Shihan Van Clief to host a workshop in Nigeria on "The Business of Spoken Word Poetry."

This May 17, 2013,

From 4pm

Shihan Van Clief 

(the award winning and internationally renowned Spoken Word Poet from USA)

will be hosting a workshop on,

“The Business of Spoken Word Poetry”

It will be an interactive session.

This event is free but strictly by invitation.

For invites, stay tuned to

www.f-factormag.com

and

http://wordup411.blogspot.com/

Niggaz for sale. lol. 

who is buying?

Shihan doing a Poetry titled, The Auction Network.

Peter, my love...!!!

Let me tell you a story about my love Peter

One of my many followers on twitter.

Got me falling hopelessly with his love letter

Till we hit it off, 3^rd year-1^st semester

Needless to say the love grew sweeter

Graduated and served 3 years later

Thereafter signing the marriage register

With a cute daughter, 

life couldn't be better

Now Rita was the beautiful babysitter

With very heavily endowed "Man-chester"

Also a very talented pick-pocketer

Little did I know she was a man-eater

I should have listened to the stories from the street’s jobless carpenter

I should have suspected Peter’s constant stares at the newscaster

Or even his lustful stolen glances at the bar waiter

I should have expected to catch my man and Rita

Recklessly, merrily Rollin’rolls on my two-seater

Temperature almost shattering the thermometer

Only thing I could calculate was the perimeter

Between me and her broken bones which won’t heal even with plaster

And have me behind bars for manslaughter

Good thing common sense came up like a lighter

Remembering the crime movies seen at movie theatres

thinking no jail term, 

no emotional roller-coaster

So I gave them a space of 40 kilometres

Now I’m blazing a packet of dorchester

Who would have thought I’d end up so bitter

Needless to say he’d be hearing from my barrister

Oh Peter, ma peter, 

the hopeless cheater

Now I’m ready for a new chapter

Really hoping that my next epistle would be much brighter

With lots of reasons for loud banter and laughter

Cos I and I know I ain’t a quitter

To be continued……………………………………

by 

Diggaboo.com

Violent Love by Tofarati Ige

We make love with punches and kicks,
make up with hugs and kisses/
This crazy whirlwind of ours,
That we call love,
Seems so strange,
Yet so familiar.
I find comfort in your rage,
Seek solace in your arms,
But you always bring me harm.
And I ask myself,
Am I crazy?
Have I lost my mind?
Or have I been hypnotised,
By this bestiality,
My beauty,
Seems to bring out the beast in you.
I thought they said love was true,
Guess whoever said that didn't think it through,
Cos our love is filled with violence.
A slap today,
A shove tomorrow,
You hurt me to my bone marrow.
My man, my anchor,
You're supposed to be my shield,
But you're the one who causes me pain,
You're driving me insane.
Yet I have to put on a happy face,
A fake smiley,
While inwardly I cry,
And ask, why me?
We hold hands together,
And people think we're the perfect couple,
How wrong they are,
I pity those who wish to be in my shoes,
What fools!
I beg to be let loose,
For of what use,
Are appearances to a ghost,
The society has chained me to you,
Cos they say it should be for better for worse,
I thought marriage was supposed to be fun,
Only now I know better,
It's an emotional prison,
And I wish to be set free,
Marriage should be a celebration of love,
Not a festival of hate,
I choose to live,
I choose to leave,
I'd rather have a dead marriage,
Than a dead body!

by Tofarati Ige aka G.T

Shihan Van Clief talking about coming to perform at WORD UP Volume 4 this May 18, 2013 at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria. The show will also feature the best of Nigerian Spoken Word Poets such as Plumbline, Efe Paul, Donna K, Atilola, Olulu, Elisheva, Lumynos, Obii, Enigmatic Olumide, Dolapo and many 

WORD UP Volume 4 preview. It comes up on May 18, 2013 at Terra Kulture, V/i, Lagos, Nigeria. It will feature Naija's A-list Spoken Word Poets, with a special performance by an Internationally renowned Spoken Word Poet. 
Music by Sensational Soul singer and emcees are Duvy and Don Fabrino.
Branding and Sponsorship Opportunities is still available.
Call +2348025070892
Or olulu4ever@gmail.com

Is spoken word, poetry or music? By Chelsea Humphries

Spoken word is often an unnoticed, underrepresented art form; is it poetry? Is it music? It's hard for the uninitiated to tell.

