In our segmented series of The Discussion Isle we get to have a talk with Lexas Mshairi an award-winning poet and a multi-talented artist hailing from Machakos Kenya but currently based in the capital Nairobi. Lexas has been doing poetry professionally since 2018 basing his storytelling poet on social reforms, human experience, politics etc……. The poet is currently riding high after bagging an award at the Sondeka Event which happened at The Nairobi Street Kitchen. He speak to Terry on matters of his poet, his upcoming show and his ambitions to the creative industry.
Kindly can you describe who Lexas Mshairi is and how you came up with the stage name?
Nzolo aka Lexas Mshairi is an award-winning Poet, musician, writer, songwriter and instrumentalist from Machakos, currently based in Nairobi, Kenya. Lexas has been writing and performing poetry since 2016, professionally from 2018. His work is majorly storytelling touching on politics, social reform, climate justice, the human experience, soul and self-identity. He endeavors to ignite love and hope through his writing and performances.
Lexas also holds a B.A in Psychology (minor in sociology) and is the events coordinator/digital marketer for Rafinki, an organization for writers and poets.
Side note: The stage name ‘Lexas’ basically borrows syllables from my English name ‘Alex’. It sounded very cool when I first devised in 2016; I haven’t forsaken it ever since.
What made you have a passion for poetry?
I tried other forms of expression before finally settling on poetry; I was a dancer and rapper at the earlier stages of my life. This was made possible by the fostering of my dad who was/is a musician (Sokomoko Jazz). I used to be there as he shot his personal music videos and those of his close colleagues. To say, I kind of got used to standing in front of the camera at a very young age.
Poetry found me in my teenage years and gave me a voice. I was angry from time to time and very shy especially in the midst of crowds. It is through writing and performing words that I was/have been able to effectively communicate.
What role do you believe poetry plays in society? How do you see your own poetry contributing to or addressing societal issues?
Poetry and art in general mirrors society. It is through the vulnerability/honesty of telling our experiences that we are able to heal and preserve our humanity. To say, I see artistry as a huge form of influence in the society. It is through constant indulgence in the craft that I have actually grown to talk about key issues like Gender Based Violence and Climate Justice; in a way that people from my community can actually understand and be motivated to take action.
Can you share an example of a poem you’ve written that explores a deeply personal experience or emotion? How did you use language and imagery to convey your message effectively?
Honestly, it’s difficult for me to pick out one out the many poems that I have written. The main reason for this is because I borrow from life to create. To mean, every single poem has been channeled from a personal experience/emotion.
I write in English, Swahili, Sheng and Kikamba; this are all the languages that I know at this point. I do not focus so much on the language when creating; I just hold the pen and let my mind wander.
In your opinion, what distinguishes a great poem from a good poem? What elements or techniques do you prioritize in your own writing to create impactful and memorable poetry?
Interesting question I must say. In my perspective, however, art is very subjective. Everyone creates from somewhere. So, it becomes a bit difficult figuring out what stands above the ‘rest’.
I have personally grown to experiment with rhythm (due to my musical background). I have also thrown in some bit of rhyming to help in familiarity and memorization. Metaphors, imagery and personification have also been a great fascination to me this far.
What inspires you most as a poet? Are there specific themes, images, or experiences that consistently find their way into your poetry?
Life, in how it’s sophisticated yet simple at the same time, inspires me.
I am still in awe exploring and expressing life but one of the most profound is wellness and self-identity.
Can you describe a time when you faced writer’s block or struggled to find inspiration for your poetry? How did you overcome it and find your creative flow again?
In times that I have been ‘unable’ to write, I have tried to give my mind a break. I have also tried to read and research more on the topic that I wish to explore.
How do you approach the process of revision and editing in your poetry? Can you share a specific example of a poem you revised and explain the changes you made to improve it?
Once I’ve written something new, I ‘abandon’ it for a number of days/weeks so as to ‘detach’. I’ll later come and go through the work (as an outsider) making changes to sentence structures and syllables that don’t seem to fit into the theme. After self-criticism, I approach people that I trust to share opinions on how to further improve the work; if need be.
Share a time when you drew inspiration from another art form or artist (e.g., visual art, music, dance) to create a poem. How did this cross-disciplinary influence shape the poetic piece?
I have collaborated with artists from other disciplines for quite a while. Such interactions have allowed us to share into each other’s lives and work in great ways.
One very specific poem that comes to mind at the moment of this interview is ‘Porcupines of the East’ which was inspired by a painting done by Pochi Mutuku (a friend and digital artist); the piece explores the plight of the street walker in Nairobi.
Can you discuss your experience with performing or reciting your poetry in front of an audience? How does the performance aspect influence your writing process and the delivery of your poems?
For a poem to be delivered ‘properly’ on stage, in my perspective, the poet puts in 50% of his/her energy in the writing side and the other 50% in its performance. I personally love and appreciate both of these facets.
For the most part, I’m writing for performance. To say, I write with a picture of how particular words should sound in front of an audience. I have grown to let go and allow every poem speak uniquely through me.
Speaking of performance, you’ve got a show this month if we not wrong? Can you share some brief details about the show and where people can be able to access the tickets to attend the show?
Yes! I’m staging my 5th show on Wednesday, the 26th of July 2023. The name of the show is Roga Nisiroge? (The Journal of a Mad Therapist) which is set to explore healing and mental wellness. The venue of the show is the main auditorium of the Kenya National Theatre. You can find the tickets on lexasmshairi.hustlesasa.com or visit the bio on my Instagram page (lexasmshairi)
In your opinion, what is the power of language in poetry, and how do you harness its potential to evoke emotions, challenge norms, or provoke thought?
Words in language can build up or tear down. I strive for the former; trying to trace the light and meaning even in the darkest of nights. Through what/how I share, I desire to spark hope and change.
How do you approach experimenting with different poetic forms or structures? Can you share an example of a poem where you pushed the boundaries of traditional form to create a unique poetic expression?
I still see myself in the process of growth even to this point. Even as I write new poems and reach new audiences, I feel like I haven’t done ‘enough’ especially with my native language. My desire is continuous exploration whilst inviting all other forms of expression into my world.
What do you do on your free time when you not focused on poetry?
Even as I broaden my scope into my field of study (counseling), art therapy calls out for me. To say, my life rotates on expression and artistry.
When I’m not writing poetry, I’m probably writing music, editing videos, learning music production, animating, dancing, giving, living…
Since you happen to be a Co-Founder at Rafinki. Can you share brief details about Rafinki and how people can be able to reach out to you guys?
Rafinki is a dynamic literary organization that empowers literary artists to explore, express, and cultivate their creativity. Through its flagship events, the Rafinki Open Mic and Rafinki workshop, Rafinki provides a supportive community for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work, network with peers, and deepen their connection to the arts.
To reach out, email contact@rafinki.com /rafinki254@gmail.com
Lastly where do you see yourself at the end of the year. And what message do you have for your fans and those willing to attend your show?
We have a number of projects on the way; another show is very probable.
Much love!❤
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