.L.A.N.S” to SheShe Slam – A Journey of Words and Impact

0

On Saturday, March 8th, at Accra Mall, the SheShe Slam IV stage will come alive with Princess, a poet whose words echo with depth and transformation. Studying Sociology and Linguistics at the University of Ghana, she weaves language into powerful narratives, capturing self-discovery, innocence, and raw human emotion.

Currently working on her book Melancholic Empath, Princess brings a unique voice to the slam scene, fusing literature with spoken word to create a mesmerizing storytelling experience. Her passion for poetry, playwriting, and languagehas made her a force to watch in the world of performance art.

As she steps into the spotlight, all eyes will be on her P.L.A.N.S – a performance that promises to be both thought-provoking and electrifying. But will it be enough to secure the 5,000 GHC grand prize?


Join us at 7 PM at Accra Mall’s Food Court to witness poetry at its finest. This is SheShe Slam IV, and history is about to be written!

Stay connected with us at www.ehalakasa.com

#SheSheSlam #PoetryUnleashed #PLANS #SpokenWordPower #Ehalakasa

 

 

Belle: The Rising Star Poised for SheShe Slam IV Glory

0

The poetry stage has always been a battleground for voices that demand to be heard, and this year, a new force is stepping forward—Belle. A writer and poet who explores life through words, Belle is bringing her unique rhythm, powerful storytelling, and raw emotion to the mic at SheShe Slam IV.

SheShe Slam, Ghana’s premier women’s poetry competition, has crowned champions who redefine spoken word, and on March 8 at Accra Mall, Food Court (7 PM), Belle will have the chance to prove she belongs among them.


With 5,000 GHC on the line, the competition is fierce, but Belle is no stranger to turning thoughts into verses that captivate and challenge. Whether she wins or not, one thing is certain—her voice will leave an imprint on the audience, making this event one you cannot afford to miss.

Join the movement. Witness history. #SheSheSlamIV

#Ehalakasa #BelleThePoet #SlamPoetry #GhanaPoetry

Afi: A Trailblazer Returns to SheShe Slam IV

0

The poetry stage is no stranger to the commanding presence of Bertha Enam Afi Galley, known to the spoken word world simply as Afi. A poet, a performer, a designer, and a force of nature, she is one of the most celebrated names in Ghana’s poetry scene today.

Afi has already carved her place in history. A two-time SheShe Slam Champion, 2023 National Slam Champion of Ghana, and a top-five finalist at the World Poetry Slam Championship in Togo, her journey is one of resilience, raw talent, and relentless passion.

Beyond the competition stage, Afi has used poetry to advocate for empowerment and justice. She was the only poet invited to perform at Amnesty International’s Right to Protest campaign launch, making a bold statement about the role of art in activism.

Her poetic presence is not just in her words but in everything she does—sewing her own performance outfits, embodying the spirit of nature, and channeling an unmatched energy into every performance.

Now, as SheShe Slam IV approaches, all eyes are on Afi. Can she claim the 5,000 GHC grand prize once more? Will she redefine the boundaries of poetic excellence yet again?

The stage is set. The countdown is on. Join us on March 8th at Accra Mall, Food Court, at 7 PM, and witness poetry in its purest, most electrifying form.

#SheSheSlamIV #AfiTheChampion #Ehalakasa #GhanaPoetry #SpokenWord