As novice spoken word artist Billy Ferguson puts it, spoken word can be most simply defined as "emotion meets language." Something even the most unpoetic and artistically-challenged of us can relate to.

"Spoken word is performance poetry," elaborates David Silverberg, the founder and host of the Toronto Poetry Slam. "It's not like written poetry where the reader can read at their own pace – it's poetry without knowing what's coming next."

Spoken word, then, is not constrained by literary conventions,backbeats, or rigid rhythms; it's expression in its purest, most fluid form. As such, it's incredibly powerful.

"When I write and perform spoken word," says Ferguson, "it's as though I'm able to see into myself." As an art form, he says, spoken word fosters the development of creative, philosophical, and emotional insights.

Even listening to spoken word can be a transformative experience. Just taking the time to really assess one's state of being, regardless of whether it's through one's own words or another's, allows one to experience the emotional depth and creative release that we as humans are capable of.

"Spoken word shows me that we all have a mutuality that is a part of our intrinsic human nature," says Ferguson. "We all feel love. We all feel hurt. We all feel pride. We all feel hopelessness. When we find ways to express these feelings through spoken word, it shows us that all of our emotions, thoughts, and dreams can be broken down and shared with one another. We have the ability to share these things every day."

Perhaps spoken word is what we as a society have been waiting for. Silverberg admits that spoken word is often overlooked, "especially by school boards," but nonetheless, is an accessible art form — one that "might resonate more with kids than Shakespeare."

In a world that can be as disconnected as ours, then, perhaps spoken word is what can reconnect us.

"There's a rippling effect through Toronto, USA," Silverberg says, "We get 150 people at our monthly poetry slams now." Slowly, it seems, more people are becoming interested in the art of spoken word.

When asked why, Silverberg says that spoken word represents "a truth that lots of people can relate to."

Billy Ferguson agrees: the key is honesty.

"There are a lot of moments in life that we don't want to be true," he says, "things that we would rather hide away. While it feels ‘safe' to cover these moments or feelings up, it's not healthy. Spoken word is all about digging up the inner-most parts of your being, and sending them out to the universe. Sure, we may use metaphors to describe something that's too difficult to be blunt about, but in the end the art form revolves around openness, and honesty."

Spoken word, then, appeals to our deepest, most universal needs for truth, creativity and expression. It captures the essence of what it means to be human, and also what it means to be free. As David Silverberg says, "sometimes we just need to listen to one person with a mic, not a band or a fifteen dollar book of ‘literature.'" Sometimes, we just need to return to basics, pure and unrestrained. Spoken word does that.

http://www.thestrand.ca/arts-culture/spread-the-word-1.2765481#.UGH9IrJmT0U

Shihan Van Clief talking about coming to perform at WORD UP Volume 4 this May 18, 2013 at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria. The show will also feature the best of Nigerian Spoken Word Poets such as Plumbline, Efe Paul, Donna K, Atilola, Olulu, Elisheva, Lumynos, Obii, Enigmatic Olumide, Dolapo and many 

WORD UP Volume 4 preview. It comes up on May 18, 2013 at Terra Kulture, V/i, Lagos, Nigeria. It will feature Naija's A-list Spoken Word Poets, with a special performance by an Internationally renowned Spoken Word Poet. 
Music by Sensational Soul singer and emcees are Duvy and Don Fabrino.
Branding and Sponsorship Opportunities is still available.
Call +2348025070892
Or olulu4ever@gmail.com

Last man standing...!!!

I am the last man standing,
If everyone is falling
And standards are failing,
For me there won’t be any compromisjg,
To do what’s right I won’t be hesitating,
Will keep my light shining,
No more slacking, dulling or hating.
 
