Poetry slam guidelines:

The Abuja Literary and Arts Festival returns this year with the popular POETRY SLAM competition. This year is the 2nd year of holding the slam physically since the pandemic. The Slam is set to hold on Friday, 7th October 2022 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Confirmed slam participants have to buy a ticket on the website.

PRIZE
First Prize - N200,000
Second Prize - N100,000
Third Prize - N50,000
People’s Choice Award - N20,000

ELIGIBILITY
Unlike last year poets, do not have to be finalists in a slam anywhere in the world. Interested participants are required to upload a 2-minute video of themselves performing a poem on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #ALITFEST2022 before the 26th of September. Shortlisted participants from the pool of applications will be notified by 30th September 2022.

RULES FOR CONTESTANTS AT THE SLAM
The ALS Slam consists of 3 rounds.
Contestants must prepare 3 poems if they advance to the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
Poems can be on any subject and in any style.
Each poem must be an original written and performed by the author.
Performances are timed and should not exceed:
(a) 1 minute for the First Round;
(b) 2 minutes for the Second Round; and
(c) 3 minutes for the Third Round.
No props are allowed.
No costumes are allowed.
No musical instruments (leave the drum set out) or pre-recorded music are allowed.
Each poem may only be used ONCE during the competition.
Speak up clearly (we want to hear and know what you are saying).

Disclaimer: ALS reserves the right to publish videos of performances on ALS platforms for marketing and publicity purposes. In line with data protection regulations, participants will however be given the option to sign an online consent form to grant ALS rights to publish videos and to opt out, as preferred.