WORD N SOUND: Word n sound was started 12 months ago as there were no prominent and consistent poetry platforms within the Jozi CBD. We started in a small studio with an initial plan of attracting 40 people per show. After 4 shows we had to move to a bigger venue as the response was overwhelming. We now attract an average of 300 people per event with the monthly shows. Now we are hosting our first festival.
EMAGAZINE FIRST: What can we expect from the Word n Sound Festival?
WORD N SOUND: The Word N Sound Poetry and Live Music Festival will be a life changing experience as it explores the relationship between words and sounds. Various styles of poetry will be showcased, from spoken word to slam, while intergenerational collaborations will be bridging the gap between the old and the new schools.
EMF: How long has it been running for?
WNS: The project has been running for 12 months as monthly shows and this will be our first festival.
EMF: What makes it different to other poetry events?
WNS: Quality poetry and performances are at the centre of our mission. Our honest and consistent audience all add to the experience thus we are able to stage a well rounded quality event. We are always thriving to push to boundaries and by challenging artists to do so, our events improve month on month.
EMF: Who can we expect to see there, any famous acts?
WNS: The legendary Tu Nokwe will be opening our evening program with Kgafela oa Magogodi as the headline act for the main event titled “#POETRY IS! Other performers include AE Ballakisten, Mak Manaka, Phillippa Yaa de Villiers, Myesha Jenkins, Vallentine Kekana, Lilly Million. For a full line up please visit www.wordnsound.com . There will also have the word n sound open mic finale where five finalists will battle it out for the open mic champion title and a trip to baltimore.
The TUNGFU Poetry Slam will see 3 crews duel words for an oversized floating trophy and R6 000 in cash. Likwid Tongue VS The MissinGap VS Tower of Thought, its going to be epic.
EMF: Should poets bring our poetry books?
WNS: Unfortunately we will not have an open mic slot for our audience at the festival. Our monthly open mic shows will resume in February 2012.
EMF: Anything more to add?
WNS: Please join us on facebook to keep track of the event and daily activities leading up to the festival. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=267595773283252
EMF: Were do we go for additional information?
WNS: www.wordnsound.com
EMF: How does one participate in your events?
WNS: Our monthly events will resume in February 201 at the Concowan Theatre University of Johannesburg. Anyone is welcome to participate in our open mic slot by simply signing up at the event.
EMF: Who is bringing us The Word N Sound Poetry and Live Music Festival 2011?
WNS: Although the monthly events were self funded, the festival is proudly sponsored by AE Ballakisten (a poet and arts entrepreneur), Mageu No1 Smooth and GearHouse South Africa. Our strategic partners includewww.consciousness.co.za and WordsEtc Literary Journal
EMF: What revolution do you wish to bring to modern youth culture?
WNS: The creative industry is untapped and can liberate the youth from both mental stagnation and financial poverty. The creative industry can be a powerful tool in reeducating our communities and giving them a unified vision. Through the arts, the youth can demonstrate their abilities and contributions to society and help build a more creative and tolerant world. If I can contribute to this movement by creating artistic platform, then hopefully a revolution will be seen in our lifetime.
EMF: If The Word N Sound Poetry and Live Music Festival 2011 was a product, what would be its key selling features and benefits?
WNS: Quality, progressive, inclusive and a “shot of lemon straight to the brain”
EMF: Lastly, where would you say the standard of art and expression is in SA as compared to other countries?
WNS: I can proudly say that we are up there with the best in the world. We have talented and quality creatives and their work has carried our flag internationally. Where we need to improve is on formalising the industry so that young people can have an option of a literary or creative career. With more investment and support South Africa has the ability to become Africa’s biggest producer and exporter of creative products.
WIN 2 TICKETS TO THE WORD N SOUND POETRY AND LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2011!!
TELL US WHY YOU WANT TO COME AND ENJOY THE WORD N SOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL 2011. E-mail your answer to: competition@emagazine1st.co.za
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