Poets and spoken word artists between the ages of 18 and 35 stand a chance to win two million naira, claim the coveted title of LIPFest2024 Slam Champion, and represent Nigeria at the World Slam Championship in 2025.

Entry details:

  1. Write and record an original one-minute video of a poem on the theme “The Science of Things.”
  2. Register and upload your video using this link – https://forms.gle/SBrnpg8ZaRqdboSWA  
  3. Videos must be clear and recorded without props or background music.
  4. Poems can be in English or any other Nigerian/African language.
  5. Poems may not contain excessive violence, explicit language and/or degrading language in reference to any group of people and persons.
  6. Submitting poets must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
  7. Stand a chance to qualify as one of two wild card entries by uploading your poem on TikTok with the hashtags #LIPFest2024Slam and #TheScienceOf Things. Follow and tag us on @lagospoetryfestival.
  8. Two entries with the highest number of likes/engagement will qualify as wild cards.
  9. Only one submission allowed per poet. Poets who make more than one entry will be automatically disqualified.
  10. Poems will be judged by a carefully selected team of judges.
  11. Entries close on the 20th of October 2024.
  12. Ten shortlisted poets will be announced on the 23rd of October 2024.
  13. Shortlisted poets will compete live for on the Sunday 27th of October 2024 at #LIPFest2024.

FAQs
(i) What is the deadline for the submission?
The deadline is 12 midnight WAT on October 20th, 2024.

(ii) Is there a theme?
Yes. Your entry must be based on or inspired by the theme for the 2024 festival, “The Science of Things.”

(iii) Who can enter?
The slam is open to poets between the ages of 18 and 35, who are able to compete live at the festival, bearing their own travel costs.

(iv) Does the entry have to be written by me?
Yes, we only accept your original work read/performed in your voice.

(v) Does the entry have to be written in English?
Entries can be submitted in English or any Nigerian/African language. We only ask that you include an accompanying English translation in the body of the submission.

(vi) Will I receive confirmation or receipt of submission instantly?
Yes, within 5 days. Kindly refrain from emailing us to enquire about your submission. We will respond within the stipulated 5 days.

(vii) Can I enter more than once?
You can only submit one entry to one platform. Multiple entries to more than one platform leads to automatic disqualification.

(viii) I do not have a social media account, can I still enter?
Yes. 

(ix) When will the winner be announced?
Shortlisted poets will be announced on the 23rd of October and the winner will emerge and be announced at the live event on the 27th of October 2024.

(x) What do I win?
Grand Slam Winner – One million Naira only
First Runner-up – Seven hundred thousand Naira only
Second Runner-up – Three hundred thousand Naira only

(xi) How many winners are selected?
Three winners.