Layl Ash-Shayr 9

About the Programme

Layl Ash-Shayr, which loosely translates from Arabic to “Poetry Night”, is an open-mic and spoken word event for Muslim writers in Singapore to share their work and engage with fellow creatives.

For our third session in 2024, we’re excited to have shazza and Azeena. We will also open up the stage for 5 open-mic slots for emerging voices in the SG Muslim literary scene to perform, gain experience and network with other fellow writers. Ultimately, we hope to build a network of Muslim writers who can support one another in their literary journeys.

Event Details

Day/Date: Thursday, 18th April 2024
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Venue: Wardah Books, Reading Loft (Level 2)
Theme: Eid/Let’s get Eid started

Ticketed event, registration is compulsory.
Tickets: $10
Purchase tickets here: Click to purchase

About the Open-Mic

We are welcoming Muslim poets of any experience level, whether you’ve attended classes, published poems or have never let your poetry leave your notebook/smart phone, we want you!

Here are some guidelines for you to follow:

1. You will have 5 mins to perform any number of pieces.
2. There is no set theme. Pick any topic for your piece!
3. That said, please ensure religious sensitivity and tactfulness when addressing sensitive topics, and generally avoid using crude language in your poems. We may request poems to be swapped or partially edited to ensure they are suitable for our audience.
4. Your poems can take any shape and form - be experimental about it! Just let us know in advance should you need tech/equipment support.
5. Non-English poems or poems with snippets of other languages can be performed, but we do request you provide an English translation (whether read aloud or shared on screen/through a link!).
6. Your poems can be previously published, living rent-free in your head or written mere minutes prior!

About the Speakers

shazza is a singer-songwriter from Cross Ratio who wrote her first proper song when she was 11 and hasn’t been able to stop since. This hijabi songstress has her heart set on breaking boundaries and sparking change, bringing more representation to the table with her music and her presence in the industry. With her music radiating love and positivity, shazza has definitely captured the hearts of the youth. As Singapore’s fastest-growing up-and-coming artist, there’s nothing stopping shazza from conquering the region.

Azeena is an avid reader who loves a cup of masala chai, preferably from Anandha Bhavan, and a book especially on rainy days.