Bio
Élémo (Marc-Olivier Jean) is based in Montreal, Quebec and has been a slam poetry enthusiast for over 10 years and leads writing workshops in elementary and high schools. In 2017, he released his first EP, Celui qui aime les mots (The One Who Loves Words ). In 2020, he was approached to host SLAM segments on Télé-Québec's en classe platform. He was also invited to appear on the shows Les Suppléants and Cochon Dingue to explain what slam poetry is and how to get started. In 2021, he starred in the SLAM JAM series, a new educational web series that introduces young people to poetry and literary devices. Furthermore, Élémo has amassed over 16 million views, 3 million likes, and more than 230,000 followers on TikTok thanks to his humorous sketches that blend rhymes and wordplay. His slam poetry has received several awards including a 2025 Silver Medal at the Grand Slam International de Montréal, Best Performance for the 2024 short film Le casse-tête de ma vie at the Festival de Courts Métrages Indépendants de Boucherville, and First Place at the 2017 Antidote Poetry Contest.
Élémo has performed on stage with the Montréal Symphonique show , where he shared the stage with renowned artists such as Wyclef Jean, Pierre Lapointe, and Cœur de Pirate, to name just a few. He was also invited to perform a slam poem accompanied by musicians from three orchestras—the Orchestre Métropolitain, the McGill Symphony Orchestra, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
He has toured in BC, Alberta, Quebec, France, Germany, Sweden, Belgium and Austria. In short, this is just the beginning for this lover of words who is currently touring his inspiring slam poetry with his electrifying performances and poetry workshops in schools across Canada with recent district-wide tours in B.C.
Young Audience
Shows & Workshops
VIVRE (School or Theatre Performance)
Élémo presents “VIVRE” a performance where poetry and rhythm paint a sensitive portrait of our time. Through grounded and authentic texts, he invites the audience to see themselves, question their certainties, and celebrate what makes each person unique. Guided by an honest presence and a deeply human voice, this artistic offering creates a moment of reflection, emotion, and genuine connection.
Languages: French
Length: 60 minutes
Ages: Grades 4-12; all ages for family events
Slam Poetry Workshops
Get ready to discover slam! In this workshop, Élémo will share his insights and expertise to guide you through writing and performing a poetic text. During the creation phase, you’ll develop a brainstorm and dive deeper into poetry by exploring meaning, imagery, and sound. You’ll then put the techniques into practice in a playful, hands-on way throughout the activity.
Languages: French
Length: 75-90 minutes
Ages: Grades 4-12
TESTIMONIALS
"Élémo is an exceptional instructor and a remarkable teaching artist. With his charisma and energy, he created a creative and welcoming atmosphere for the students. Attentive and deeply in tune with today’s youth, he knows how to engage them, break their usual sense of isolation and challenge them with writing and performance activities inspired by urban poetry. His visit was truly inspiring, and he sparked a real sense of pride in the students as they created their own slam
pieces. We are incredibly grateful for his time with us."
- Sophie Hénault, Grade 10 French teacher
"Élémo’s visit is always a highlight for everyone. Students leave the creative workshop full of ideas and practical tools they can use in their own slam writing projects. As an excellent educator, Élémo gives them confidence and encourages them to step outside their comfort zone. This unique opportunity to meet a slam poet has truly become a must at our school."
- Virginie Laliberté, Josée Grégoire, Grade 11 French teacher, Librarian
"Élémo was a pleasure to host in the Greater Vicotria school district. He performed for French Immersion students at three secondary schools, inspiring audiences with his poetry, performance and passion. He also delivered slam poetry writing workshops, inspiring young writers to take risks and have fun with the French language. In all my years of teaching I have never seen students so responsive to poetry! He is a consummate professional, and takes his craft seriously, inspiring others to do the same. Hs writing is full of messages of hope and positivity while also grappling with real issues that are important to young audiences. What a gift to French-language learners, teachers and artists!"
- Amy Clausen, French Language Coordinator, SD 61 Victoria