World’s Slam Champions Come to Durban
Slam poets from forty nations and five continents will descend in Durban for the 5th World Poetry Slam Competition in October 2026. Hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal the 5th World Poetry Slam Competition will be presented during the 30th edition of the Poetry Africa festival which will run from 5-10 October 2026.
Curated under the theme Every Word a Street, Every Voice a City, the 5th World Poetry Slam Competition and the 30th edition of the Poetry Africa festival will be a global celebration of urban youth spoken word poets commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Youth Uprising, a defining moment in the South African struggle for freedom and democracy that highlighted the power and courage of young people in shaping the nation’s future. The festival will also honour the enduring legacy of South Africa’s Poet Laureate, Professor Mazisi Kunene, marking 20 years since his passing and his immeasurable contribution to African literature and cultural identity.
“The long road leading to the main gate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal is named in honour of the late Professor Masizi Kunene. We want to take this moment to celebrate how his words and legacy continues to resonate in shaping the vision of our university and the future of our city whilst inspiring thousands of young people who walk through the university gates”, says Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu Natal.
For three decades, the Centre for Creative Arts has presented South Africa’s leading arts festivals namely, the Time of the Writer festival, the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival and the Durban International Film Festival with content that has been inspiring, provocative and challenging.
“Our award-winning and internationally-networked festivals are a vital part of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s knowledge economy and to the cultural tourism economy of the city. Our festivals offer youth internships, create jobs for artists and benefit the local hospitality industry whilst constantly framing the festival's curatorial themes to support nation-building and social cohesion”, added Mahomed.
This year’s 30th edition of the Poetry Africa festival and the 5th World Poetry Slam Competition also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the first public hearings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which sought to uncover the truth about apartheid-era human rights violations and promote national healing and unity. Festival participants will be encouraged to critically reflect on the 30th anniversary of the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution in 1996; and in particular Section 16 --- Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Creative ---- clauses that are a cornerstone of the country’s democratic journey.
The Poetry Africa festival will present an expansive and immersive programme and convention experience specially designed by Poetry Africa’s curator, Siphindile Hlongwa, who championed South Africa’s bid to host the World Poetry Slam Competition.
“This year’s festival will be a place where poems give direction and map out pathways and where voices build entire worlds. From the quiet backstreets of reflection to the electric avenues of protest and praise, 40 Slam Poets from 40 Nations will let words inspire us to explore unchartered streets of rhythm, truth and shared humanity as they map out new territories of imagination, reminding us that when voices come together, they create cities that pulse with truth, memory, and possibility”, explained Siphindile Hlongwa.
The poetry Africa festival will offer a robust programme featuring workshops, seminars, book launches, panel discussions, and presentations that connect poets, publishers, academics, cultural practitioners, and audiences from around the world. These engagements will provide valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and exploring the intersections between poetry, and the broader cultural economy. The programme will be available on all Poetry Africa’s social media platforms from 1 July 2026 when bookings open with early bird tickets, VIP packages, and the complete festival schedule.
ABOUT THE CENTRE FOR CREATIVE ARTS:
The 30-year Centre for Creative Arts is a multi-disciplinary cultural hub in the School of Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The Centre is renowned for presenting 5 of South Africa’s leading arts festivals – the Time of the Writer festival (29 years), JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival (28 years), Durban International film Festival (46 years), Poetry Africa (30 years) and the Artfluence Human Rights Festival (5 years). The Centre for Creative Arts is also host of the
5th World Slam Poetry Competition which will present 40 slam poets from forty nations competing for the global title in Durban during October 2026.
ABOUT THE POETRY AFRICA FESIVAL:
Poetry Africa presented by the Centre for Creative Arts marks three decades of celebrating the transformative power of words. The festival continues to create spaces for dialogue, reflection, healing, and cultural exchange across generations and borders. Bringing together poets, storytellers, performers, and audiences from around the world, the festival reaffirms its commitment to fostering meaningful connections through the arts. Since its inception in1996, the Poetry Africa Festival has grown from a platform dedicated to showcasing poets and their work into the longest-running poetry festival on the African continent; and evolving
into a dynamic space for artistic exchange, professional development, and cultural dialogue.