The 14th edition of the Togo National Slam Competition, also known as Calebasse Challenge Club, has reached its semi-final stage. Sir Godwin, whose real name is Akonka Kokou Godwin, emerged as the winner of the Lomé semi-final with a total score of 166 points. The event took place on September 25 at an undisclosed location in Lomé. Sir Godwin's victory was a testament to his exceptional slamming skills, which impressed the judges and audience alike.
The semi-final saw five contestants qualify for the final, scheduled to take place on November 14 at the French Institute of Togo. The top five contestants included Sir Godwin, Merci la slameuse with 145 points, Slamophobe with 139.5 points, Le Créateur with 132 points, and Franche Love with 130 points. These contestants showcased their talents, with each having three minutes to present their texts and demonstrate their creativity, mastery of speech, and stage presence.
The competition's theme for this edition was "What is the usefulness of humans in our era?" The contestants' performances were evaluated based on the relevance of their texts to the theme, diction, and stage presence. The event featured a mix of young talents, including three female contestants. Their performances were well-received by the audience, who appreciated the creativity and passion on display.
The Calebasse Challenge Club is a professional event aimed at promoting Togolese slammers and providing them with a platform for expression. According to Demagnon Juste, the artistic director of Calebasse Challenge, the event also hosts international artists to foster exchanges and present different slam experiences to the Togolese public. This edition saw the participation of Nin'wlou, a slammer from Côte d'Ivoire and president of the Ivoirian Slam Federation.
Nin'wlou, who is also a former president of the École des Poètes de Côte d'Ivoire, delivered a 45-minute performance, which was well-received by the audience. His participation added an international dimension to the event, highlighting the connections between Togolese and Ivoirian slam cultures. The event provided a unique opportunity for Togolese and international slammers to share their experiences and learn from each other.
The final of the 14th Togo National Slam Competition will feature the top five contestants from the Lomé semi-final, as well as five other laureates from the northern region. The competition is part of the Festival international Calebasse Challenge, which aims to promote slam culture and provide a platform for young talents to showcase their skills. The event has been well-received by the Togolese public, who appreciate the creativity and passion of the contestants.
The Calebasse Challenge Club has become a significant event in Togo's cultural calendar, providing a platform for slammers to express themselves and showcase their talents. The event's success is a testament to the growing popularity of slam culture in Togo and the importance of initiatives that promote artistic expression and creativity. The final of the 14th edition promises to be an exciting event, with a mix of talented contestants vying for the top prize.
Key points
- Sir Godwin won the Lomé semi-final with 166 points.
- The final of the 14th Togo National Slam Competition will take place on November 14 at the French Institute of Togo.
- The event featured a mix of young talents, including three female contestants, and was well-received by the Togolese public.
