Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Joseph Current performs his winning poem 'Mr. Gunner Man' at the first week of 'Sey Sup'm', held at Weekenz, Constant Spring Road, on Tuesday night. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

As Joseph Current lay on the stage at Weekenz, Constant Spring Road, St. Andrew, late on Tuesday night, putting drama into his delivery of Mr. Gunner Man, he held a microphone in his right hand and a white envelope in his left.

It was the second time that evening he was saying the poem - in itself a dramatic tale of an encounter between a gunman and an intended victim - for the night but the first with the envelope, which contained his $5,000 prize for being the first week's winner in the 'Sey Sup'm' poetry competition. In five weeks Current will have a shot at the $50,000 grand prize, going up against the other weekly winners in the contest.

There were seven entrants on Tuesday night, a few weighty prose laden pieces among the offerings for the substantial though far less than full audience, as well as judges Martin Glynn, Lisa O'Gilvie and Sage. Before the decision was announced O'Gilvie pointed out that some of the areas they looked at were delivery, impact, creativity, stage presence and use of language.

Performance should be physically active

"One of the things poets in general need to pay a lot of attention to is total physical activity on stage," O'Gilvie said. "It is a major component poets need to look out for when they decide to become performers."

Glynn said "One of the things I love about good poets is subtlety. A small gesture, a small moment of silence, means something. Poets are not to be afraid to be still," he said.

"I was looking for some of that stillness through the noise," he said, emphasising "it is OK to be still."

Sage said "I expect a poet to be clear in their presentation. You are inviting people into your space and you must be clear."

Steppa, who will host all of 'Sey Sup'm', dropped in some of his work in between the competitors,and in the end put a fire on the radio disc jockeys who do not play poetry, DJ Afifa also providing music during the breaks as the judges made their assessment. Payne and Kei Miller were highly appreciated guests for the evening.

Judges (from left) Martin Glynn, Lisa O'Gilvie and Sage tally the scores

Persons who wish to enter 'Sey Sup'm' may call 755-4091, visit Weekenz or emailpoetlist@rootcausejamaica.com.