At stand-up slam poetry showcase: US Embassy, artists highlight dangers of illegal migration.

It took place Saturday, May 10, at the Ubuntu Creative Hub in Yaounde. It brought together poets, musicians and spoken words artists who delivered insightful messages on the dangers of irregular migration. The event was chaired by the US Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Christopher Lamora. 

The Stand-up Slam Poetry Showcase attracted a vibrant audience, mostly youth, who listened attentively as artists used rhythm, rhyme, and emotion to explore the often-overlooked tragedies of illegal migration. 

Renowned multimedia personalities like Tito Valery opened the stage with Parti pour rester, loosely translated to mean ‘Left to Stay’. 

The piece is a poem that examines the disillusionment faced by many who leave their home countries only to meet disappointment or worse abroad. 

Spoken word poets like Conrad The Celebrity followed with “Without the Home”, a collection that delved into the sense of displacement and longing that many migrants face.

Karolyn Kouapa, another acclaimed voice of the evening, delivered a performance urging young people to think critically before embarking on perilous journeys. 

Kouapa’s message was re-echoed by Beet, who used stark imagery to highlight the harsh realities migrants face along desert and sea routes. 

He mentioned William's Migrant des rêves, Dream Migrant urged young people to heed advice and take safer, legal routes to fulfil their ambitions.

According to Kouapa, “illegal migration is a pain that has been eating up our continent.It’s good to travel, but it is even more important to do so legally”.

In a lighter, yet equally impactful segment, comedian Gaby injected humour into the serious discussion, illustrating the absurdity and dangers of using risky migration paths. 

Joyce Babatunde during the event combined poetry with music to recount stories of desperation and hope, ending with a plea for safe migration practices. 

The evening closed with Ekoro Scienty, who captivated the audience with his mythical instrument performance, creating a spiritual end to the night. The Wakanda Fire Walkers closed the ceremony to end the cultural talent.

Ambassador Lamora hails messages 

Speaking to reporters at the end of the event, US Ambassador, Christopher Lamora, praised the unique approach used to pass across the message of the dangers of illegal migration.

“There are two things going on here. One is bringing the arts and messaging together. People have the ability, with words, music, or sound, to do things that no speech can. It hits you differently; it touches your heart and soul,” Lamora stated.

The diplomat emphasized that illegal and irregular migration remains a high priority issue for the US government. 

“We want to ensure that Cameroonians and others who wish to travel to the United States do so legally and safely. There are dangerous routes across the desert and oceans with unsafe boats crossing the Mediterranean. It is just too dangerous and not worth risking your life,” the diplomat advised.

He expressed gratitude to the artists, many of whom shared first-hand accounts of their experiences with risky migration. 

“Some of these young people survived the dangerous journey and made it back. They are using their voices to warn others not to make the same mistakes,” he said.

Enter other officials

The Founder of the Ubuntu Creative Hub, Freddy Tchala, expressed appreciation to the US Embassy for supporting its initiative.

“We are honoured that this important message was delivered through our platform. Ubuntu is about sharing, growth and giving everyone a voice. We remain committed to showcasing talent and raising awareness on issues that affect our community,” he said.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3447 of Tuesday May 13, 2025