ALEWA III: REBIRTH OF SPOKEN WORD IN GHANA

REVIEW OF SHOW

I was not going to write a review. That was my vow before heading to Sytris Bookshop for ALEWA III. However, man does propose but a woman can dispose the enterprise one has vowed not to undertake. And that was exactly what transpired in my case.

As I was about leaving the programme, I once again went over to Miriam Delali Quarshie to say bye. After the necessary exchanges, she inquired if I would blog about it. At first I said NO, hesitantly, but came around and replied “let me sleep over it and see”.

Now I’m awake and I believe it is fair I satisfy Miriam and others entreaty and do a little review on ALEWA III.

Firstly, I would wish to say kudos to Kwaku Sonny and his crew for their studiousness in the promotion of poetry/ spoken word in Ghana. Let there be enough oil to lubricate their cogs of ingenuity.

So, after two or so weeks of promoting ALEWA III, it came to pass last Saturday, May 12, 2012. ALEWA III, dedicated to peace, opened aesthetically, with a “smoke screen” engulfing the stage as soon as the host for the night, Paul Forjoe Jnr (100%) took his spot. He propped the audience up with a poem and that set the stage for an eventful night.

Laud the Poet opened the show up with a nice performance and was followed by Style Free. The Revolutionary Poet performed a piece “NONSENSE” and sought to question whether our tertiary institutions are teaching our students any “sense”. A question worth asking in this moment of time.

Other performers included Sharkiru Akinyemi whose piece on the sub-theme of ALEWA: Peace, drew not only an appreciable applauds but also provoked humor among the audience. Mutombo Da Poet did a piece to honour Mothers, Selikem Geni, accompanied by HasMullah DaCelibate (on guitar) also performed likewise the REWRITE CREW (Namojie Obese, Kwame Write and O’zionn) whose performance of “REWRITE” is ever refreshing. Rewrite is the kind of poem one can never, ever have enough of because there is always a line that tickles the conscience of the watcher/listener.

Chief Moomen, a politico-historical and culturist poet was on hand to bless the show. One prominent trait in Chief Moomen’s performances is his ability to merge pre-colonial happenings with those in post-colonial times, in a way that can be classified as brilliant. Ian .F. Oshodi (Ian Jazzi) won more points with his remarkably brazen entrance and exit on and off the stage than his delivery. I wonder how many people fully heard the words in his poem because the ‘slurring’ or ‘slanging’ was colourfully heavy.

Maame Danfo Halm, a first timer (I understand) did not disappoint her audience and at a point where she was struggling to remember her lines, the audience encouraged her by applauding. She was one of the highlight of the evening. She was virtually living in her poem. Plus, her ability to employ such abstract subject like Mathetical equations to express LOVE is incredible.

Another lady whose performance is worth remembering was the one who gives relevance to the old dictum that admonishes us not to overlook or under-estimate things that come in small packages: Poetra Asantewa-‘small’ in frame, ‘humongous’ with words.   Those who have been following her work appreciate her level of adeptness in the craft of poetry. Her performance was engaging and invigorating.

Rhymesonny and Mariska Abena Taylor-Darko performed a piece in honour of Mothers. RhymeSonny’s passion was evident and his articulation (a mix bag of Twi and English in his trademark style of rhymes) on the wonders of Motherhood was spirited, moving and captivating.

The Guest Artistes did not disappoint either. Empi Baryeh, read from her latest novel “The Most Eligible Bachelor’’. And if the few paragraphs she read is anything to go by then those who enjoy romantic novels should begin searching for the book or follow her on any of the social media platforms for updates.

C-Real (Cyril Gockel), on the other hand, proved that he is far better in the field of poetry than perhaps rapping. His piece “Vote 4 Me”, which I, in particular have bugged him on twitter to perform, was delivered with refined artistry, confidence and suave. “Vote 4 Me” best fitted the peace theme of ALEWA III. Maybe I’ll put it the words up here someday or better still check his Facebook page www.facebook.com /C-real Em-C/notes.

The two personalities were honoured with a Citation of Appreciation.

Despite the success of the show, there is still room for improvement and below are few areas to look at:

• ·         Apart from the few acts I have mentioned above, the rest of the performers did not “light” up. Comparing the performance of acts at Open Thoughts, where the energy, passion and drive of the poets were at an appreciative level, ALEWA III did not bring those attributes out. A point my buddy Joseph Baidoo kept making.

• ·         Though the auditorium was almost full, a fraction left before the third break. The reason for leaving I won’t speculate.

• ·         Again, I think the break was too frequent (three breaks). It appeared each break douched the vibe that had been generated. Drawing parallels with Open Thought, the former had little or no breaks and that helped in sustaining the vibe to its crescendo.

• ·         I further think the interview session with the guest artistes was not engaging enough. The “back benchers” either seemed distant or uninterested in the conversation.

Conversely, the positives must be celebrated

• ·         There was a great rapport between the host and the audience. The audience felt the presence of the host as they reacted favourably to him especially whenever he performs a poem. The “ALEWA Moment” was enthralling.

• ·         The auditorium was more spacious this time. More room leg and space to move in and out without difficulty. Thanks to the sitting arrangement.

• ·         The lightening was excellent and the paparazzis were busy throughout. The sound, apart from the few glitches with the mic, was good.

• ·         Whoever proposed the idea to serve audience with Alewa toffee need to be commended. That gesture was a stand out. We appreciate it Auntie Mariska!!

• ·         Again, our expatriate colleagues were on hand to lend support.

All in all, ALEWA was successful as patrons won’t have regrets. The few that may be raised can be considered perhaps as flippant. As always, such gatherings of P.O.E.T.S afford people the opportunity to fraternize and meet with fellow poets whom they have known only through their various writings on P.O.E.T.S facebook page.

For me, I met a few but some that I wished to have known left before the show wrapped up. Maybe someday. Someday soon.

I can’t end without thanking the management of SyTris Bookshop for their unflinching support to P.E.O.T.S and their activities. God Bless You unreservedly.