National Poetry Contest
DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.®️ Announces the Spoken Word Poetry Competition
DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.®️ is thrilled to announce a national poetry competition for poets throughout the nation, offering poets a chance of a lifetime: to perform on the same stage as the legendary hip-hop pioneers, THE LAST POETS.
Perform Your Poetry in Front of a Live Audience
A special opportunity awaits poets across the nation as DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.®️ presents a spoken word poetry contest with the chance to perform on the same stage as the legendary hip-hop pioneers, THE LAST POETS.
How to Enter:
- When: July 10, 2026
- Where: The Kimo Theater; 423 Central Ave. NW.; Albuquerque, NM. 87102
- Deadline to Enter: October 5, 2026
- Who Can Enter: Poets in the USA. Those under 18 must have written parental or guardian permission
Submit Your Poetry Contest Entry
If you would like to participate in the national poetry contest, complete the form below with your details. Once we receive your information, our team will review your inquiry and contact you with further details about the entry process and participation.
About the Legendary Last Poets
Who They Are
The Last Poets are called the godfathers of hip-hop. They started on May 19, 1968, in a park in Harlem, New York. This was the birthday of Malcolm X. The group came together after the killings of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They used poetry with drums to speak out about what was happening in America.
First Album
Their first album came out in 1970. It sold over 300,000 copies even though radio stations did not play it much. Songs like “Niggers Are Scared of Revolution” spoke the truth about hard times. The way they rhymed over beats became what we now call rap music. One music writer said The Last Poets “almost single-handedly laid the groundwork for the emergence of hip-hop.”
Why They Matter
Their second album came out in 1971. It spoke so much truth that the FBI watched them closely during President Nixon’s time in office. Many famous artists look up to them, including Nas, Common, Erykah Badu, and Public Enemy. They were in the movie Poetic Justice with Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. They also performed on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam.
Where They Are Now
Today, Abiodun Oyewole, Umar bin Hassan, and Baba Don Babatunde still travel the world performing. They use their words to help people feel strong and stand tall.
How to Enter the Contest
- Record Your Performance – Film a video of yourself performing an original spoken word piece. The video must not exceed five (5) minutes in length.
- Upload to Facebook – Upload your video
- Follow & Subscribe – Complete your entry by following DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.®️ across the following social media platforms:
- Facebook: http://bit.ly/DSHINCfbp
- Instagram: http://bit.ly/DSHINCi
- Complete the Form – Fill out the official contest form to confirm your intent to participate.
Contest Rules & Details
- Eligibility: Open to all USA Poets
- Age Requirement: Participants/Poets under the age of 18 must have written parental or guardian permission
- Submission Deadline: October 5, 2026 – early submission strongly encouraged
- Video Usage: By uploading, entrants grant DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.®️ permission to use the content for future promotional activities on their social media platforms
- Event Date: The ABQ Spoken Word Poetry Event Featuring The Last Poets Hosted by Hakim Bellamy, Music by Terminator X (of Public Enemy) on Oct. 10, 2026
- Venue: Historic Kimo Theatre, 423 Central Ave. NW., Albuquerque, NM 87102
Prize Package for Selected Winners
- Paid air transportation
- Paid ground transportation
- Hotel accommodations
- Paid performance fee
Selected finalists will be required to sign a release form granting DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.® permission to record the event for future promotional use.
About DSH Entertainment, Inc.®️
DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.®️ is proudly part of The A.D.H. Foundation, Inc. – an organization dedicated to delivering world-class entertainment while giving back to the communities it serves. We bring iconic soul music legends to the stage, including The O’Jays, The Spinners, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson.
Beyond entertainment, we are committed to empowering the next generation – funding students to attend Space Camp and Aviation Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, supporting Little League baseball teams, and providing scholarships through the Men of Color Initiative at the University of New Mexico.
How to Apply
Visit the DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC.®️ website: https://bit.ly/DSHINCwebsite to upload your video.
For more information, complete the inquiry form or send a direct message through any of our social media platforms.
The Stage Is Waiting for Your Voice
Take part in the national poetry contest and get the opportunity to showcase your spoken word poetry. Complete the form below to submit your details and get started.