Spoken Word, traditional poetry, and music were at the heart of the show to celebrate poets. The event was held at Lavana Lounge, Wednesday evening, and attracted a full house of poetry lovers from all walks of life, who cheered performers on till the end.
The evening showcased cultural displays by artists from Kenya, South Africa, Japan and Rwanda, the host. It was organised by Spoken Word Rwanda, in collaboration with Ubumuntu Arts Festival and Goethe Institute.
Elisabeth Jeannette, one of the night’s emcees, told revellers that the main objective of the show was to celebrate poets, many of whom have succeeded in the business as stage performers. Among them was Sylvester Nsengimana, who was the first on stage with his electric Rwandan traditional piece, which sent the audience into laughter, accompanied by the rhythm from the cultural instrument, Inanga.
Rwandan poet Sylvester Nsegimana impressed the audience. / Craish Bahizi
Many of the local performers at the show did their best to prove that Rwanda’s culture has not been forgotten, reciting poems and singing traditional songs, with Kenyan guitarist and singer Nick Agesa giving some rhythm to the poets.
Traditional singer and composer, Olivier Tuyisenge, staged a spectacular performance, engaging the audience with his classical poem conversations, attracting loud cheers.
Highlights on the night included the moment the trio Natacha Muhoza, Shaki Mukiza, and Melissa Keza, thrilled the crowd with their spoken word and music performances. Kenyan duo Shikkiey, real name Faith Shikanga, and Agesa, who have been in the country in a tour, wowed the audience as they told stories using music, poetry, and dance.
It was full house as poets were celebrated. / Craish Bahizi
One of the other impressive acts was Japanese poet, Pero with his English poem with a mix of Japanese.
To wind up a wonderful evening, South African actress, writer, and poet, Lebo Mashile, who was the event’s headliner, thrilled the crowd with 11 poems that talked about patriotism, love, and words of wisdom.
Mashile flew into the country for a series of performances, including Ikaze Night and Ubumuntu Arts Festival that is scheduled to kick off today, July 12, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Amphitheater.
Fiona Kamikazi Rutagengwa was the MC of the event at Lavana Lounge, Wednesday evening.
Pero entertains poet lovers with piece.
Poet and fashion designer Naleli Rugege recites a poem to the audience.
Revellers listen attentively as poets recited their work.
South African poet, Lebo Mashile, was the headliner of the event.
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