Farah Chamma. Satish Kumar for The National
Farah Chamma. Satish Kumar for The National
Farah Chamma. Satish Kumar for The National
Farah Chamma. Satish Kumar for The National

Farah Chamma selects her favourite peers and gives advice on creating poetry


  • English
  • Arabic

Despite her age, Farah ­Chamma is already a ­veteran in the world of poetry and spoken-­word performance. At 15, she joined The ­Poeticians, a group run by Hind ­Shoufani that hosts events for ­multilingual poets of all backgrounds in Dubai and Beirut. Then, while studying in Abu Dhabi, Chamma joined Dorian “Paul D” Rogers’ Rooftop Rhythms, a celebration of oral expression that brought slam poetry to the capital.

Today, she is an active ­member of Dubai Poetics, which was started by Jamil Adas two years ago as an online platform to publish poets’ work and have artists ­collaborate to ­illustrate the ­poetry. It has since become one of the city’s most prominent hubs for ­poetry sharing and art ­collaboration, and its events are held all across town to allow poets to perform. Dubai Poetics has also been hosting ­workshops, led by Chamma.

“Some people are so scared about being on stage or don’t know the difference between spoken and written poetry,” she says. “So many [people] in Dubai want to write and express ­themselves, but are so caught up with work, or tired or so ­frustrated, they just need an ­outlet. We can help.”

Dubai ­Poetics' next ­workshop is planned for ­September 9. The venue will be announced on dubaipoetics.com

Here are Chamma’s top five tips on how to create ­evocative ­spoken-word poetry:

1 You can never watch enough spoken-word poetry. Look online, look at performers; you will see stuff that will blow your mind. For example, look up Button Poetry on YouTube. And if you want to branch into spoken-word poetry in Arabic, search for ­performances by Terez Sliman (Palestine), Aly Talibab (Egypt), Mazen El Sayed known as El Rass (Lebanon) and Hani Al Sawah (Syria).

2 Body language is everything, so spend some time learning about it; learning about how to move in a space. What is natural for your body? How are you comfortable moving? We address this in our workshops, because it’s crucial.

3 Always think of your ­audience. Imagine them. ­Imagine you are sitting among your audience, watching ­yourself. What would you like to see? What would bore you? What would move you? With spoken-­word poetry, you’re not just ­writing for yourself or for ­someone reading quietly in their living room. You are performing. Never forget that.

4 You need to find your own style; to know what you like to say and what you care about expressing. Audiences are bored of the drama and the same tired topics, the things that are all over the news. It’s no ­longer new. Ask ­different questions. Don’t feel like you just have to tackle the big ­causes. Sometimes, a simple love story will move so many people because it’s genuine and what people need to hear. Don’t underestimate your personal experiences.

5 When you are on stage, you’re in front of people, and they can sense how genuine you are; they can tell if you’re selling your work or marketing. We are all sick of that   we need ­something more real and raw. When you go to a spoken-word poetry event, you want to be inspired, not hear what you already know. Think about that when you’re writing.

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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

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School counsellors on mental well-being

Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.

Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.

Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.

“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.

“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.

“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.

“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”

Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.

The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.

At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.

“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.

“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.

"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”

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