SMU Rhythm and Poetry Society

Written and Photo by Kritika Gurung

@issasaltier

SMU Rhythm and Poetry (RAPS) is an upcoming society that will officially open with its first meeting on Wednesday January 15th, from 6-7 pm. Kea Wassouf, the RAPS President , stated that, "the idea of poetry first came into my mind when I was looking into poetry circles and performance opportunities around Halifax, and I grew frustrated when I found very few opportunities, most of them well hidden, and there was a huge gap. I thought that if students could find a place to create, then such a society would be able to promote self-discovery through the art of poetry and writing.

Kea Wassouf, Founder and Co-President, Third Year, Department of English Literature

As a hip-hop artist herself, Kea realized that while several poets were interested in rap music due to its rhythmic flows, many songs from this genre had turned listeners to poetry as well. "With time, RAP became an acronym for ‘rhythm and poetry’ as it incorporated the lyrical style of a poem with a rhythmic flow, like that of an Elizabethan Sonnet," said Kea. The society stems from a sentimental place for Kea, as she has met with many young adults who have indulged in their creativity through rhythm and poetry as a means of freedom from their troubled childhoods. 

 Kea remembers her development as an isolated youth who turned to poetry as a form of expression. RAPS aim to create a unified platform for both poets and hip-hop artists of any level, students and non-students, "to create, view, perform, get inspired, and have discussions on different themes and topics” ..." (Kea Wassouf, President of SMU Rhythm and Poetry).

SMU RAPS looks forward to welcoming students and non-students to develop a platform where creativity shines without any boundaries.

You can find more about SMU RAPS on their  Facebook page.