Africa’s leading poetry festival celebrates its 30th edition this year, and it’s a big one. Alongside performances, workshops and industry talks, Poetry Africa hosts the 5th World Poetry Slam Championship, bringing 40 slam poets from 40 countries to compete in Durban.
This year’s theme is “Every Word a Street, Every Voice a City”, and the featured poet is Koleka Putuma. The National Slam Jam semi-finals and final run on 6 October, followed by the World Championship from 7 to 9 October.
The festival happens at the Durban Playhouse, but sessions are livestreamed, so you can watch from anywhere. Perfect for anyone who writes, performs, or just loves words.
Key details:
- Date: Monday 5 to Saturday 10 October 2026
- Venue: Durban Playhouse Theatre (livestreamed online)
- Price: See festival site
- Link: https://poetryafrica.ukzn.ac.za/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PoetryAfrica