It looks like the entertainment business that we all see on MTV and VH1 has finally hit the islands in more ways than one.
First introduced to Kagman High School in 2008, by Tony Tang, Def Jam Poetry has become an annual tradition and is starting to branch out to other schools like Marianas High and Saipan Southern High School.
This type of poetry, created by HBO’s Def Jam by Russell Simmons, can be found almost anywhere in the world and is most often referred to as “spoken word”. Spoken word is poetry which relies on its conveyance towards an audience, emotion, and expression.
Recently, KHS held a poetry slam, coordinated by Jay Sanchez and Leila Staffler, in
which students as well as a few teachers from KHS, MHS and NMC performed. Topics ranged from love, hate and past memories to life, death and change. Over sixty students from MHS were present along with teachers, Rosalyn Ajoste and Chris Cabrera. This all day event was guest starred by Bob Coldeen, who spoke of time and lack thereof.
KHS’s Tricia Laborce, Frances Lleva, Aaron Tomokane, Tharnton Masayos, Scott Borja, John Salas, Collin Babauta, Maru Aldan and Rita Taitano, along with MHS’s Jomar Danas, Raf Mafnas, Fatal Hitz’s Enrico (Easy Fusion) and NMC’s Mercilyn Kaneshi were among the many student poets.
Leila Staffler, Jay Sanchez, Rosalyn Ajoste and Christine Ellingson were teachers who performed as well.
A favorite poet among many was Kagman’s Christian Yamada, who performed several original pieces such as “Lust” and “Successful Revenge”.
A way to boost grades, confidence and school pride and spirit, some English teachers implemented the Def Jam as a form of extra credit.
Look out for KHS’s 4th annual Poetry Slam coming to you early spring of 2010.
