By: Aminata E. Sanyang
Poetry prodigy and one of the Gambia’s finest spoken word artist, Omar Champion Cham is all set to launch a new poetry album, combining a rare collection marking new landmarks input Gambian literature.
‘Before the Win’, unveils a combination of outstanding poems by the former Poetry Slam Champion who continues to raise the bar with a raft of works breaking fresh ground.
Endowed with a creative talent that manifests through his poems, Champion as he is widely called mounted on both national and international platforms, fascinating audiences with inspiring poetry.
“I was inspired to Launch a Poetry Album to create the opportunity for artistic documentation of the rough Journey experienced by young people en route to greatness, success, and achievements they come by”. He told The Alkamba Times.
With a thrilling rhythmic voice and enthralling choice of lines, Omar Champion Cham is an emporium of lyrical excellence, whose spectacular poems such as “When I die” quickly became a national hit.
Establishing “Champoetry” to give poetry aficionados and children a diverse exposure to poetry and writing, Omar is a household name in the creative industry, a pioneering figure of new Gambian literature bringing light and beauty to the literary sector.
Omar, a law student at the University of The Gambia, is a mammoth inspiration to many upcoming poets such as Junius Janha, AbdoulieCham, Adama Mboge, and many others.
He has written over 300 poems covering a broad range of issues, with a legendary archive that includes his favorite poem ‘Sleep No More.
“As a renowned poet that has used the art of Poetry to effect change and inspire a generation, I deem it befitting to motivate people on the need to take the path to success irrespective of the challenges. This is manifested through the encapsulation of my story, that of the people and the country with a meeting point of how they all cumulatively affect national development.” Said Omar
Omar won the first-ever National Poetry Slam, where the name Champion emanated from. Poetry for Omar builds a trail where he channels advocacy messages to influence positive change.
Whilst the country anticipates a historic poetry event, big names are to be featured on stages, such as ST, Hussain Dada, Miss Jobiz, Nobles, Barhama, Cess Ngum, and the bright Stars.
Omar told TAT that other fanciful poets will be featured as well as upcoming poets.
Slated for March 12 at Penchami hall, the Champoetry team anticipates a successful launch that will set a new pace in GambianPoetry.
