The Business of Spoken Word Poetry in Nigeria.

On May 10, 2014, i2X Media Company Limited presented a WORD UP TALK Series titled:

The Business of Spoken Word Poetry in Nigeria.

 Venue: Cyber Hall, Elomaz Hotels, Maryland (Behind Mobil Filling Station), Lagos.

Topics discussed by facilitators were:

1.Getting Sponsorship for Poetry events (what sponsors want)
by Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami
Head, Sponsorship and Events First Bank Nigeria Limited

2.Entertainment law as regards poets and poetry events
by Akinyemi Ayinoluwa
Managing Partner at Hightower Solicitors and Advocates

3.The Art Of Performance; Poet’s Threesome by
Benny Finisher 
Performance Poet, organizer of Verses and Lines (a music and Poetry concert), Creative Partner at Greenland Music Company and Creative Director at Bughugmug Company

4.Spoken Word Poetry: Page to Stage
by Atilola Moronfolu
Top Female Spoken Word Poet in Nigeria and only poet to have performed at Word Up Volume 1 to 7

Atilola

Benny Fisher

A poet

Akinyemi Ayinoluwa

A cross section of the facilitators including Mrs Bridget and the i2X Media Company Limited crew. Atilola had to leave to perform at a wedding ceremony.

All facilitators with the exception of Akinyemi, who in my opinion was a little unprepared for the session, did exceptionally well.Their delivery style was on point buttressing the fact that creativity, without a sound education in this age, ain't cool.

As if I hadn't had enough,Atilola and Benny Fisher left me in awe with their creative, ice-cream-licking-like delivery of spoken words in their performance.I cannot recite a self composed quatrain by heart to save my life,except of course you pity me and add some beats.Now I know the difference between a poem recital and a spoken word performance and how to hold my microphone for that needed special effizy effect during my performances or whilst coaching a spoken word poet on his/her performance.

I also enjoyed Mrs.Bridget's analysis and her youthful outlook to life.She insisted we call her sisi.She looks every inch a sisi for her age. All in all,it was an informative networking session worth attending.