Over 150 people, including poets, creatives and art lovers, gathered at The Manor Hotel on the evening of November 24, for Poetherapy, a show that aimed to help them witness the power of poetry in healing hearts and forging enjoyment.
The event saw over 25 poets and artistes perform as well as different visual artists showcasing their artworks.
Among the poetry performers who graced the show include Jr Rumaga, Yasipi Casmir, Carine Poet, Delah Dube, Josue Ishimwe, Angelina Akimana, Rwasibo Nshuti, Sol Solange, Aky, Reagan, Jeannine, Cody, Mbabazi Vee, Entoucas, Nino of Tech, Kabayiza Ines, Cody, Kibasumba Confy, Olabell, Indashikirwa Patrick, Manzi Roger, Ruth and Pamella, Kraft Mutabazi, Laurie and many others.
According to Vincent Sugira, the event organiser, the idea to introduce Poetherapy was sparked by a poem he wrote before Covid-19 describing how poetry makes him feel.
"It is something that I do when I am going through stress or when I am happy," he said. "I write poetry in whichever mood I am in and it heals me. So, I decided to call this event Poetherapy to remind people that most of the time when they write, they write about the feelings they want to recover from, which helps them to heal."
Sugira believes that poetry, as a form of therapy, can help in raising awareness around mental health by showing people that it is okay to talk about their mental health issues, thus eliminating the stigma around the crisis.
The poet also believes that collaboration among Rwandan poets is one of the critical ways to ensure the advancement of the local poetry industry, describing that fellow poets played a huge role in bringing Poetherapy to life.
He disclosed that he plans to host the show every month.
Sol Solange, one of the performing poets performed a poem called "Don't Worry" which was followed by a song called Humura Rwanda Nziza by Kamaliza.
"Everyone was relating it with their life as it was speaking more of expectations and dreams which we always have and how hard it is to get it in wings," she said, adding that it was great to see many talented poets giving their best.
"I also fell in love with the idea behind Poetherapy and I wish it can happen more often because people need therapy sessions in one way or another through words and voices," she voiced.
Josiane Giraneza who attended it commended the creativity, saying that she witnessed in different live poetry performances that took place in Poetheraphy as different poets explored themes like love, culture, healing, mental health, and womanhood, among others.
"When they perform about something you relate to, their words directly speak to you," she said, "you get to be healed and touched."
Cynthia Umurungi, another participant said she loved how Poetherapy became a platform for emerging poets to showcase their talents, hence urging the organisers to keep pace.