Haya Sizwe National Poetry Slam is an initiative by WeCre8te Afrika that harnesses spoken word poetry to reimagine youth engagement in development, policy, governance, and human rights. The Slam is more than a creative competition, it is a platform that actively cultivates solutions-oriented, forward-looking dialogue among young African voices.

The 2025 edition was themed “Afrofuturism: Reimagining Africa Today for a Better Tomorrow.” The journey began with a national open call, from which 30 poets aged 18–35 were selected. They then underwent an online orientation focused on writing for impact, followed by an in-person training on performance etiquette. The program culminates in a live event featuring three competitive rounds, guest performances, and expert judging.

Applications for the 2026 Haya Sizwe National Poetry Slam will open on May 1. Stay tuned.

IN-FLUX is an 8-piece spoken word poetry album featuring eight powerful female poets from WeCre8te Afrika. The collection speaks directly to the socio-political and economic issues affecting youth, young women, and the broader African continent.

Each piece is a raw, unapologetic reflection of the times we live in — tackling themes such as identity, governance, ancestral trauma, resistance, mental wellness, and the reclamation of African narratives. The album moves beyond performance; it is a declaration, a healing ritual, and a call to action.

From decolonization anthems to intimate cries for justice, IN-FLUX captures the energy, anger, hope, and resilience of a new generation of African women using poetry as a weapon and a building block.

Out now on YouTube.

The Words Matter Show is a free expression platform designed to harness the power of poetry and spoken word to break down communication barriers and foster understanding. It provides a stage for both established and emerging artists, cultivating new voices while offering a space for profound exploration of thoughts, emotions, and dialogue.

The show also creates opportunities for cross-genre collaboration and experimentation, recognizing that innovation thrives at the intersection of different art forms. 

The primary objectives of The Words Matter Show are to demonstrate how poetry can serve as a tool for better understanding the world and to build a community where creatives can showcase their work, network, and collaborate across genres, integrating spoken word into diverse artistic expressions.

This is a transformative journey for emerging spoken word artists across Africa. Our goal is simple yet bold: to turn poetry into a revered profession and a powerful tool for leadership, critical thought, and social change.

Each year, we select a cohort of talented poets aged 18 to 25 and guide them through an intensive program that blends artistic development, researchm leadership development and social impact. Selected artists receive:

• Mentorship in writing for impact and performance etiquette
• Opportunities to create and showcase original work
• Training on navigating the creative industry as a profession
• A platform to engage with issues of governance, human rights, and development through poetry, fellowships and residencies

The program culminates in live showcases, recorded productions, and access to national and international performance stages. Our alumni have performed in eight countries across Africa and Europe, proving that African poetry belongs on global platforms.

The 2026 Cohort is currently underway — shaping the next generation of voices who will not only move audiences but also move nations.