For the first time in the festival, the art form of spoken word will be featured in a solo event. Spoken word poetry has evolved into a dynamic and diverse art form which has exponents all over the world. The content can be political, personal, or simply entertaining. What sets spoken word poetry apart from traditional poetry is its emphasis on performance. Spoken word poets use their bodies, voices, and movements to bring their poetry to life, creating a powerful and emotional experience for the audience.

This art form has gained popularity in recent years for a number of reasons. Chiefly, it provides a platform for underrepresented voices through which marginalized communities to share their experiences and stories. It is a powerful tool for social change. Spoken word poetry is also more accessible than written poetry. It’s a form of art that can be performed by anyone with a story to tell, and it can be enjoyed by anyone who is willing to listen. The spoken word scene in Barbados gone through several evolutions, from being a voice for the voiceless, to spaces where the poets share their traumas and personal struggles with a supportive audience, all the while creating a sense of community.

“S’ain to Say” in The Bridgetown International Arts Festival 2024, is in the tradition of a voice for the voiceless, and the poets will definitely inform, educate and entertain the audience.