Spoken words have power – to spread ideas, create new thoughts, spin up ideas, or even just amuse or entertain. They are the OG medium of communication, artistic expression and journalism.
To recognize the practitioners of art forms such as spoken word, storytelling and stand-up comedy, Motif embarked on a new kind of awards show / community gathering, in partnership with FundaFest, the Langston Hughes Poetry Reading, R1 Indoor Karting, Mr. Orange Live and the SWAP Meet.
The first ever Spoken Awards took place at the end of Funda Fest, on Friday, Feb 3, 6:30pm. at R1 Indoor Karting, hosted by April Brown, Chip Douglas, Nirva Lafortune and Joe Wilson Jr.
Over 60 people came out despite it suddenly becoming the coldest day of the year (it was warm inside the venue), and the performances were an incredible show of talent throughout the night, with intimate exposure to artists who can hold entire stadiums in thrall. The love and powerful sense of community throughout the night was deeply inspiring, and Motif thanks all who came out and were a part of a magical night. Winning is fun, but the spirit of the night made it clear that this wasn’t about who won, it was about celebrating a community and a venerable art form.
Below you can watch some event footage and interviews from that night. Additional photos can be found on FB!
You can see all the nominees here. Here are the winners. Congratulations to all!
Spoken word
Free verse
Sarah Lopes
Social Justice
Chachi Carvalho
Youth
Halima Ibrahim
Comedians
Liz Moniz
Comedy: new voices
Shyam Subramanian
Favorite event / night
Providence Poetry Slam
Narrative music / Hip-Hop / Rap
Chachi Cavalho
Favorite Producer
Juan Wilson Jr.
Storytelling
Event
Funda Fest
Personal Story
Fallon Masterson
Historical
Ray Rickman
Interactive
Len Cabral
Langston Hughes Poetry Award
Ramona Bass Kolobe
Other
Miscellaneous Winner
Lynsea Montanari
Favorite Live Performer
Tyler Hittner
Honorable Mention Favorite Spoken Word
Mr. Orange Live
Overall Favorite Spoken Performer
Len Cabral
LIVE Audience Judging
Audience Award Storytelling
Valerie Tutson
Audience Award Spoken Word
Kleo Sincere
Audience Award Comedy
Duchess Southside
Read Meg Coss’s interviews with a selection of winners here!
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