Believe it or not, Singapore’s literary scene is booming, what with regular public readings and a constant stream of new books. And because World Poetry Day (21 March 2015) is just around the corner, we decided to honour some big, and young, names of the local poetry scene that made us proud to live in this culturally rich city.
Cyril Wong
Featured in famous festivals across the globe including Edinburgh International Book Festival and Sydney Writer’s Festival, Cyril is one of Singapore’s greatest poets. He was even featured in TIME Magazine for his ability to embrace themes of love, alienation and human relationships. We will sorely miss Cyril as this talented poet is set to retreat from the scene sometime this year.
Marc Nair
Marc Nair
Besides being a regular spoken word performer at Tab, this poetry slam genius is also a creative educator of non-profit organisation Word Forward. In his spare time, the multidisciplinary poet dabbles in photography, performs with his band Neon and Wonder as well as produce biting podcasts with Mr Brown. If reading is more your cup of tea, drop by Kinokuniya or Books Actually and grab a copy of his works. Our favourite is his latest book Animal City – a collection of children poems filled with hidden meanings. Think Doctor Seuss, but edgier.
Pooja Nansi
If you’re a poetry fanatic, you may have Pooja’s books – Stilleto Scars and Love is an Empty Barstool – sitting on your shelves. Citing her grandparents, love and India as inspirations, her writing is genuine and will definitely tug at your heartstrings. The curator of Artistry’s monthly poetry event Speakeasy, Pooja is part of the growing community that’s serious about spreading their love for poetry in Singapore.
Deborah Emmanuel
Deborah Emmanuel
The animated young artist, who’s also the lead singer of reggae-dub band Wobology and hustles between Brisbane and Singapore, is a common face at open mics and feature shows including TEDx Singapore and Queensland Poetry Festival. Don’t be fooled by her effervescent personality though; Deborah isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
Cheryl Julia Lee
This up and coming poet just released her first book We Were Always Eating Expired Things. The collection – inspired by The Beatles and focuses on human interaction and relationship – shows that young Cheryl is wise beyond her years. She’s a member of Burn After Reading Singapore; so you’ll be able to catch this rising star along with aspiring poets at their poetry reading event.
Sekaliwags
Sekaliwags
This all-women spoken word collective does intense poetry performances surrounding important socio-political issues. Engaging, hilarious and impacting, Sekaliwags dramatic performances propel you to think and face uncomfortable issues nobody likes to talk about.
Alfian Sa’at
Famously known as “Enfant Terrible” in the poetry world, Alfian is known for his controversial stand towards politics and social views. Producing his first play at 19 and publishing a book at 21, the now resident playwright of local theatre company W!ld Rice has won countless of awards. Can’t spare a time for plays or poetry books? Just follow him on Facebook – his provocative posts are just as entertaining.
Alvin Pang
You know Alvin made it when his works were featured in the same journal as Nobel Prize recipients Derek Walcott and Seamus Heaney. Having performed at festivals worldwide and poems translated into 15 different languages, the anthropologist spins thought-provoking poems that will bore into your mind and soul.