UP Pre-Event Artist Profiles: GuFy Dox and Rixpoet for #BeneathTheSkin

Two of Nairobi’s best spoken word artists are set to wax poetic this Sunday, opening their lives once again with stories that emanate deep beneath their skins.

After a year of planning for an album launch, these two poets whose journey of friendship and life stories unmask the harsh uncertainties that come with growing up, invite you to a celebration of life in pieces of poetry, music and thoughts.

Come listen to true accounts of events that have shaped their lives; experiences that bring you closer home to the realization that we are more connected than we ever know from the fact that we are humans.

“My life has been a rollercoaster of events that have shaped me into the man I am today. Writing and performing poetry has helped me express things I wouldn’t know which other ways to, and in the process, helped me connect to amazing people who remind me that whatever I go through, I am never alone. I think about them when I come up with stanzas that go on to change people’s lives,” notes Rixpoet, one of the founders of Nairobi’s poetry movement: Fatuma’s Voice

 

GuFy Dox

Gufy remains one of the most painfully underrated spoken word artists. His poetry speaks directly to your soul while offering food for thought. He is a Slam Africa Poetry King, emerging top during the 43rd edition of the Slam Africa Poetry event.

Gufy has graced the stage in virtually all the major poetry gigs that happen in Nairobi including, Slam Africa, Poetry at the PARK, #FatumasVoice, and Poetry Spot. He is determined to take Kenyan spoken word poetry to yet another level.

“GuFy Dox and I have come a long way this year. I’ll remember 2015 for the valuable lessons it has taught me about being human. Even with the concert that’s coming a few days from now, I still think it is likely that many of us don’t understand what poetry really means - its power and relevance, including a good number of its creators,” Rixpoet adds. Listen to his work on Soundcloud.

 

Rixpoet

If asked which contemporary spoken word artist can rekindle interest in the poetry scene, I would recommend Rixpoet. Rixpoet draws inspiration from other local poets like Mufasa, Namatsi Lukoye and Teardrops, “I began writing at 15 as an outlet for my pain - I was going through a difficult time. At first, poetry was just a way of expressing myself, I had no idea I was impacting so many people’s lives. Now, I’m using it to make dreams come true, inspire, advise myself and other people.It’s my life, it means everything to me. My poetry communicates a deeper meaning of life.” Listen to Rixpoet on Soundcloud.

 

The Event:

Charges:

The advance tickets go for 200/-, payable via my MPESA number, 0722 79 04 79, Tickets at the gate go for 300/-

Venue:

The venue is Community Presbyterian Church, Madaraka; 10 minutes from town. You board any matatu passing through Lang’ata Rd, and alight at the Madaraka Stage that’s two minutes from Nyayo Stadium. The church is just 100 meters ahead from the place you alight, on your right.

Disclaimer:

You are free to come with relatives, friends and colleagues for this wonderful experience. It would be a good thing to meet the other side of you around people you know.