Fayetteville’s Talent on the National Stage
By Elizabeth Stiff | L3Brand.com
Fayetteville, NC — Fayetteville’s own Detour Slam Team is making serious noise on the national stage. The team placed 4th in the country at the 33rd Annual Southern Fried Poetry Festival, held June 11 through 14 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
This isn’t just a win for the team. It’s a proud moment for the entire Fayetteville community. Competing against more than 30 top teams from across the country, Detour delivered powerful, honest, and unforgettable performances that left a real mark.
Led by LeJuane “El’Ja” Bowens, a well-known poet and leader in the local creative scene, the team showed up with purpose. Their poems tackled real-life issues, reflected the strength of their roots, and told stories that need to be heard.
“This team didn’t just compete. They made a statement,” said Bowens, who also serves as the team’s coach and founder. “Placing 4th in the nation is something we’re extremely proud of. The voices on this team reflect the heart of our city.”
Detour’s journey isn’t just about winning competitions. It’s about building community and giving the next generation a space to grow and speak up. When they’re not on national stages, the team is right here at home, hosting workshops, open mics, and youth programs to keep the poetry culture alive and thriving in Fayetteville.
The Southern Fried Poetry Festival is one of the longest-running poetry slam events in the country. Since 1993, it has brought together artists who use poetry to speak truth, share stories, and connect across cultures. And this year, Detour made sure Fayetteville had a strong voice in the mix.
At L3 Brand, we’re all about lifting up people doing meaningful work in our community. What the Detour Slam Team just did is a big deal. They reminded us that art has the power to move people, shift conversations, and bring us together.
The team is back home now and ready to keep the momentum going. If you haven’t seen them perform, don’t wait too long. They’re just getting started.
Want to learn more or book the team for an event?
Email: poetrynmotionnc@gmail.com
Follow: @eljapoetry on Instagram and Facebook
Hashtags: #DetourSlamTeam #SouthernFriedPoetry2025 #FayettevilleNC #SpokenWordNation