Photos: First Citizens national poetry slam moments

Winner, Alexandra Stewart (centre)receives a cheque  from First Citizens Bank Deputy CEO Jason Julien (right).  Phot by Jeff K. Mayers
Winner, Alexandra Stewart (centre)receives a cheque from First Citizens Bank Deputy CEO Jason Julien (right). Phot by Jeff K. Mayers

The First Citizens National Poetry Slam saw young poets from the twin-island gather at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) Port of Spain to compete for $50,000 and for the much publicised "microphone throne."

In its eight year, the event has benefitted from consistent growth and sold out at NAPA on Sunday night.

Here's what you missed if you didn't attend:

Alexandra Stewart's joyous reaction to winning after a performance on the exploitation of artists which resonated with the audience.

Winner: Alexandra Stewart recieves her cheque from First Citizens Bank Deputy CEO Jason Julien (right). Next to her is Arts Minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly and Deputy Festiva Director at the Bocas Lit Fest Funso Aiyejina. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers.

Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

The steelpan rendition of the Game of Thrones opening score by the National Steel Symphony Orchestra and we've never heard it sound better. HBO should call them.

Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

An intense opening sequence heralding the seriousness of the battle to come.

Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

The sacrificial poet, Emmanuel Villafana.

First to perform a poem on Sunday night was Emmanuel Villafana. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Poet, Michael Logie's use of the Netflix film Birdbox in reference to a poem about child abuse.

Michael Logie. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Muhammad Muwakil's lesson in arithmetic.

Muhammad Muwakil. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Javaughn Ford's piece on who's pulling the puppet strings. 

Javaughn Forde. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Shinique Saunders, who placed second, emotional tribute to her mother.

Shinique Saunder. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

A wonderful show of solidarity and support for Seth Sylvester.

Seth Sylvester. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

The emotional impact of Isaiah Wayne John's poem about the battle with cancer.

Isaiah Wayne John. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Majeed Abdul Karim's poem on gun violence and public perception.

Majeed Abdul Karim. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Crystal St Hillaire's poem on faith tested by infertility.

Crystal St Hillaire. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Alexandra Stewart during a feisty confident performance on compensation for the arts. 

Alexandra Stewart. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Red Frederick's poem which resulted in him being shirtless.

Red Frederick. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Shimiah Lewis' poem which cleverly used the perspective of a grave. 

Shimiah Lewis. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Brendon Obrien calling out people who call for peace but really want violence.

Brendon Obrien. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Idrees Saleem's ego. Actually, his piece was about the ego and included a memorable line about a recently charged politician.

Idrees Saleem. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

Defending champion Deneka Thomas' piece that looked at sexuality. 

Deneka Thomas. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

The miracle of getting a photo of Kyle Hernandez as he performed his poem off stage.

Kyle Hernandez. Photo by Jeff K. Mayers

And Marcus Millette making everyone in the audience laugh with his serious piece about the flippancy of Trinis. 

Marcus Millette. Photo by Jeff Mayer

And the funny banter between hosts Thaddy Boom and Vin Williams.

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