I am the last man standing,
Life can be demanding
my values I won’t be undermining
Truth and justice I will be upholding.
Cos in God I am believing
Since people can be be deceiving
 
I am the Last man standing,
Got things I’m targeting,
Everyday I’m hustling
Surviving and thriving,
No room to be complaining,
Cos the top is where I am going.
Join me if you ready and willing
So together we will keep standing.

by Olulu

Chill and Relax: April Frills (a monthly open mic Performance Poetry event)

Chill and Relax: April Frills

A monthly Performance Poetry and Spoken Word open mic event 
where everyone and anyone can step up and rock the mic.
Date is April 14, 2013 (2nd Sunday of the month)
Time is 3pm
Venue is 16, Abeni close, ASA Estate, off Ayodele Okeowo
street, after Deeper Life church, Soluyi Gbagada, Lagos 
Featuring Naija's Finest Poets.
Special Soul Music Performance by

Oyinkansola (Soul music Diva with style).

HOW TELECOM COMPANIES CAN MAKE MONEY FROM SPOKEN WORD POETRY IN NIGERIA.

The mere fact that you are reading this means one, you believe it and two, you like money :).

Well, don't worry, I did not write this just to catch your attention. What you have here is based on years of research.

But surely you don't expect me to just disclose "trade secrets" just like that. Though if you read between the lines, you will get a good idea of what I am “trying not to write in full.” But if you don’t get it, well, that’s why I am here as a consultant, and you know that, “there is nothing free in Freetown.”

Ok, so how can telecom companies make money from Spoken Word Poetry in Nigeria?

First, what does Spoken Word Poetry and telecom companies have in common? Words!!! Whether it is written words (i.e. Texts, BBM, and Emails) or Spoken Words (i.e. phone calls and voice mails), they are words.

Two, it’s a known fact that talents are diverse, and people have aspiration as regards their talents. They want to showcase themselves on the big stage. That’s why musically inclined people who want to be a “TuFace,” “M.i ” or a “D’Banj,”  flock to a “Naija got talent” or “Project Fame.” They know after the competition there is a place, (call it industry if you like), for them to progress into.

So we looked at the model of Comedy growth in Nigeria and we created, WORD UP, the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event in Nigeria. After a couple of shows and a lot of noise, (pun intended), we have more poets than we ever can feature. Meaning, poets now have that “big stage” they crave for and also, we now need to introduce “conditions” before they can get to feature on that “big stage.”

Three, why would I want to be a Spoken Word Poet if there is no big platform to showcase my skills? Ok, we have got WORD UP (the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event in Nigeria). How do I get on WORD UP? Well, you have to cross seven rivers and climb seven mountains and bring us the head of an albino Eagle. Or pick up your phone and em………em ………..!!!!!

Four, with so many poetry writing competitions, why don’t we get to hear about the winners after the competition? And yes, there was a Performance Poetry/ Spoken Word competition last year; do you want to know what happened to the winner?

Five, how is WORD UP the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event in Nigeria? If you had people come in from Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Namibia and even UK, to feature at the event, is that big or not? Ok wait, I am still “coming” (pun intended).

If you have Shihan Van Clief and Black Ice coming in for your shows in May and August 2013 respectively, is that big or not?

For the uninitiated, you might want to ask, who is Shihan? Who is Black Ice? No, long thing, Google them, Google Def Poetry Jam, watch their videos on Youtube, and please note the number of views they have on Youtube.

Now imagine a “local, unknown boy (or girl)” sharing the stage with them. But getting on that stage is not automatic; after all, there are “no free oranges in Orange town.”

Six, enough rambling, how can telecom companies make money from Spoken Word Poetry in Nigeria? Hmm, my lips are sealed, go read between the lines, if you still don’t get it, then, call me, I am a consultant in this field, and I can assure you, we are not that many in Nigeria, and well, (rolls eyes), I still collect my fees in Naira.

But really, if you still don’t get it, let me put it this way. We have created a platform for “only the best Spoken Word Poets” to feature on. However, what qualifies a poet as been good enough to perform at WORD UP? Just like “Star,” they would need to be triple filtered and we know the drill in getting them “filtered.”

If it is still not clear to you, come talk to us, together we will set the “stairs” and add it to our platform. Hey, stop looking under the stairs that is not where the money is. The money is in “setting the stairs.”

My next two articles will be;

      1.    How Banks can make money from Spoken Word Poetry.

      2.    How FMCG can make money from Spoken Word Poetry.

Oops, that might need to wait until after May 18 2013. I’ve the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event to organize and Shihan Van Clief (the internationally renowned Spoken Word Poet) will be in town for the event.

