thoughts of a kid

ALEWA IV: SO FAR… SO BETTER

This past Saturday marked the one-week anniversary of ALEWA IV. HURRAY! Let’s all join in the celebration for the utmost reason that, even the avid critic may find little, if nothing of significance to chastise the organizers of the show for.

The most striking thing I saw upon entering the hall was the sitting arrangements. The two ‘pavilions’ created for the patrons was very funky. The ‘ordinary’ people took the seats nearer the stage whiles the ‘VIPs’ relaxed at the back, enjoying the night’s spectacle. (Please not, I’m using the words in inverted commas cautiously). The closeness to the stage made the ‘ordinary’ people, me included, feel part of the action. At least, somebody took note of my observation at ALEWA III.

I came in late, missing the opening performances by Edith Ndabi and another poet (please forgive me). Edith, however, was kind enough to post her poem ‘OUTLAW’ on her Facebook page which many, including those who couldn’t attend the show read to their own delight.

EDITH PERFORMING ''OUTLAW''

DEE A-T IN FULL FLIGHT

I came to meet Psalm One mesmerizing the audience with his performance. Other poets who took the stage that evening included Selikem Geni, Chieff Moomen, Dee A-t, Gideon (Poet Preacher), Natty Ogli and by unanimous votes the best performer on the night Ganyobi Saki Sackey, whose poem ‘Bloody Lunacy” was simply awesome. As many will attest, it was the theatrics accompanying the poem that gave lustre to his performance.

It was interesting to see poets from Tema, led by the Guest poet, Jesu Kobi Crentsil (mZone) and others from the Poetry Foundation Ghana, joining forces with P.O.E.T.S on this occasion to stage this show.

Jesu’s performance of “My Dream” was cogent, filled with passion and honesty. You could feel his soul in it. And when Paul Forjoe (100%) interrogated him on the theme of the night “Religion and Morals), his answers hinged less on spirituality but more on reality. Again, I loved his “speaking-for-myself’’ refrain whenever a question was posed.

This collaboration between P.O.E.T.S, mZone and Poetry Foundation Ghana is something worth commending. This clearly shows camaraderie between fellow poets shows that a lot can be achieved if like-minded groups come together to grow this art form. The ALEWA platform offered an opportunity for poets to mingle with other counterparts and I need not stress some of the ‘goodies’ that some may bag.

Plaudits must go to the one who created the seven sins interlude. Aside its relevance and truthfulness, their performance, especially the last sin (Lust) was beautifully enacted. I will again, applaud patrons for staying behind till the end of the show. This made it possible for fraternization and exchange of ideas and phone numbers. And the use of the projector added a touch to the whole show.

PERFORMING 'LUST'

The thing is, we all read the works of fellow poets on the P.O.E.T.S facebook page and meeting some of them in person was thrilling. I, for once met Dee A-t, Elijah, Hashmullah, Elikplim Akorli, Selikem Geni but missed out on Edith Ndabi and Miz Akwele. Hope to meet them at Alewa V

So, what can I complain about? Perhaps two things. Interestingly, they are all performances by some of the poets. Gideon (Poet Preacher) was too much ‘possessed’ by the Holy Ghost that many either lost track of his recitals or became bored. His display, though full of power (theme) and passion (delivery) was simply too long.

Again Kweku Rap, I think could have kept it simple by reciting his poem “Addictions’ rather than rapping it before coming back to recite it all again.

KWEKU RAP (L) RAPPING AWAY

As earlier stated, ALEWA IV was a blast. From setting, through to the various performances, the razzmatazz, the collaboration between the three poetry societies, to the diverse audiences, there is much for the organizers to be proud about.

The headache for the organizers, however, might be how to upstage this last show. But I can with certainty predict a fabolous show next September since the likes of Paul Forjoe, Elijah,Mike Aseidu, Kwaku Sonny, Selikem and Miz Akwele and others have enough fuel in their tanks to pull it off.

Cross-section of patrons enjoying the show

Before I conclude, I will like to say kudos to the management of SyTris bookshop for availing their space to organizers whenever ALEWA comes around. And to all lovers of romantic novels, Empi Baryeh’s (Alewa III Guest reader) novel “Chancing Faith’’ will soon hit the shelves of your favourite book shop. I urge you to look out for it.

Thanks y’all for coming out. Hope to see you at ALEWA V and do well to bring a friend along as we spread and build the tower of poetry in Ghana.