Meet Zuhura the performance poet

Zuhura Seng’enge is a performance poet with degree in Education from University of Dar es Salaam and currently a volunteer with Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA). She is also an entrepreneur involved in network marketing and a Co-Director of a startup called Reigne Entreprises which at the moment is focused on Event Planning projects.

Her poetry collection comprises a total of eight poems written in both Kiswahili and English and it carries a statement of a new beginning.

When did you write your first poem and how old were you?

I wrote my first poem in primary school and I was twelve at the time.

What books (Poetry) have most influenced your life?

Books of poetry that have most influenced my life are Song of Lawino by Okot P’Bitek. The way the language and the story was crafted made me so eager to be able to one day write or narrate something just as beautiful or more, another one is an Anthology of African poetry for Secondary Schools called Growing up with Poetry by David Rubadiri. I remember the poems that stood out for me in that anthology were; ‘I speak from the bush’ by Everett Standa and ‘Piano and Drums’ by Gabriel Okara. They lit a fire within me to wish to do the same for others, touch them, inspire them, and educate them through poetry.

What was the hardest part of writing poetry?

In my writing journey the hardest part of writing poetry has been the traditional style of writing. I am more flexible with free verse writing and a freedom to let my imagination spring without worrying about all the rules. Also the need to write on demand. Words just come and go on their own at their own pace. But when you are required to write with a deadline, that is where the challenge comes. For this particular collection however, the hardest part of writing was deciding what to say. I have all these poems in my head but what do I want to tell these people now as I begin this new journey? That was the hard part.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

It is an audio poetry collection and my favourite part to write was the beginning of the poems. This is because it is when the pen just flowed and ideas spilled on the paper as if they were somewhere locked, waiting to be released. It is a great feeling.

Did you learn anything from writing poems and what was it?

Yes I have learnt a great deal. Some of the things I have learnt from writing poetry are; poetry is something that strongly has connection to one’s heart and soul. When I write, I write each poem with a passion as if it is something about me (even when it is not). Poetry writing feels personal for me that is why I usually find myself using the first person a lot more.

Another important thing I have learnt is that it requires good language skills especially good grammar and spelling as well as having enough words in your vocabulary to work with. Having a general understanding of the language you are writing in.

Is there a message in your poetry that you hope readers will grasp?

Yes there is a message that I hope those who will listen would grasp. One is the endlessness to possibilities on how poetry can be delivered, and still be enjoyable. I made a poetry cd. I recited the poems in that cd. I mixed some sounds and musical instrumentals with my poetry in that cd. All these are some of the ways poetry can be shared, not just through writing books. Second is that dreams come in all forms and styles, whatever dream one has can be achieved if they commit to it. One shouldn’t look down on their dreams however small or different.

What are your future projects?

My future projects are to complete and publish my poetry chapbook which I have been working on for few months now, and to create an audio book version of it. And starting an interactive writing and language class for children completing primary school to prepare them for secondary education.

What does your family think of your poetry writing?

I’m very blessed and thankful that my family is ever so supportive of my poetry endeavors and they always encourage me to do more and better. They believe in me and my dream and they inspire and motivate me. They are my number one fans too.

How many poems have you written? Which is your favourite?

In general terms since I started writing I have written so many poems, approximately two hundred. While for this collection I have written and recorded eight poems and my favourite is the one carrying the title of the collection, ‘Warrior Unleashed’

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

To be honest, all I wanted to do since I was a child has been art. I have tried acting, dancing, crafting, modeling, singing, designing cards, and several other things, but writing has always been the fruit to my soul.

What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you?

I have kept active on face book, twitter and on my blog. They can see my work on my Face book page ‘Zuhura The African Lioness’, on my blog www.zuhurasaad22.blogspot.com and they can also visit Badilisha Poetry Xchange and search for Zuhura Seng’enge, on twitter it’s @AfriLioness.