Spoken Word Poetry: What It Is and Why You Should Care

Spoken word poetry is a genre of poetry that is typically performed orally, rather than being written down. It can be performed in a variety of settings, including coffee shops, bars, theaters, and even on the street. Spoken word poetry often deals with personal and social issues, and it can be a powerful way to share one's thoughts and feelings with others.

There are many reasons why you should care about spoken word poetry. First, it is a great way to connect with others. When you listen to a spoken word poem, you are not just hearing the words, you are also hearing the emotion behind them. This can be a very powerful experience, and it can help you to feel less alone in your own experiences.

Second, spoken word poetry can be a great way to learn about different cultures and perspectives. When you listen to a spoken word poem from someone who is different from you, you are getting a glimpse into their world. This can help you to understand them better, and it can also help you to see the world in a new way.

Third, spoken word poetry can be a great way to express yourself. If you have something to say, spoken word poetry can be a great way to say it. It is a form of self-expression that is both creative and powerful.

Is Spoken Word Hip-Hop?

Spoken word in many respects is like hip hop both are powerful art forms that have the potential to make a real difference in the world. By using their voices to tell stories, express emotions, and make social commentary, spoken word and hip hop artists can help to raise awareness of important issues, and to inspire others to make a change.

"OBAFA" are four spoken word poems by
Gambian poet Muhammed Dibbasey out
now on YouTube. View here.

Cellular Vibrations, a digital marketing agency in The Gambia, West Africa recently produced and released four short films of the Gambian spoken word poet Muhammed Dibbasey. "We work with many artists in The Gambia, most of them Afro-pop and Hip-Hop," said Muhammed Dibbasey who is also the founder of Cellular Vibrations, "and spoken word is very much in line with hop-hop, but gets very much over looked."

Spoken Word and Hip Hop: Two Sides of the Same Coin 

Spoken word and hip hop are two art forms that have been closely intertwined since the early days of hip hop. Both genres use rhythm, rhyme, and wordplay to tell stories, express emotions, and make social commentary. They also both share a common history of being marginalized and dismissed by mainstream culture. Spoken word is a form of poetry that is performed orally. It can be delivered in a variety of styles, from a cappella to spoken word accompanied by music. Spoken word artists often use their work to explore personal and social issues, and to challenge the status quo.

Hip hop is a genre of music that emerged in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s. It is characterized by its use of rhythmic speech, often over a beat made from samples of other music. Hip hop artists often use their music to express themselves, to tell stories, and to make social commentary.

Despite their differences, spoken word and hip hop share many similarities. Both genres are rooted in oral tradition, and both use rhythm, rhyme, and wordplay to create a powerful and engaging experience for the listener. They also both have a strong sense of community, and both have been used as a platform for social change.

Spoken Word is Finding a Home In Hip-Hop 

In recent years, there has been a growing crossover between spoken word and hip hop. Many spoken word artists have begun to incorporate hip hop beats into their work, and many hip hop artists have begun to incorporate spoken word elements into their music. This crossover has helped to blur the lines between the two genres, and has created a new and exciting form of art that is both challenging and accessible.

If you are interested in performing spoken word poetry, there are also a few things you can do. First, you can find a local open mic night. Open mic nights are a great place to get started with spoken word poetry. You can also find workshops and classes that can teach you the basics of spoken word poetry.

Spoken word poetry is a powerful and expressive form of art. If you have never listened to spoken word poetry before, I encourage you to give it a try. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it

Knowing is Growing

Spoken Word Lesson Plan for 7th and 8th Grade Classroom

We recently developed a lesson plan on West African spoken word based upon "OBAFA", four spoke word poems by Muhammed Dibbasey. lesson plan is designed for 7th and 8th grade students. It is a great way to introduce students to the history and culture of West Africa, as well as the power of spoken word poetry.

The lesson plan can be viewed and downloaded here