Kigali is set to celebrate World Poetry Day with the introduction of a special slam poetry workshop, providing poets and aspiring writers with a platform to enhance their skills and showcase their talents. ALSO READ: Tracing the evolution of modern poetry in Rwanda Organised by Umut Arts, a local performing arts company, in collaboration with Institut Français du Rwanda, the celebration will culminate in ‘Soirée Poésie: Mu Rwanda rw’Ubusizi’ on March 20, featuring diverse performances by Rwandan poets and discussions on the country’s evolving poetry scene. The workshop, which will run from March 18, will be facilitated by renowned regional poet Mérou Mégaphone from whom participants will not only learn valuable techniques but also get the opportunity to perform what they have learned, according to organisers. ALSO READ: How poetry serves as a healing tool for mental issues Sylvestre Nsengimana, the Founder of Umut Arts, told The New Times that the event takes inspiration from his poetry extended play (EP), ‘Mu Rwanda’, which pays tribute to Rwanda’s culture and lifestyle. “I wanted to promote it by intertwining it with the celebration of World Poetry Day, bringing together poets and artists from various cultural backgrounds,” Nsengimana said. One of the performers at the event will be MVAKNOW, formerly known as Manzi Le Poet, among other talented poets. The performances will begin at 6:30 PM, with a special focus on French poems, making it an ideal opportunity for French-speaking poets and poetry enthusiasts to engage with the art form. Participation in both the workshop and the event is free of charge.
