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Bikita- Udzamu Poetry Slam, a competition which features young poets from the ages of 4 to 15, kicked off in style at paMbudzi Lodge, bringing together young poets from across Bikita who battled for top honours.
During the event, the winners of the June Udzamu Poetry Slam were honoured for their outstanding performances under the theme “Choose Life, Not Drugs”.
Delma Marange, Tinotenda Charamba, and Moreblessing Madhura received awards for top performances from the Udzamu organisers amid cheers from the audience.
The competition was held under the theme “Dreams Delayed by Early Marriage,” encouraging children to speak out against early marriage and advocate for the protection of their dreams through the power of poetry.
29 participants aged between 4 and 15 years battled it out and captivated the audience with thought-provoking performances.
Their poems highlighted the importance of education, child protection, and giving every child the opportunity to pursue their dreams before marriage.
Notable distinguished guests, including Anthony Musoni from the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in Masvingo Province, Agnes Dewa from the Ministry of Youth in Bikita District, Honourable Daniel Nhatiso, Member of Parliament for Bikita West Constituency, who was represented by his Personal Assistant Joshua Chamisa, Bikita-based poet Farai Hunde, renowned author and founder of ZIMPAST, Tichamupei Comfort Chiore (Ticha Comfort), and celebrated Masvingo female poet Millicent Chapwanya, popularly known as Millicent Wezhira, graced the event.
Guests applauded the young poets for using poetry as a tool for education, advocacy, and social change.
Speaking at the event, the founder of Udzamu Poetry Slam, Shephard Chidima, expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported the initiative since its inception.
“I extend special appreciation to Honourable Daniel Nhatiso for his continued support of the programme and to paMbudzi Lodge for providing the venue that made the event possible, and every stakeholder who has graced and supported this event,” said Chidima.
Chidima also appealed to individuals, organisations, businesses, and well-wishers to support Udzamu Poetry Slam in any way they can.
“The programme has the potential to become one of Zimbabwe’s leading platforms for nurturing young talent, promoting positive social values, and giving children a voice through poetry, and I appeal to organisations, individuals, and corporates to help us achieve this noble dream,” added Chidima.
As the event came to a close, one message stood out clearly: every child deserves the chance to dream, learn, and fulfil their potential.
Through Udzamu Poetry Slam, those dreams are being nurtured, one poem at a time, with the hope that the programme will continue to grow and positively impact many more young lives in the years ahead.
