Verse in Vac poets rock poetry shrine

As the rest of the country sat back and lounged enjoying the first Janani Luwum public holiday on February 16, the poets did not join in. Instead, they met at the National Theatre, Big Hut to recite poetry at The Poetry Shrine.
The Poetry Shrine is a platform that was started by Peter Kagayi to celebrate poets and also talk poetry. The show is in its infancy but the promises are good.

Last week’s show was the first in the year where poets from Verse in Vac were hosted. Verse in Vac is a poetry school project which brings together students in vacation with a passion for poetry. The students come from various schools.
This time round, the Verse in Vac poets under the leadership of Tracey Ahumuza, were pulled off a spectacular show.
The poets included Tracey Ahumuza, Suzanna Omunuk, Raymond Kamba, Daniel Omara, Cohen and Peter.

These Senior Six vacists recited a number of poems they wrote themselves. Poems such as I vote peace, One man act The Acholi poem, Where have the black girls gone, 34 reasons why we failed at love, Bodied Unbound, Home, Untitled 5 and Maya Angelou’s , I know why the caged bird sings were among those that stole the show.
The poets were also joined by a band of other Senior Six vacisits, Zamah led by a one Cohen. They sang some of their own compositions such as Eva and Kavera, a great wealth of emotion therein embedded.

The show was graced by the former Verse in Vac poets who have since evolved to form the Rock Poets. They recently had Love’s Kachumbali, on Valentines’ Day, a show they intend to take on tour in schools.
Edwin Ruyonga and Hawa Kimbugwe later also shared their poems adding colour to the event with Marcus Hitta Ajuku, a percussionist adding melody to the performances.
The show ended with an appeal from Peter Kagayi to parents to let their children engage in meaningful activities and also help them to nurture their talents.