The Enchanting Power of Spoken Word in Gen Z's Minimalist Creativity

Spoken word poetry is an art, a distinct sub-genre arguably emerging from traditional poetry and folktales

Spoken Word as an Evolving Art

Spoken word poetry is an art, a distinct sub-genre arguably emerging from traditional poetry and folktales. It is an art intricately designed for live performances, often featuring a composition of music and elements from other art forms. Its root is traced back to the beat poets of the 1950s and 60s, who frequently showcased their work in coffeehouses and bars. Most interestingly, its origin boasts of divergent cultures of music, movement, reflecting in its style of communication and as an art of experiences. In aesthetic sense, and even more intricately, Smithsonian Folkways portrays the essence of spoken word poetry by describing words as "powerful entities, drivers of emotion, intellectual freedom, and a conduit of experimental learning for the speaker and spoken to".

The evolution of spoke word poetry has been traced to three distinct traditions: Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement, and the Beat Movement. Affirming their inferred assertion of spoken word poetry as a genius art with a composition of several artistic elements, the Black Youth Project (2011) believed spoken word poetry culturally sprang loosely from the expressive energies of the blues, the Harlem Renaissance, and hip-hop music which permeated the black communities throughout America over the course of the century. Hence, spoken word in its modern form is considered a result of the influences of the original arts in African American oral tradition and the black community.

In the present day, spoken word poetry has transformed into a more vibrant and varied art form celebrated around the globe and easily related with by Gen Z for its minimalism style. It covers a wide array of themes, from political subjects to personal narratives, and can also be a source of pure entertainment. What basically distinguishes spoken word poetry from conventional poetry is its focus on performance. Poets in this genre use their voices, physical presence, and movements to animate their words, captivating the audience in a profound and emotional manner.

Spoken Word as a Modern Folktale as a Tool for Storytelling 

Folktales are a key component of folk literature, commonly known as folklore. In essence, a folktale is a traditional narrative passed down orally before the advent of writing. They encompass various types, including fables (stories featuring animals and moral lessons), fairy tales (which incorporate magical elements), and myths (which are regarded as sacred), among others. Like other literary forms, folktales require the audience to suspend disbelief regarding their fictional characters and events. 

Furthermore, they exhibit literary creativity, which, at the linguistic level, involves manipulating sounds, words, phrases, and overall text structure. Folktales, using spoken word, often feature unique words, onomatopoeic sounds, and repetitive phonological or grammatical patterns that enhance their rhythmic quality.

Despite their seemingly simple nature, folktales through spoken word explore deep themes and issues relevant to all of humanity. They delve into psychologically important subjects such as honesty, kindness, generosity, jealousy, arrogance, and greed. Although the written versions may be more linguistically intricate, spoken words retains characteristics of oral language that render them particularly suitable for storytelling in face-to-face settings, as opposed to other literary formats like novels or short stories.

Transition from Traditional Poetry to Spoken Word Poetry

In recent years, spoken word poetry has gained traction in the literary landscape over and above traditional poetry. This is because, firstly, spoken word poetry serves as a platform for voices that are often overlooked or under-represented. This genre has traditionally been a medium for marginalized groups to convey their experiences and narratives. It offers individuals a means of self-expression they might not have had otherwise, and it can effectively promote social change.

Moreover, spoken word poetry is widely accessible. Unlike conventional or traditional poetry which relies on structured form and can be sometimes be daunting or exclusive, spoken word welcomes everyone as it performance-based. It is an art form that anyone with a story can perform, and it can be appreciated by anyone willing to listen.

Additionally, spoken word poetry frequently acts as a therapeutic outlet. Many poets utilize their craft to navigate through trauma, mental health issues, or other personal challenges. By sharing their stories with an audience, they foster a sense of community and support, which can be profoundly healing.

Furthermore, spoken word poetry is challenging conventional perceptions of poetry and the identities of its creators. This artistic medium is not restricted by rigid rules or traditions, which fosters a wider scope of expression and creativity. Consequently, spoken word poetry is drawing in fresh audiences and establishing a nurturing environment for a more varied array of artists to flourish.

