Poetry session Kwivuga marks 11 years in style

Renowned poetry and spoken word session Kwivuga celebrated its 11-year-long presence with a special edition titled The Odyssey at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Monday, December 11, 2023.

The event featured captivating spoken word performances and poetry recitations that elevated the spirits of the attendees.

Distinguished poets, including Mark Gordon, Roshan Karmali, Jason Ntaro, Kagai Ngobi, and Kivumbi King from Rwanda, graced the stage with powerful expressions.

Noteworthy highlights from the poetic repertoire included Kagai Ngobi's thought-provoking piece, But Why Am I Telling You This In English, Mark Gordon's How To Confess Love To A Female Poet, Jason Ntaro's romantic piece Streams of Sensual Bliss, Roshan Karmali's mesmerising Euphoria, and Kivumbi's That Child.

The event also showcased the talents of prominent rappers like Ruyonga, The Mith, Rap Poet, Babaluku, as well as singers such as Lilian Mbabazi, Essy, and A Pass.

Ruyonga and Wonder JR's collaborative performance of Party Ku Party, Mbabazi's enchanting vocals paired with talented young artist Essy, comedian Anne Kansiime's humorous Runyankole rendition of Mbabazi's songs, and A Pass's distinctive fashion style captivated the audience.

Beyond the stage, an array of art pieces adorned the venue, providing attendees with visual narratives created by different talented painters.

Poet Jason Ntaro recites 'The Streams Of Sensual Bliss' poem at Kwivuga. Photo by Hussein Kiganda

Addressing the audience, Nunu Umuringa Butare, the Kwivuga proprietor, reflected on Kwivuga's journey since its inception , acknowledging the invaluable support from her close friends, whom she considers family.

"The journey has been challenging, but with friends like you, we've overcome obstacles to reach this point and host an event at Serena," she remarked.

Nunu pledged to continue nurturing the platform, emphasising its role in fostering young talent. She expressed optimism about increased corporate involvement in the poetry industry to support emerging talents and promote diverse sectors through art. She pointed at I&M Bank which came in as a sponsor.

Explaining the financial institution's newfound interest in poetry and spoken word, Annette Nakiyaga, the head of marketing and corporate communications at I&M Bank, shared with New Vision that with the country's population predominantly composed of youth, a significant portion engaged in the art sector, it becomes crucial for financial institutions to align with their interests.

Nakiyaga assured that the bank is committed to supporting various artistic events as part of its ongoing efforts to champion local talent.

Some of the art pieces displayed at Kwivuga Poetry Session. Photo by Hussein Kiganda

The event attracted numerous prominent personalities from various fields, including film, music, banking, arts, and crafts. Notable attendees included Sheilah Salta, Nana Kagga, Cleopatra Koheirwe, Timothy Code, Esther Nakaziba, and many others. The presence of these influential figures underscored the significance of Kwivuga in bridging diverse industries and fostering a vibrant artistic community.