Preparations for the 2025 East Africa Poetic Hour Battle are officially underway, with Kisumu set to host the highly anticipated cultural and governance-themed finale on August 30. Organizers say the event will go beyond performance, turning poetry into a platform for policy advocacy, regional unity, and youth empowerment.
In an exclusive interview with The Kenyan Tabloid on Tuesday, Concert Director Mr. Godfrey Emoja confirmed that 20 poets from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan have been shortlisted for the final battle.
“We have five poets from Kenya, three from Tanzania, six from Uganda, and six from South Sudan. These are young, dynamic voices ready to spark a conversation that transcends borders,” he said.
Emoja added that 90% of the selected participants are youth, with nine women included in a deliberate push for gender balance. In the days leading up to the finale, the poets will undergo capacity-building workshops and participate in bonfire sessions aimed at strengthening cross-cultural bonds and creative collaboration.
This year’s theme, “From Plate to Policy Table: Youth Taking Their Place in Governance,” aims to ignite civic consciousness among young people by blending artistic expression with critical policy dialogue. “We’re not just performing; we’re using poetry to demand social justice, drive empowerment, and shatter governance barriers,” said Emoja.
The event will culminate in the production of a collaborative book that critiques governance structures across East Africa, transforming spoken word into tangible advocacy.
The 2025 battle will be staged at the Baraza Media Lab in Kisumu, positioning the city as a rising regional creative hub. According to Emoja, “This lab isn’t just a venue; it’s a bridge for East Africa’s creative minds.”
Partners for the event include Baraza Media Lab, KMET, Talent Industry, Vic Media, Gweng Studio, Kalongolongo, Brian Ongoro, and Natzar Bistro, with strong support from the Kisumu County Government.
County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Culture and Creative Arts, Beatrice Wadiaga, praised the initiative, stating, “Artists aren’t just mirrors of society, they’re architects of our future. Backing this battle means investing in ideas that will redefine governance.”
Co-organizer Monicah Odongo emphasized the event’s mission to merge art with purpose. “Poetry holds leaders accountable and inspires change. This battle isn’t just about performance, it’s about making the arts a force for progress,” she said, adding that the themes are intentionally chosen to tackle systemic issues across the region.
As submissions flood in and anticipation builds, the message from Kisumu is loud and clear: East Africa’s youth are ready to speak, and the region is listening. The 2025 Poetic Hour Battle promises to be a landmark celebration of artistic activism and regional solidarity.
