Championing The Spoken Word Category in Africa 30 Under 30 is the winner for the Africa 30 Under 30 Spoken Word Category
Introduction and Aspirations
Jacob Captain, known as Captain Puema, is a dynamic spoken word artist and cybersecurity student with grand aspirations. Currently pursuing his studies at Open Labs, Jacob has set his sights on a future where he serves as the President of Ghana. His journey is fueled by a belief in the power of networking and learning from diverse experiences. While winning awards is not his primary focus, being nominated for recognition has inspired him to continue pushing boundaries.
Contributions to Spoken Word
Jacob is passionate about nurturing talent in the spoken word community. He has taken on the role of mentor to five emerging spoken word artists, guiding them from novice performers to confident voices in the industry. There’s a profound joy for Jacob in witnessing his mentees succeed, and he believes his contributions are significant because they uplift others through the power of words.
Challenges in the Spoken Word Industry
However, Jacob’s path is not without its obstacles. Financial constraints pose a significant challenge for spoken word artists in Ghana, where the art form often struggles for recognition. Jacob recalls the scepticism he faced, including doubts from his grandmother about his chosen career. The perception that spoken word lacks value compared to other performance arts, such as rap, further complicates the landscape. Crafting impactful scripts also requires considerable time and effort, making it a challenging endeavour.
Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Motivated
Despite these challenges, Jacob remains steadfast in his pursuit of his dreams. He emphasises the importance of persistence, adopting a “never say die” philosophy. His advice to others is clear: ignore the naysayers and believe in your vision, no matter how daunting it may seem. Jacob is determined to rise to the presidency of Ghana, fully embracing the uncertainty of the journey ahead.
Connect with Jacob
Jacob encourages everyone to connect with him on social media. You can find him on TikTok as Captain Puema, on Facebook as Jacob Captain Puema, and on Twitter as Captain Puema. His consistent online presence allows him to engage with fans, fellow artists, and those interested in his journey.
Jacob Captain’s story is one of resilience and aspiration, a reminder that with determination and the right support, one can overcome challenges and inspire others along the way.