Omani poet, Aisha al Saifi, the first woman Arab poet to win the UAE-based TV show ‘Prince of Poets’, says Arab poetry is deep-rooted and represents a core form of expression, as old as language itself

On International Women’s Day (March 8) this year, 36 year old Aisha al Saifi came home winning a million hearts, a million UAE dirhams, and a symbolic cloak and ring that signified her regal achievement of being crowned the ‘Prince of Poets’.

Aisha became the first Arab woman to win the reality TV show ‘Prince of Poets’, hosted in Abu Dhabi, and was also greatly popular on social media in the run-up to the finals. Her poems were regarded by the jury and the audience not only because they dealt with everyday life issues with simplicity but also because her choice of words had the ability to instantly strike an emotional connection with listeners.

The show has been extremely popular among Arab literary circles ever since it was launched in April 2007 by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. The current edition, which concluded in early March, was telecast ‘live’ every week and had involved social media towards attaining a credible verdict.

Elated over her triumph among many a seasoned poet, Aisha considers this as merelya stepping stone towards an illustrious literary journey ahead. Born in Nizwa in 1987, Aisha says she has participated in Arab and international literary festivals across Asia, Europe, and Africa, and was also the first female poet to win at an annual Omani Poetry Festival.

“Even though I graduated from Sultan Qaboos University with Civil Engineering, my love for poetry since childhood was my biggest motivation for writing poetry and participating in local and Arab competitions, Aisha said, adding, “My first poem was written when I was in grade 4 – a poem called ‘The White Dove’ – which was a great motivation for me to embark on this creative journey in the world of classical Arabic poetry.”

In 2005, Aisha started publishing her literary works in Omani and Arabic newspapers. She participated in Arab and international literary festivals across Asia, Europe, and also published five poetry collections – The Sea Changes its Gown, Dreams of the Tenth Girl, and I Don’t Love My Father.”

“My poems have been translated into several languages, such as Persian, Greek, Spanish, English, German, and Portuguese,” Aisha said, asserting that the popularity of poetry in the Arab world cuts deeper, representing a core form of expression as old as language itself. Especially, in the contemporary world full of stress and materialism, classical Arabic poetry serves as a refuge, a unique mode of expressing beauty, emotion, and insights with characteristic grace.

Among stalwarts of Arabic poetry

About the TV show, she said, “In Abu Dhabi, the stalwarts of Arabic poetry were engaged in a fierce competition to win the hearts and minds of the public and the jury. I was crowned ‘Prince (or Princess, if you may) of Poets’ and honoured as the first Arab woman poet to be bestowed with the title. I look upon this as an encouraging factor, not just for me, but also for many Omani women who aspire to participate in the Prince of Poets contest, as well as in other local competitions.”

Over 1,800 poets had submitted entries to the competition, and 100 were chosen to participate in the programme to recite their poems live on television during ten episodes telecast over two months. The guidelines specified that each poem must be simple, have an emotional connection, as well as uphold human values to make a mark in the competition. The winner is awarded one million dirhams and a symbolic cloak and ring.

The show has built on that tradition, giving a priceless gift to all Arabic speakers. The programme has added tremendous value to the Arabic literary canon and provided contestants and viewers with valuable literary criticism, furthering insight into the structure and style of classical poetry.

“I did not choose the poem, the poem chose me,” Aisha quipped, adding, “Topping the contest was not an easy task. I traveled to many countries, read many Arab and international novels, and watched many plays, all of which has inspired and shaped my ‘poetic personality’.

Poets are cultural ambassadors

Aisha acknowledged that social media does play a big role in our lives these days. “During the past three years, it has created a large audience for me in various Arab countries, and it was instrumental in helping me win the title of Prince of Poets this year,” she said.

Aisha feels, poetry reflects the pulse of a nation, its joys, sorrows, national occasions and accomplishments because poets are cultural ambassadors of their respective countries. Poets help in popularising a country’s heritage, promoting it developmental strides as well as the aspirations of the populace, she said.

Acknowledging that Oman does have a lot of creative talent in literary works, especially poetry, Aisha hoped that her win would open up more doors for young literary champions in Oman to excel in at Arab and international forums.

“I am currently coordinating with the UNICEF office in Amman (Jordan) to present a poetic work to celebrate World Poetry Day (March 21). I thank everyone who supported me on my journey, especially my family – this is not the end, it is the beginning!”Aisha said.

Prize money plans

About her plans for best utilising her prize money of one million UAE dirhams (approx RO100,000) Aisha said, she hopes to pledge half of it for charitable works in Oman. From the rest, she plans to buy a plot of land to convert it into a beautiful garden, one that would take her closer to nature to inspire her further.