Word Up 2014 was an exciting word-based performance competition for youth, held as part of the Going West Books and Writers Festival at Corban Estate Arts Centre on Friday 5th September. The event gave 13- 20 year olds the opportunity to present their original work in any word based genre, from rap, poetry, spoken word, music or even stand-up comedy.
Following an audition process, 18 finalists were selected to perform to a packed audience, with judges Mark Williams aka MC Slave and Dietrich Soakai having a tough job selecting the winners with such talent on offer. Spoken Word Performer Rebecca Gandhi took out first place, winning a free studio recording session at Tone Wheel Studios, a live to air radio interview on Base FM, and the opportunity to perform at the "Going West Poetry Slam" grand final event.
Mandy Patmore
Projects Coordinator
About Mandy Patmore
Hailing from quintessential West Auckland, Mandy Patmore is a well-known West Auckland identity, as both a visual artist and musician. Being raised in a musical household, she has been writing and performing music since she was young, joining her first band at 14. She has since performed in a wide variety of genres and line-ups including an all-girl punk band, a jazz funk group and now on her own as a Singer-Songwriter. She has a passion for working with youth, in both the visual and performing arts, and is always looking for opportunities for young people to grow their skills, coordinating numerous large scale events as a vehicle for this.
