Kisumu county will host another edition of the East Africa Poetic Hour Battle talent competition.
This will take place within the lakeside city on May 25 and is expected to attract between 15 and 20 participants from the EAC region.
Under the theme "capitalising on creativity", the cultural event targets to unlock economic opportunities through poetic expression.
The event organised by the Talent Industry will be will be attended by participants from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, DR Congo, Burundi and Tanzania.
Talent Industry Limited Director Godfrey Emoja noted that they plan to revolutionise the poetry landscape and redefine the role of poetry as an economic powerhouse in East Africa.
He said using poetry and the east Africa culture as a tool, the event will bring on board top poets from EAC to perform in line with the theme and spark conversations on poetry as a social tool in embracing, preserving and promoting the rich African cultural heritage.
"This year, we plan to make the event bigger, better and even more impactful," Emoja said.
He added that with support from the county government of Kisumu, Baraza Media Lab, KMET and KIRI consultants among others, they plan to organise a series of workshops in various countries, including in Uganda, Rwanda and Nairobi, which will act as sensitisation forums for creatives and will lay the groundwork leading up to the main event.
The workshops, he said, will also help nurture creativity among aspiring poets and artists, equipping them with the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge to monetise their talents.
The winning poet will be awarded a cash prize of Sh1 million along with other exciting gift hampers and benefits.
According to the CEC of Youths, Sports Arts and Culture, Beatrice Odongo, among the dignitaries expected to grace this year's event are Sports and Arts Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Talent Industry Limited for organising yet another edition of the esteemed East Africa Poetic Hour Battle, 2024, which celebrates and nurtures talent and art, particularly the eloquence of poets from across the East African region."
Odongo said Kisumu City is honoured to host this year's edition of the competition following the success of last year's event.
"This demonstrates our continuous commitment to supporting and celebrating the talent of our youths," she said.
Odongo noted that the intertwined connection between culture and poetry profoundly impacts the lives of young people.
"I want to assure you that our office is dedicated to supporting creativity, preserving heritage and empowering the younger generation through their diverse cultures," she said.
