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An interview with Rajita Jey - Winner of Last Month's Foodarama Slam by Slam Crew - Neha Tehuja

7/26/2017

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The winner of June's Foodarama Slam was Rajita Jey. As she fervently wished she could eat some birthday cake, she had the audience eating out of her hand. We caught up with her to understand what's behind the delightful poetry she keeps serving up.
 
Congratulations on winning June’s slam, Rajita. What's your story? How did you get into spoken word poetry?
I became enamoured with spoken word poetry several years ago.  Working in the countryside in NSW, Australia, I was privileged to encounter excellent poets - grown men, locals well-known in the town for their poetic recitations - perform their dramatic and adventure-filled bush poetry to the young and old, to everyone's delight. Their performances were practiced, with expression and gestures, and without any notes in sight, pure memory.  I was in complete awe. Poetry relies on sound and rhythm, and unless you say it out loud you often miss extra layers of meaning, like the frenetic rhythm of the horses galloping in 'The Man From Snowy River'. After watching the incredible Ezekiel Azonwu perform 'Almost (Saved)' on Youtube, I was exposed to the concept of performance poetry more closely aligned to the sort you see in the Word Forward Poetry Slams. I even had the Year 7 English class I was teaching verse the other class in our own poetry slam! 
 
Are you a seasoned slammer? How does it feel to get up there and slam?
I began investigating the literary arts scene in Singapore after moving here in 2016, and discovered the monthly Poetry Slam events held in Blu Jaz Cafe. I attended and had the opportunity to hear amazing poets, and from there decided to participate. So it hasn't been very long, but I have learned so much from listening and watching the different styles of the various slammers.
As for how it feels to stand up there on the small stage area, light in your eyes, an audience of mostly unknown faces waiting expectantly - it is terrifying! I don't mean to put anyone off doing it, as it's also quite exhilarating after the fact, when people are clapping and laughing, but it does require some degree of fortitude to make your way onto the stage once your name is called instead of sneaking out the door.
 
A favourite poem/ poet? And why?
Aside from Ezekiel Azonwu's electric performances, another poem that really struck me was Langston Hughes' 'Harlem'.  Published in his collection of poetry 'Montage of a Dream Deferred' in 1951, in its smooth, curious, dulcet tones, the short poem encapsulates the bitterness of a rejected community, the sickening decay of a generation's hope for the future, the violence and release in the inevitable conclusion of a dream deferred - "Or does it explode?"
 
Thank you for your time, Rajita. We’d love to see you dish out more of your wonderful poetry at the slam! J
 
We hope you enjoyed snacking on Rajita’s poetry and her faves. For a full binge, come over
to our next slam!

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The Foodarama Poetry Slam Aftermath - Ajay Govinda Menon

7/23/2017

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Food. Does it even need an introduction? You can fry it up, boil it down, slice it off, pile it on or spread it thinly on the side of toast. Whether you’re blessed with a sweet tooth, like it salty like every other football team after Leicester City won the Premier League or have a taste for the umami, there was something for everyone at the Foodarama Poetry Slam held at the Blu Jaz Café on June 29.

The slam drew in a rather ravenous crowd (hungry for no rhyme or reason) and a complimentary buffet of slam poets who were rather continental. From well seasoned local flavours like Wei Liang to choice cuts from the UK (Bobby), the US (Neil Basu) and Australia (Rajita Jay). There was also a tasting tray with an assortment of first time  - all individually wrapped for easy sharing (myself included).

The poets served everything from favourite foods to the sensuality of the act of ravishing - exploring the topic in as much variety as there are jelly bean flavours. Word plays on favourite local foods drew some of the loudest laughs and tales of ramen read like a prayer, Amen.

The crowd watched on as the poets took their turn at the stall in the great hawker court. And held their breaths in anticipation of which way the judges' spatula will fall. Eventually, Rajita Jay edged out Neil Basu by a fine popiah skin for the victory. They were followed very narrowly by Joshua Ip, who shone chilli paddi red for the first two rounds.
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The Foodarama Slam also saw the debut of the Official Singapore Poetry Slam Cocktail and Mocktail, exclusively available at the Blu Jazz Café for the Singapore Poetry Slam – and is best paired with a healthy appetite for poetry.
If you couldn’t make the Foodarama Slam, our next slam is only a week away. The theme of the July poetry slam is Animal Crackers. So come on down! We’ll welcome you to the jungle. 
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Poetry Slam Open Rehearsal

7/15/2017

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Come and get advice on your writing and spoken word presentation from the Poetry Slam Crew. This at cost peer-critique session ($5) is designed for those planning to enter the Animal Crackers Poetry Slam on July 27 or the open mic. Others may participate also if thinking about entering a future event. Sign up here
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The Animal Crackers Poetry Slam Announced for July 27

7/11/2017

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 Its time to write some power animal poems. What is your Chinese astrological sign? Can you channel your hamster's inner thoughts? This month you can present poems through animal personae or just write about the animal experience or perspectives including environmental ones. Be Angelina Jolie or Rihanna bearing all with a pet python adorning their necks. Access your animal totem and take us on a vision quest through the shamanic use of the Word. 
As usual sign up here on Facebook. If you don't feel the love for animal-centred poems you can still enter the slam or open mic. $50 first, $25 runner up, and $25 for best written poem. For slam guidelines check this blog.
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    About us

    The S'pore Poetry Slam™ was founded by Word Forward in 2003 and remains one of the best attended literary events on the island. It is held from 4pm to 6pm, last Saturday of the month at #02-05 Aliwal Arts Centre, Singapore 199918.
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    ​Sign up on FB for slam and open mic. Info here. 

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