Ciao.

By

Olumide Holloway

+2348025070892

olulu4ever@gmail.com

Why Shihan Van Clief for WORD UP Volume 4????

Along with being the 1st and only poet to have a poem named 'download of the week' on iTunes; this National Poetry Slam Champion and 3 X National Poetry Slam Finalist has been featured on a variety of media outlets including 7 appearances on 6 seasons of HBO's Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry, NBC, ESPN, Oxygen Network, Current TV, Nike Battlegrounds, Reebok, Adidas, NBA, CNN, Artisan Films' Belly DVD, Complex and Billboard Magazine, several national commercial spots, 5 National Tours including the Tony Award Winning Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry Jam International Tour and 2 Spoken Word documentaries, SP!T and the sequel to 1997s cult doc Slam Nation, Slam Planet. 

Shihan recently signed an exclusive Sponsorship deal with Sports Giant, adidas and is the current voice for The Sprite Street Mix, a radio program broadcasted in over 13 countries in Africa. 

His abilities to transcend cultural and generational boundaries have made Shihan a much sought after talent.

All the above and more not stated here, are the reasons Shihan Van Clief is our guest poet for the biggest Spoken Word Poetry in Nigeria. So come May 18 2013, Shihan will be live on stage at WORD UP Volume 4, holding at Terra Kulture Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa. Doors open at 2pm.

WATCH HIS DEF POETRY VIDEOS BELOW:

(Def Jam Poetry) Shihan - Love like

(Def Jam Poetry) Shihan - Flashy Words

(Def Poetry) Shihan - The Auction Network

WORD UP VOLUME 4 this May 18 2013 at Terra Kulture, V/i, Lagos, Nigeria from 2pm

i2X Media 

organizers of the Biggest Spoken Word Poetry Event in Naija

presents

WORD UP Volume 4

Featuring the best of Naija A-list Spoken Word Poets

such as

Plumbline, Efe Paul Azino, Atilola, Bob Ekat

Olulu, Elisheva, Dolapo, Donna K, Obii, Arch Angel,

Enigmatic Olumide, Ndukwe Onuoha, Princeps and many more.

Special Performance by

SHIHAN VAN CLIEF

(an Internationally renowned Spoken Word Poet)

Music by Lumynos, Kentoxygen and other Sensational Soul Singers

Emcees of the day are: Duvy and Don Fabrino

Date is May 18, 2013

Venue is Terra Kulture Hall,

Plot 1376, Tiamuyi Savage,

off Ahamdu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Doors Open from 2pm

Gate Fee: 

N1,000 for Regular

N5,000 for V.I.P

Stay tuned for more details on 

http://wordup411.blogspot.com/

www.f-factormagazine.com

For sponsorship and advert inquiries, 

Please call 08025070892 or send us a mail at olulu4ever@gmail.com

Watch the full preview of this event on this link

http://youtu.be/Pwi8iHeVlyM

Toni Payne wowed us on stage at WORD UP Volume 3.

The Celebrity poet for WORD UP Volume 3 aka Da Love Thang, came, performed and wowed us.

Toni Payne, (an Entrepreneur, Spoken Word Poet, Event Compere, and CEO of Toni Payne Concepts) was live at WORD UP Volume 3 and she did not disappoint.

. 

With charisma of a veteran Spoke Word Poet, 

she flowed words so deep and profound

The first poem had our imagination running riot, 

while the 2nd poem got us sober and thinking.

In short, the two poetry pieces she did were both on point.

WATCH HER TWO VIDEOS BELOW

Celebrity Poet, Toni Payne doing a Spoken Word Poetry piece  titled, "I should have known"  at WORD UP Volume 3 aka Da Love Thang which held on February 16, 2013 in Lagos, Nigeria. WORD UP is the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event  in Nigeria. It features A-list Spoken Word Poets on the same stage.

Celebrity Poet, Toni Payne doing a Spoken Word Poetry piece  titled, "White Walls"  at WORD UP Volume 3 aka Da Love Thang which held on February 16, 2013 in Lagos, Nigeria. WORD UP is the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event  in Nigeria. It features A-list Spoken Word Poets on the same stage.