By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Against the backdrop of Emancipation month observances and collective national reflection following the tragic M.V. Barima disaster, spoken word artists and poets across Guyana will take the stage on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for the latest edition of the KFC Poetry Slam at Scotty’s Bar and Smoke House.
Organized by GT Gimmicks, the monthly spoken word showcase has grown from its initial lounge roots into a leading cultural platform for Guyanese performance poetry and social commentary.
“Freedom of Speech”: Art as Advocacy and Emancipation Reflection
Under this edition’s theme, “Freedom of Speech,” performers will command the microphone to address pressing national issues, identity, justice, and accountability.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nightly News, event organizer and GT Gimmicks founder Mark Kazim explained the significance of selecting this theme during Emancipation month:
“Since September marks our one-year anniversary, and since this is Emancipation month as well, I thought it was fitting to relay what the Poetry Slam is all about—freedom of expression, freedom to create, as well as paying homage and giving consideration to what our nation is going through and celebrating,” Mark Kazim shared.
Top National Performers on Stage
The August 27 lineup will feature the top four finalists (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place contenders) from the recent 2026 National Poetry Slam Competition.
Through spoken word, the artists aim to provoke critical thought on liberation, systemic accountability, and cultural empowerment while creating a collaborative space for Guyanese performance arts.
Ticketing and Reservation Details
- Venue: Scotty’s Bar & Smoke House, Georgetown.
- Admission Pricing:
- Advance Tickets: $3,000 (available directly at Scotty’s Smoke House or from featured performers).
- Gate Admission: $4,000 at the door on event night.
- Digital Reservations: Tickets can be secured via Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) by messaging WhatsApp at 666-4883 for attendees requiring digital reservations or delivery arrangements.
