Organizing a poetry event? She will show how best it is done.

Olajumoke Olubunmi Alawode-James, has a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and a first degree in Mass Communication from the same institution, producing two television Documentaries. In 2011, she completed her Masters in Events and Mass Communications from the University of Lagos.

In December 2001, her television programme, "Our Time" was nominated for the TV Programme of the Year by Youth Alive Foundation (YAF).

On November 27th, 2004, "Our Time" presented by ‘Jumoke was nominated for TV Production of the Year by The Nigerian Media Merit Awards held in Port-Harcourt. The next day, November 28th, 2004, ‘Jumoke co-anchored Miss Tourism Nigeria held at the Sheraton Hotels, Abuja delivering stellar performances in both events.

‘Jumoke has worked with the Big Brother Nigeria project and Pilot shoot of "Moments with Mo" managing event and media. She has Stage Managed many comedy shows and awards in Nigeria, as well as Concerts, Product Launches (Kia Quoris Launch), company anniversaries (Interswitch 10^th anniversary), St. Moritz Style Selection, St. Moritz Style Awards, MTN Y'ello Concert in Enugu, Jazz Nite with Al Jarreau & Kunle Ayo, Star Mega Jamz, Hip Hop World Awards, Soundcity television launch, African Movie Academy Awards 2007, Silverbird at 25, amongst many others.

‘Jumoke moved on to become Production Manager at Showbiz Network Services, a sister company to Edi Lawani & Associates, managing the company's projects. She is also Principal Partner of Smiles, an event packaging company that manages the Nigeria portfolio of Kunle Ayo (South African based Nigerian Jazz Guitarist) amongst others. Olajumoke is Advisor and Liason Nigerian Culture and General Issues Women, UNESCO since November 2008. A member of Nigerian Professionals since January 2004 and Associate Member of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, her company, Oluwaloninyo Limited (Media and Events), was registered in May 2009, to produce TV shows and manage events.

In August 2010, ‘Jumoke alongside her friends started FreedomHall; an open mic event to show-case the talents of many professionals who would not have had the opportunity to express themselves; in live music, spoken word, poetry, comedy, dance, etc. 3 years on, FreedomHall is now of international repute with several international stars gracing her stage. ‘Jumoke is currently a co-host of “Your View” every morning on TV Continental Lagos.

Come Saturday, September 14, 2013 from 2pm, she will be talking on Events Management/Poetry Events organisation at the seminar on The Business of Spoken Word Poetry in Nigeria. 
The venue is Bogobiri House, No. 9 Maitama Sule Street, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria and attendance is FREE!!!!

 

CHILL and RELAX : MARCH EXPRESSION

CHILL and RELAX : MARCH EXPRESSION

A monthly Performance Poetry and Spoken Word open mic event where everyone and anyone can step up and rock the mic.

Date is March 10, 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.

How to set up your first poetry event

Whether you’re going away to university in a new town, you want to discover fresh talent or you have a fantastic new idea you feel should be explored further, starting up your own poetry night can be a great way of generating interest in the art of spoken word.

So we’ve drawn up a step-by-step guide to help you to organise your first poetry event.

1. The first thing you should do is crowdsource. Ask friends and those in the industry what they think of your idea. There’s no point going through all the trouble of organising an event if there is no interest in it. You need to build a close network, so that people will attend your event. It’s important to remember that if you’re passionate about your idea, you’ll have much more of a chance of selling it to others.

2. Draw up detailed plan of what the event will involve. Is it solely a poetry night, or will you have other creative acts also? Is it for all ages or just adults? These specifications will help you decide what kind of venue is best for you. A bar would be completely unsuitable, for example, if your target demographic is 14-18 year olds!

3. Approach a venue you think would be open to poetry nights. This could be an exhibition hall, a gallery, a theatre or a bar. Remember, the settings must be appropriate for the performance. Is there a stage or an area the artist could perform from? Is there sufficient space for the audience to see and hear the act? Will they be comfortable?

4. Set up a professional email address so that the venue, fans and performers can contact you directly. You don’t want to miss important information because you thought it was just another Groupon spam mail!

5. Ask relevant poets to perform at your event. At this stage, you probably can’t pay them. Most poets enjoy performing, they’re not in it for the money. So stress that it would be a great platform for them to get their work out there. If you’re having an open-mic segment to the night, make sure you advertise your new email address so artists can sign up to perform.

6. Advertise and promote! Use Twitter and Facebook to spread the word and generate interest. Message blogs (such as this one) to inform them your event is coming up. Post on forums and society groups. Make posters and flyers and staple them around town.

7. Finally, don’t forget to have fun. You’ve worked hard to make this night a success, so stop stressing and enjoy it!

We look forward to being invited to your first poetry event.

by Nadia Khomami

http://www.spokenwordldn.com/2012/05/07/setting-up-your-first-poetry-event/