Sold out poetry slam puts Guyana’s creative talent center stage

Jul 05, 2026 News

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By Ashra Khan

(Kaieteur News) – Familiar childhood nursery rhymes were masterfully deconstructed and reborn as powerful conduits for social commentary, humour and raw self-expression on June 25^th.

The atmosphere at Scotty’s Smokehouse was electric as GT Gimmicks staged another sold-out edition of its KFC Poetry Slam. Under the evocative theme “Nursery School Rhymes,” the event proved once again why the series has become a cornerstone of Guyana’s burgeoning spoken-word movement.

Mark Kazim, the prominent Guyanese entertainment organiser and comedian who spearheads the initiative, said the inspiration for the evening came from a desire to tap into a universal language.

“We were in rehearsal discussing what would move everybody, something everyone knows or grew up with,” Kazim shared. “We all know at least two nursery rhymes. If we didn’t learn them as kids, we know them from our own children. We thought it was a fun way to twist and turn them into our own interpretations.”

The strategy certainly resonated. Thursday’s turnout saw a full house at Scotty’s, with Kazim candidly admitting that the event’s rapid growth has created a “good problem,”–the need for more seating.

The sentiment was echoed by host Mishael Henry, who noted the immense privilege of guiding the evening from the microphone.

“The poetry arena in Guyana is growing, and it has an avenue to grow, with a number of poets giving it their best shot,” Henry observed. “I got to see that firsthand, just calling up these poets and watching how they take over the stage. It felt really good sitting back and seeing what Guyana really has to offer in the poetry realm.”

SHIFTING THE CULTURE

Since its inception in September 2025, the platform has evolved from a monthly showcase into a tight-knit creative community. Kazim emphasises that while it is called a “Slam,” the ultimate goal is to fundamentally reshape how local creatives interact.

“I have created an atmosphere of togetherness,” Kazim explained. “It’s not a competition vibe; it’s a community vibe. Coming from a creative space myself as a performer, I noticed that Guyanese, we fight down one another a lot, and I want to change that. I want us to help each other and recognise that when we help each other, the package as a whole rises and we boost each other up.”

To reflect this philosophy, GT Gimmicks ensures that no performer leaves empty-handed.

“Each and every poet gets prizes. Each and every poet benefits,” Kazim revealed.

“Every poet goes home with something, plus payment. When the poetry slam does well, the poets do well. There’s also an open mic segment where the winner gets a gift or two, and there are always things to give away for the audience as well. We’re always looking for corporate Guyana to come on board to support what we’re trying to do, and we have had tremendous support. I want to thank all the sponsors.”

CULTURAL FUSION

The evening also celebrated the work of a diverse group of performers and creatives who contributed to the success of the event. Participants included Brittany Morris, Kenn Melville, Nathaniel Powers, Tamehra Reddy, Anomaly, Cherry, Element, RGK, Nine Nations Fashion Display, Jcee, Rasunique, Favorite Red Woman, Verbal Seduction, Jazical, Azuren Wiser, EzraKai, Eva Blaze, Jazz D Agent, Christian Sobers and The Bad Family Music.

The event showcased the richness of Guyana’s creative community by bringing together poets, spoken-word artistes, musicians, fashion performers and entertainers on one stage, creating an evening of artistic expression, collaboration and cultural appreciation.

Adding a striking visual element to the programme was the Nine Nations fashion display, whose presentation beautifully complemented the evening’s emphasis on cultural expression.

Music also stepped into an important supporting role throughout the evening. The Bad Family Music delivered a theatrical performance that seamlessly blended live music with storytelling, further demonstrating the event’s commitment to showcasing multiple art forms.

Richie Rich, Chief Executive Officer of the band, commended GT Gimmicks for uniting different creative disciplines on a single stage.

“We want to sincerely thank GT Gimmicks for giving us the opportunity to showcase what we’re building at The Bad Family Music,” he said. “We are more than just a recording studio; we focus on developing complete artistes by improving their recordings, performances, music videos, branding and overall professionalism.”

He added that community events like the Poetry Slam are vital for young performers to gain stage experience, build confidence and hone their professionalism.

PURPOSE AND STAYING HUNGRY

Adding a deeply personal dimension to the evening was Christian Sobers of Music Unlimited Studios, whose performance paid tribute to both family legacy and faith. Sobers delivered his interpretation of “Planted,” a song originally written and recorded by his father, Sean Sobers, for Guyana’s landmark first Christian live album in 2003.