Additionally, spoken word poetry is leaving its mark on other artistic disciplines, like music and theatre. Numerous musicians and playwrights have found inspiration in spoken word poetry and have infused its techniques into their own creations. This blending of artistic forms is generating innovative and exciting opportunities for collaboration and experimentation among artists.

Spoken word poetry serves as more than just a means of entertainment or a therapeutic outlet; it is actively reshaping the literary scene in several significant ways. Primarily, it is fostering a new and more diverse canon of poetry. Frequently performed by individuals from marginalized backgrounds, spoken word poetry amplifies these voices, granting them recognition within the literary community.

Minimalism in Creativity and Storytelling: An Approach by Gen Z

Minimalism is not a lack of design or creativity, but the art of intentional reduction. It involves eliminating the unnecessary and retaining only what is essential, thereby fostering clarity and focus. In graphic, brand, and web design, minimalism allows a narrative to be conveyed without distractions. 

With respect to spoken word poetry, minimalism typically resonates so well with Gen Z, bringing a blend of creative expression and simplicity using minimal words and style. Their likeness for minimalism in spoken word poetry and art can be attributed to the various cultural, social, and psychological influences, often shaping their perspectives and views.

Growing up in a digital and technologically developed age with spontaneous information from social media has made Gen Z align more with spoken word poetry that is often clear, concise, easily understood and one that encompasses simplistic and efficient expression of emotions and ideas. Social media platforms such as Tiktok, Instagram, and X (Twitter) promote brevity and spontaneity. Through these platforms, Gen Z grows great admiration for short and quick punchy videos, captions, graphics, and art generally. 

In spoken word poetry, words and use of language are generally reduced to its basic component—allowing a resonating impact with fewer words. The poet uses words meticulously and purposefully, whether aimed at sparking emotions, thoughts, or enhancing rhythm. Using minimalism, poets sometimes adopt silence as an expressive device to give some words a striking and resonating effect in the audience’s memory and strengthening connection on a deeper level. With fewer words, clarity comes in, allowing the message to be conveyed while still maintaining the usage of literary devices to evoke strong imagery and emotions.

In visual storytelling, minimalism is not about a lack of complexity but about achieving an ideal balance of elements that convey a story without overwhelming the audience. It embodies the principle of “less is more,” where the storyteller selects crucial visual elements that support the narrative, enabling the viewer to use their imagination to fill in the blanks. Minimalism applies in visual storytelling through intentional use of negative space. Negative space, or the area surrounding the subjects, is a key component of minimalist design as it can highlight the main subject, create balance, and elicit emotions.

Furthermore, minimalist visual storytelling typically features a limited colour palette. High contrast between elements can be used to enhance visual appeal and guide the viewer’s attention. For instance, the movie, “Sin City” exemplifies this with its dominant black and white scheme accented by bursts of colour for dramatic impact. A minimalist composition in visual storytelling also tends avoid clutter. Minimalism can also be rich in meaning, where a single, thoughtfully chosen visual element can symbolize greater concepts or themes. Notably, minimalism encompasses more than just visual elements; it also influences the auditory dimensions of storytelling. As such, thoughtful incorporation of silence or a sparse soundtrack can enhance the emotional weight of a scene.

In essence, minimalist art and poetry offer a medium of expressing complexity with simplicity, effect and brevity using minimal elements. This is an approach well suited and adopted for a generation witnessing a complex and fast-paced landscape in the literary world.

Conclusion 

Spoken word poetry is a compelling and vibrant art form that is transforming the literary world in inspiring ways. It serves as a platform for those whose voices are often overlooked, fosters personal expression and healing, and challenges conventional perceptions of poetry and its creators. As spoken word poetry continues to rise in prominence, it is cementing its place as a crucial element of modern literature. This art form is characterized by its accessibility, diversity, and energetic nature, making it appealing to a wide audience.

—Omolasoye Adebowale Raphael (Editor-in-Chief)