Multi-talented spoken word poet, Nwani Emmanuel Chidera, popularly known as “Grey Martyr,” is the current Poetry Grand Slam Champion of the Lagos International Poetry Festival( LIPFEST) 2024, which was held at the Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Ten shortlisted contestants( including a wild card,) battled on stage in the first round, with only seven contestants making it into the next round. At the end of the second round, two contestants were knocked out of the slam.

The following poets made it to the final round to compete for the title of Slam Champion and runner-ups:

Grey Martyr
Sunday Saheed
Loveth Liberty
Olubade Oluwale Oludasa
Pacella Chukwuma- Eke

For the first time in the slam, Grey martyr was scored points 10 from all three judges, thereby emerging as the 2024 LIPFEST Poetry Grand Slam Champion.

Pacella Chukwuma- Eke clings to the title of First runner-up, and Loveth Liberty, 2nd runner up.

Winner’s Biography

Grey Martyr, is the co founder of Eden, a literary society in Owerri, created for the purpose of grooming writers. He was the winner of the Gems of Pitakwa, 2023, and second runner-up in the Alitfest Poetry Grand Slam, 2023. He was also a finalist at the Lipfest Poetry Grand Slam, 2023. His work is forthcoming on an anthology titled “IF HEAVEN SAYS HI.” He has also graced literary stages including the Port harcourt Poetry Festival( 2023 & 2024,) Mayor of Pitakwa comedy show, Meraki Arts Festival, Owerri, and the Jam Summit( 2022-2024.)

Grey studied Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.