“I vividly remember sitting on the bed at 11 years old watching my dad write that song while he was ironing,” Sobers recalled. “It’s based on the scripture in Psalms about a tree planted by the water. The idea that your environment is vital for your purpose to be realised hit me like a ton of bricks. Putting my own spin on it is a beautiful way to honour our legacy together.”

Beyond his performance, Sobers, who is also a music educator, offered words of encouragement to emerging Guyanese creatives, stressing the importance of perseverance and collaboration within the local entertainment industry.

“In music, you need to stay hungry,” he said. “That hunger brings consistency, humility and the drive to constantly hunt for the next collaboration. But you also have to look to your left and your right. Look for the people running this race right beside you on the same vibe, they are the ones who will keep you motivated and energised.”

His message echoed one of the evening’s recurring themes that sustainable success in Guyana’s creative sector depends not only on individual talent but also on artists uplifting one another.

Dancehall artiste ‘Fully G’ mirrored those sentiments, calling the event another positive milestone for local entertainers.

“Representing The Bad Family Music is always an honour. Compared to our previous appearance, the turnout was even better. There was a larger crowd, great energy and an amazing atmosphere,” he noted.

Group member Forceful Dan shared that performing for the Poetry Slam audience allowed them to uniquely merge music with theatrical storytelling, while Lyrical Tone observed that the platform continues to provide invaluable exposure for emerging names.

The musical showcase further celebrated Guyana’s diverse artistic tapestry with international flair. Latin artiste Issibaby expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent her heritage while performing in Guyana, while Cuban performer Elenis Mato praised The Bad Family Music for fostering an environment that encourages genuine cultural exchange and artistic growth.

THE NIGHT’S BIG WINNERS

By the end of the night, the judges and audience had their work cut out for them. Azuren Wiser was crowned Poet of the Night, securing an unexpected victory with the classic rhyme “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.”

“Truth be told, I had no idea what to write about for this month’s theme, but I decided to be truthful to myself and write about murder and torture,” Wiser revealed, explaining that the dark interpretation was meant to explore forbidden frustrations in a safe, controlled creative environment.

“I did not think I was going to get first place. And when I did, it was only because of the efforts I’ve placed into the poem, and the efforts of my fellow poets to guide me along the journey of cultivating it to the best of its ability.”

Wiser also expressed gratitude to sponsor Avinash for the prizes awarded to the top performer.

Securing second place was Brittany Morris, followed closely by NaShava Thompson, performing under the stage moniker Favorite Red Woman, in third place.

“For me personally, this was one of the best, if not the best thus far,” Thompson reflected. “We had a full house. All the seats were taken and people were still pouring in, and the love and support shown was absolutely crazy. We haven’t even met a year yet since we’ve been doing this, and we keep progressing every month. Big shout out to the sponsors who contribute every single time to ensure that even as creatives, we are given the flowers that we need to operate. Because of Mark Kazim, the poets now have a space to come, learn, grow and perform.”

The recognition went beyond prestige, with a generous array of prizes supporting the growth of these artists. Alongside self-development courses courtesy of Dr. Vishnu Doerga of ACTION COACH INC., the top three performers walked away with footwear from BATA, a shopping spree at Kissoon’s Furniture Store, vouchers from Tami’s Online Store & Walk-in Closet, grocery vouchers from VP Express, gifts from Avinash (VP Express), a full-body massage from Antara Massage Studio and a hamper from Beepats. In a heartwarming display of the “poets helping poets” spirit, winner Azuren Wiser also received a personal monetary gift from fellow poet Joel Webster.

LOOKING AHEAD

With the ninth edition now in the rearview, GT Gimmicks is proving that the initiative is about much more than entertainment. By consistently placing poets at the forefront while welcoming musicians, fashion designers and cross-border performers to collaborate, the organisation has created a rare space where different forms of artistic expression can flourish together.

Thursday night’s showcase reaffirmed that spoken word remains a powerful storytelling medium within Guyana’s cultural landscape while demonstrating the immense value of partnerships that celebrate the country’s diverse creative talent.

Eyes are already turning toward July 30 for the next installment. Kazim promises it will be “the best one yet,” featuring a unique challenge in which poets will be randomly paired to craft collaborative stage presentations.

For those looking to find their voice, the door remains open. With auditions held monthly and more than 20 applicants vying for a place in the June showcase alone, GT Gimmicks’ Poetry Slam continues to build a movement, one verse at a time.

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• Azuren Wiser, Brittany Morris, creative talent, Dr. Vishnu Doerga, GT Gimmicks, Kenn Melville, KFC Guyana, Mark Kazim, Mishael Henry, Nathaniel Powers, poetry, Poetry Slam, Scotty's Smokehouse, Tamehra Reddy

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