The Goethe-Institut’s Word N Sound Poetry League Champion is Crowned this November

Get ready for the ultimate poetic showdown as Season 11 of the Word N Sound Poetry League comes to an end after a multi-month competition grounded in a Back to Basics theme—no props, no music, just raw talent, bold words, and the mic. Now’s your chance to see who takes home the title of Poetry League champion on 1 November. Here’s what you need to know.

A poet at Goethe-Institut's Word N Sound Poetry League Season 11

What to expect from Word N Sound Poetry League final showdown

Join for the electrifying Season 11 Finale of the Word N Sound Poetry League, where five of South Africa’s top spoken word artists go head-to-head in a three-round showdown for the 2025 championship title.

Top 5 Finalists:

Noel Diketane
Hlengiwe Mhlongo
Explosive Tiisetso
HN Mavusana
Nonkululeko Mntambo

Expect an afternoon of raw poetic power, rhythm, and truth.

Cost: R50 entry

When: Final round— Saturday, 1 November 2025 from 12pm to 5pm.
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg

Goethe Institut Word N Sound Exhibition - Teto Mkaila — Goethe Institut Word N Sound Exhibition | Image by Teto Mkaila

More about the Goethe-Institut

The Goethe-Institut aims to cultivate international and local cultural exchange through the arts, sciences and languages. With over 100 institutes worldwide, and 14 in the sub-Saharan region, including the one in Johannesburg, the Goethe-Institut is committed to fostering transnational diversity, understanding and trust.

Their Cultural Programmes Department focuses on a variety of different artistic approaches from the visual arts to drama, dance, literature, film, and others to support the local cultural scenes and strengthen pan-African dialogue through the arts.