World Poetry Slam was victory for all —Twita Lite

She gave it her best shot though she did not make it beyond the semifinal but Theresa Kufuor, Ghana’s representative at the just-ended 2nd World Poetry Slam Championship (WPSC 2023) in Brazil, says she’s still proud of herself and how far she’s come as a poet.

Known in literary circles as Twita Lite, the young poet is back in Accra from Rio de Janeiro with renewed enthusiasm for poetry, describing each of the 40 participants in the contest as “a winner who had a beautiful picture to show to the world.”

Seen by many as the World Cup of Poetry, the WPSC is organised by the World Poetry Slam Organization (WPSO).  October 12 to October 15 this year offered another encounter for the celebration of poetry in addition to throwing up opportunities for all participants to excel.

Twita Lite placed first in the first round of Group D and then second in the subsequent round. That automatically pushed her into the semifinal. Ghana’s Ambassador in Brazil, Prof Abena Busia and some staff from the embassy were around to cheer on Twita Lite during the semifinal encounter. 

Ehalakasa’s Managing Director/SlamMaster, Iyamatuahene, was in Brazil with Twita Lite as head of Ghana’s delegation to WPSO’s 2023 Annual General Meeting. He said they felt special as Ghana was the only country whose Ambassador and embassy officials were there in person to encourage their compatriot. 

Iyamatuahene was part of the panel of judges, which included famous American musician, poet and actor, Saul Williams, for the final event. 

The eventual winner was Lady The Prophet (Colombia), followed by Alejandre Jimenez (Mexico), Takunda Muzondiwa (New Zealand), Deborah Johnson (Nigeria) and Eddie Lartey (Canada).

According to Twita Lite, being in Brazil was a happy experience for all participants as they made time to “shake off work and refresh the soul” by visiting some of the most iconic places in Rio de Janeiro. These included Christ The Redeemer statue, the Botanical Garden and Copacabana.

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She was grateful to the Ghana Embassy in Brazil and everyone else, including Ehalakasa, who made her participation at WPSC 2023 so special for her.

Ehalakasa co-founder, Sir Black, also acknowledged the Goethe Institut and its Library Director, Meli Eyram Mansu, for their immense support for Ehalakasa.

Togo will host the 2024 edition of the World Poetry Slam Championship.