Slavcho Koviloski. THE POETICS OF SLAM POETRY

БХХС/BHHS 5/2025

ISSN 2955-2192 (за печатената верзија) (printed version)

ISSN 2955-2206 (за веб верзијата) (online version)

УДК: 821-1:316.723

THE POETICS OF SLAM POETRY 

Slavcho Koviloski

In this text we refer to slam poetry, as a performing way of presenting literature. Slam poetry is most often performed at Poetry slam competitions, festivals and other events. Itis a product of urbanity and urban lifestyle and is influenced by hip hop music. The mixture of slam poetry with hip hop and other forms of expression, es­pe­cially among the younger population, contributes to changing or improving the attitude towards poetry and the performing arts. Slam poetry points out problems and problematizes certain already existing and generally accepted attitudes and conditions, and critically addresses and points out the undesirable tendencies in the society. 

The techniques of making slam that are considered rele­vant refer to the structure, language and meaning of slam poet­ry. Slam functions through a language which has its own terminology and has its own poetics. Structurally, the verses can be rhymed or free, organized in stanzas, with or without punctuation. Special attention is paid to the melody and rhythm that the skilled performer uses to stress and emphasize the verses that he considers important for the performance. With its lively and playful interpretation, free from the classical notions of poetry as a genre, slam poetry and Poetry slam manifestations inspire new generations of poets who are enabled to share their views with a wider audience.