Dawit Belayneh has been a steady voice in the poetry scene for some time. Our paths first crossed when he joined our book signing and reading event, where we celebrated his debut self-published book, Minabawi Hidet. Now, fueled by the fire of Ethiopia’s growing slam culture, Dawit is ready to give his poem wings and rise to claim the Ethiopia National Slam Champion title.

#DawitBelayneh

#Ethiopia_National_Slam_Championship #CASP #slampoetry #ethiopia #GitemSitem #poetry #poetrylovers #ግጥም #ግጥምለምትወዱ #ግጥም_ሲጥም #ግጥምሲጥም #poeticsaturdays

Here is a poet from the land of poets ready to take on the mic, the moment, and the challenge of becoming the next Ethiopian National Poetry Slam Champion. With a recently released debut book and a promise to join Gitem Sitem’s book reading and signing event, this rising voice is one to watch.

#TadiwosAddisu

#Ethiopia_National_Slam_Championship #CASP #slampoetry #ethiopia #GitemSitem #poetry #poetrylovers #ግጥም #ግጥምለምትወዱ #ግጥም_ሲጥም #ግጥምሲጥም #poeticsaturdays

A long time friend of both Poetic Saturdays and Gitem Sitem, I-Timothy has been a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s growing performance poetry scene.

From the early open mic sessions at Fendika to the vibrant nights at Shifta, from celebrating Lemn Sissay and Black History Month to helping bring Poetic Saturdays to Moseb Music Center, I-Timmy has consistently shown up, spoken out, and lifted us and others along the way.

A true advocate for open mics, spoken word, and slam poetry, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the culture we’re building.

We’re honored to have you as our guest performer in this year’s National Slam. Your presence is power, and your service will always be treasured.

#Ethiopia_National_Slam_Championship #CASP #slampoetry #ethiopia #GitemSitem #poetry #poetrylovers #ግጥም #ግጥምለምትወዱ #ግጥም_ሲጥም #ግጥምሲጥም #poeticsaturdays

A multidisciplinary artist with a passion that runs deep, Haile has been delivering performances at events hosted by the Addis Ababa Culture, Arts and Tourism Bureau, and on the stages of cultural restaurants.

Now, he’s ready to bring the fire to the slam stage where words weigh heavy, and presence makes all the difference.

Watch out for Haile Amlak he’s not just performing, he’s proving.

#HaileAmlak

#Ethiopia_National_Slam_Championship #CASP #slampoetry #ethiopia #GitemSitem #poetry #poetrylovers #ግጥም #ግጥምለምትወዱ #ግጥም_ሲጥም #ግጥምሲጥም #poeticsaturdays

It’s a full circle moment for Gitem Sitem.

Once inspired by the platform, the idea, and the founder himself, Mallo didn’t just attend he became part of the family. A resident poet, a team member, a relentless voice. He took what Gitem Sitem offered and ran with it.

Now, having released his debut spoken word album and earned recognition as a rising force in the scene, Mallo returns to the slam stage as our sacrificial poet, a performer who sets the tone with fire and heart. We are deeply honored to witness his journey.

#Mallo

#Ethiopia_National_Slam_Championship #CASP #slampoetry #ethiopia #GitemSitem #poetry #poetrylovers #ግጥም #ግጥምለምትወዱ #ግጥም_ሲጥም #ግጥምሲጥም #poeticsaturdays

Seifu Worku has been a guiding voice and steady presence across almost all of our curated events. From crafting words to curating platforms, from editing anthologies to penning powerful lyrics, Seifu has poured heart and craft into Ethiopia’s poetry scene.

Now, he joins us as a coach for this year’s national slam bringing his wisdom, experience, and passion to guide the next wave of poetic fire.

Thank you, Seifu, for always being resourceful, unwavering, and endlessly devoted to the power of poetry.

#SeifuWorku

#Ethiopia_National_Slam_Championship #CASP #slampoetry #ethiopia #GitemSitem #poetry #poetrylovers #ግጥም #ግጥምለምትወዱ #ግጥም_ሲጥም #ግጥምሲጥም #poeticsaturdays

Poetic Saturdays, in collaboration with Gitem Sitem, will host the 2nd National Poetry Slam this Saturday, 24 May 2025 starting from 6:30 PM. The event will bring together poets from across the country to compete for the national title. The winner will have the opportunity to represent Ethiopia at the upcoming Africa Cup of Slam Poetry in Guinea Conakry later this year.

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From behind the scenes to center stage meet one of our own friend stepping into the spotlight.

A multitalented poet and visual artist, he’s the creative mind behind some of Gitem Sitem’s most beloved posters and visuals. He’s been part of nearly every curated event we’ve held, growing with us artistically, professionally, and personally.

Now, he’s giving it all to claim the Ethiopian National Slam Champion title.

#Don

#Ethiopia_National_Slam_Championship #CASP #slampoetry #ethiopia #GitemSitem #poetry #poetrylovers #ግጥም #ግጥምለምትወዱ #ግጥም_ሲጥም #ግጥምሲጥም #poeticsaturdays

Abdulmenan responded to our call without knowing much about poetry slam nor about Gitem Sitem. Though we haven’t seen him take the mic yet, his presence in the workshop spoke volumes. With a commanding voice and a freestyle spirit simmering beneath the surface, there’s something intriguing even quietly provocative about his approach. He’s a fresh energy, still forming, but already one to keep an eye on.

#AbdulmenanMubarek

#Ethiopia_National_Slam_Championship #CASP #slampoetry #ethiopia #GitemSitem #poetry #poetrylovers #ግጥም #ግጥምለምትወዱ #ግጥም_ሲጥም #ግጥምሲጥም #poeticsaturdays

We’ve had the pleasure of journeying with Lil Faith ever since his fiery debut at our Pan African poetry reading and open mic at Malika. A true friend of Gitem Sitem, he’s not just a fan, he’s family. Always repping the name, spreading the vibe, and hyping the movement wherever he goes.

Now, as he eyes the national slam title, get ready for a stage presence that hits different a powerful blend of energetic freestyles, conscious hiphop, and reggae flows laced with patois.

Watch out. Lil Faith is coming heavy.

#LilFaith

#Ethiopia_National_Slam_Championship #CASP #slampoetry #ethiopia #GitemSitem #poetry #poetrylovers #ግጥም #ግጥምለምትወዱ #ግጥም_ሲጥም #ግጥምሲጥም #poeticsaturdays

Hohe Awards mourns the passing of Kenyan novelist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, one of the most influential literary figures of our time. He was a powerful voice and tireless advocate for indigenous African languages.

‘Our lives are a battlefield on which a continuous war is fought between the forces pledged to confirm our humanity and those determined to dismantle it.’

— Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o

May he rest in peace!