Slam poetry is an expressive, dramatic form of spoken-word performance art. It combines aspects of theatre, writing and public performance, and is rapidly gaining a following across the world. But where did the concept of slam poetry originate?
The earliest form of slam poetry started in the United States in the late 1980s, pioneered by a group of mainly black and Hispanic writers and performance artists. At this time, the spoken-word scene was dominated by traditional ‘poetry slams’ – competitive reading events where poets performed their poems in front of a live audience. The rules of these events were strict, with judges to score the performers’ works. As a result, they were seen as elitist and lacking in creativity.
Frustrated by the limitations of these poetry slams, a group of performance poets decided to create their own event – an open-mic event for anyone to attend. This new format allowed all kinds of poetry, from performance poetry to slam poetry, and allowed for judges to be removed. This new event became known as a ‘slam’, and the term ‘slam poetry’ was born.
This new format was seen as subversive, exciting and defiant. The scene grew rapidly, with events springing up in cities across the US and the rest of the world. The rules of the slams were simple – poetry must be read or spoken aloud by the author, though the writer could be aided by another performer or an accompanist, usually playing an acoustic guitar. Slams became known for their powerful, emotionally charged verses and often inspirational messages.
Slam poetry has become an important and vibrant part of the literary landscape. It infuses traditional poetic forms with a sense of contemporary performance, engaging audiences with powerful stories and inspiring messages. The genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with a huge number of events popping up all over the world. It is now a global phenomenon, with events in virtually every major city.
Economic Impact
Slam poetry has had a positive economic impact in some cities across the world. In Seattle, for example, slam poets have been credited with helping to revive the city’s ailing music scene. The success of these performers has resulted in a surge in local businesses, such as small music venues, independent bookstores and artisan coffee shops. This has not only benefited the local economy, but has also resulted in jobs and training opportunities for the city’s youth – helping to build a brighter future for the city’s young people.
Influence Of Social Media
Social media has played a major role in the success of slam poetry. Sites such as YouTube and Instagram have allowed poets to showcase their work and reach a much wider audience – both in terms of geographical reach and demographic. Slam poetry has become a popular form of expression for today’s youth, inspiring young people to embrace poetry as an art form and spread positive messages to their peers.
Educational Benefits
Slam poetry has been used as an effective tool in the classroom to help students learn about different topics and ideas. By using slam poetry as a way to learn, students can engage with the material in a new and exciting way – helping to make the classroom a more stimulating environment. As well as this, teachers can use slam to help students develop their self-confidence and communication skills – both of which are important tools for success in life.
Legacy
Slam poetry has come a long way since its beginnings in the late 1980s. Today, it is an internationally recognised art form, beloved by audiences of all ages. Despite this, the spirit of courage and rebellion which convinced the pioneers of the movement to create their own slam event continues to be an important driving force behind this art form. Slam poets continue to use their work to challenge the status quo, to champion the marginalised and to engage their audience with powerful stories of hope and resilience.
