KnysnaKnysna’s young poets shine – Knysna https://showme.co.za/knysna Knysna, South Africa for all your local and tourism information; from accommodation to events, entertainment, attractions and news - ShowMe Knysna | T Feed Wed, 06 Mar 2024 08:20:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://showme.co.za/knysna/?p=58281 Knysna’s young poets shine https://showme.co.za/knysna/news/knysnas-young-poets-shine/ Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:04:51 +0000 The first-ever Knysna Spoken Word Poetry Slam took the Vineyard Church by storm on Heritage Day, with nine bright young poets...]]> The first-ever Knysna Spoken Word Poetry Slam took the Vineyard Church by storm on Heritage Day, with nine bright young poets impressing all in attendance.

The evening’s top three, from left: Antonia Julies (2nd), Sarah-Lee Thompson (1st), and Abigail Mwangi (3rd). Photo: Blake Linder

In July a call was put out for local writers and poets aged between 14 and 18 to write an original poem based on one of three topics: “Fear won’t hold me back / Courage; “My bright future after Covid-19”; and “I am the change”.

The poem needed to be in English, could be no longer than two-and-a-half minutes, and no props or music were allowed. Entrants had to submit video recordings of themselves performing their poem via WhatsApp for judging, and a group of finalists was selected to perform their poems live at the Heritage Day event.

The evening commenced with the singing of the national anthem to commemorate Heritage Day before it was time for the contestants to take the stage. The four judges presiding over the evening’s proceedings were Stepping Stones Primary School teacher Irene de Klerk, ward councillor Michelle Wasserman, Knysna Youth Council member Jason White, and Knysna Youth Council chair Elmarie Maxim.

The competition aimed at bringing out the very best in young local poets, and they certainly delivered.

Photo gallery: Knysna Spoken Word Poetry Slam

The competition was so fierce that the judges asked the top five contestants – Sarah-Lee Thompson, Abigail Mwangi, Letricia Madziyise, Antonia Julies and Venique van Rooyen – to perform their poems a second time to determine who would be top of the pops. But first, the crowd was handed another helping of brilliant local talent in the form of an emotional dance piece by Jessica du Plessis.


Fourth place co-winner Letricia Madziyise gave her all in an emotional performance.

Contestants gave their all and produced brilliant and powerful performances. Speaking shortly before announcing the evening’s winners, Maxim said, “The level of competition was outstanding tonight. We knew you guys were good, but what you all produced tonight was absolutely phenomenal. It blew us all away.”

While the prizes had initially been set up for a top four, judges could not decide between Venique and Letricia, and they ended up sharing the fourth place.

Third place was given to Abigail, while Antonia earned second place. First place went to Sarah-Lee, who astounded with phenomenal performance and stage presence.

“You can bookmark this event each year from now on because tonight was just brilliant,” White commented after the event.

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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News

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