INGETA Poetry Slam for Congo

Carpe Diem Events presents ‘Ingeta’ in collaboration with The Africa Centre and the Sulger-Buel Gallery. Ingeta is the newest poetry slam to touch down on the London poetry scene but with a twist...it’s themed! Every month there will be a new theme related to Congo - resources, politics, culture, food, leadership - you name it, so get ready!

Ingeta means ‘Stand Up’ in Lingala - the language spoken by the Bantu people of Congo, and this is exactly what we’re going to do! Join us in this exciting and creative way for performers and the audience to become empowered and break the silence on Congo; what better way to do this that than with poetry, spoken word, a music feature and open mic! Step up to the mic for a chance to...

BE CROWNED SLAM CHAMPION
WIN £50 AND….
A PAID FEATURE AT POETRY MEETS ART

But more on this later, let’s find out about the organisations….

The Africa Centre
This home-away-from home was set up in 1964 and exists to promote Africa’s cultural diversity outside of the continent. It serves as a hub to promote creativity and innovation in African art, culture, business and entrepreneurship in London. Throughout its rich, 50-year history, the Africa Centre has inspired, enlightened, challenged and encouraged whilst also being dedicated to offering the African Diaspora and people interested in Africa a platform for experiencing exciting and engaging events, lectures, discussions and debates of cultural and business interests. These provide ideal venues for networking, socialising and the meeting of other like-minded people and organisations.

Sulger-Buel Gallery
In 2014 collector, Christian Sulger-Buel and gallerist, Tamzin Lovell Miller, partnered to launch Sulger-Buel Lovell in London, specialising in contemporary African art.

Their belief is that the socio-cultural and economic transformations of Africa can be better understood through the analysis and interpretation of local art productions. Furthermore, contemporary art in Africa is relevant in understanding the broader socio-political context of the continent and its importance in the lives of local communities. The gallery currently has an exhibition on - ‘53 Echoes of Zaire: Popular Paint From Lubumbashi’ - which showcases works from the 1970's by DRC artist Tshibumba Kanda Matulu, as well as T. Kalema, C. Mutombo, B. Ilunga and Ndaie.

JJ Bola
JJ Bola - the name that is becoming more and more well known in and around London and right so! This Congolese born, London-based poet and author effortlessly inspires and captivates audiences and readers alike with words full of life and free-flowing rhythm! His material acts at times as a commentary and at others a vessel of hope.

To kick off the first ever Carpe Diem Events slam the theme is ‘INDEPENDENCE’! Yes, in light of the 55th anniversary of Congo’s independence day we’ll be celebrating the freedom and future of this great nation. So here are the rules of the slam:

ROUND ONE: 8 POETS w/ 5 MINUTES EACH
ROUND TWO: 5 POETS w/ 3 MINUTES EACH
ROUND THREE: 3 POETS w/ 3 MINUTES EACH

FIRST POEM MUST BE ABOUT THE THEME
THE SLAM WILL BE JUDGED BY THE AUDIENCE ON
CONTENT
DELIVERY
MIC TECHNIQUE
STAGE PRESENCE
AUDIENCE INTERACTION

To sign up to the slam simply send an email to the address listed and material for information and inspiration will be sent to you. It’s first come first serve so be quick - those who don’t get on the list will be shortlisted in case anyone drops out and be notified.

See you there and please spread the word! Melesi (Lingala for ‘Thank you’)