National Poetry Slam Prelims 2025: Ghana’s Voices Step Into the Light

National Poetry Slam Prelims 2025: Ghana’s Voices Step Into the Light

In a time where truth often flickers behind screens and silence becomes routine, poetry still dares to speak and Ehalakasa dares to listen.

On August 9th, 2025, at exactly 6PM, the Ehalakasa National Poetry Slam Prelims will blaze through the walls of the British Council, turning stage into story, microphone into mission, and word into weapon.

This isn’t just a night of verse it’s a rite of passage. A nation’s most fearless poets will step forward, each bearing a story stitched in struggle, hope, humor, resistance, and raw humanity. This is where Ghana’s boldest voices rise. This is where one poet earns the right to carry our fire to the world.

Backed by the British Council, this event is not merely an artistic competition. It’s a cultural cornerstone part of EHALAKASA’s ongoing commitment to shaping Ghana’s performance poetry ecosystem and aligning it with global excellence.

Whether you’re a slam regular, a curious newcomer, or a cultural enthusiast seeking truth beyond headlines, this is the stage you don’t want to miss.

Because when poets speak, nations listen.
IT LIVES IN US!

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

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

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

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

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

AFI Crowned 2025 Sheshe Slam Champion with an Unforgettable Performance

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

Poetic Mavericks Set to Shake Up SheShe Slam IV

Poetic Mavericks Set to Shake Up SheShe Slam IV

he stage is set, and the countdown begins for SheShe Slam IV, Ghana’s premier poetry showdown celebrating the power of words and the brilliance of women in spoken word. This year, two dynamic performers—Emmanuella Afi Dentsui (Afyah4Christ) and Praise Deladem Vorsah (Praiz Dee)—are stepping into the spotlight as the Poetic Mavericks, ready to captivate the audience with their lyrical mastery.

Meet the Mavericks


Afyah4Christ is a passionate educator, creative writer, and poet with a mission to inspire and give back to society through her craft. Her performances are known to blend wisdom, faith, and a powerful sense of purpose.


Praiz Dee, a final-year ICT/Maths student at Akatsi College of Education, is not just a poet—she’s a storyteller, a beauty queen, and a literary force. She lives by Abraham Lincoln’s philosophy: “If some achieve success, it is proof that others can achieve as well.” Her poetry reflects resilience, ambition, and an unshakable belief in the power of words.

The Battle for 5,000 GHC

With 5,000 GHC on the line, SheShe Slam IV promises an electrifying night where poetry meets passion. Who will claim the crown? Who will leave the audience in awe? One thing is certain—these Poetic Mavericks are ready to leave their mark.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, 8th March
Venue: Food Court, Accra Mall
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM

Join us for an unforgettable night where words take flight and poetry reigns supreme!

#SheSheSlamIV #PoeticMavericks #WomenInPoetry #Ehalakasa #GhanaPoetry #SlamPoetry #LivePoetry