In the city of Dar es Salaam, performance poetry such as slam poetry and poetry showcases is steadily growing with a variety of groups and events that cater partially or specifically to this trend increasing. Research into this phenomenon and poetry in this setting in general has often either explored its relation to historical or political contexts or provided general descriptions of the genre. Such approaches are only ever rarely concerned with the experience generated by and within poetry and in this specific context, the performance of poetry, and its relation to everyday life. Drawing on recent fieldwork in poetry and performance in Dar es Salaam, this paper attempts to explore the ways in which participants experience the performance of poetry by taking aesthetic experience as a point of departure. Reflecting on the concept or the idea of ‘vibe’ as expressed by participants, the paper explores the different layers and ways of experiencing the performance. It explores the term as a means for participants to express and comment on their experiences and also as a way to reflect upon the nature of performance and its meaning in relation to their everyday lives.