Kongoussi: Slam poet Ibrahim Ouedraogo, known as "IB the Master Lyricist," presented his trophies for best slam poet in the Moore language to the Bam authorities, to whom he also announced his upcoming visit to Mali in December. Representing Kongoussi, Ibrahim Ouedraogo won the championship title at the National Slam Poetry Championship in the national language, the final of which was held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the National Museum in Ouagadougou, AIB has learned.
According to Burkina Information Agency, five candidates were in the running for this final stage, including two from Koudougou, one from Manga, one from Ouagadougou, and Ibrahim Ouedraogo from Bam province. The finalists showcased their talent through performances in national languages before a jury of cultural figures. Ibrahim Ouedraogo distinguished himself with a recited text in the national language, Moore, on the theme "The Role of Women in a Context of Insecurity," a performance that earned him the national championship prize.
He also won the Hamidou Valian Special Prize with "Ibrahim's Letter," a work by the late slam poet Hamidou Valian dedicated to street children, which he translated and performed in Moore. These two awards give the winner the opportunity to represent Burkina Faso in Mali this December with his national championship title.
Back in Kongoussi, the artist, who also teaches in Tikare, presented his trophies to local authorities, including the provincial directors of Culture and National Education, seeking their advice and support. "Before being a slam poet, I am first and foremost an educator. Through slam poetry, we contribute to children's education and raise awareness among adults. We hope for the support of the authorities to continue this mission," he stated.
Beyond the awards, Ibrahim intends to proudly represent Bam and Burkina Faso on the international stage. The Bam Provincial Director of Preschool, Primary, and Non-Formal Education, Naba Ilboudo, congratulated the artist Ouedraogo on his achievement and encouraged all education stakeholders in Bam to follow his example.