adminEdwin Nhukarume
THE inaugural Stand Up Poetry Festival held on Saturday in Harare lived up to expectations.
Founder of the poetry fete, Mavin Ntando, said the new event is meant to uplift art in the showbiz industry.
He believes poetry needs more support and recognition.
Poets, who performed on Stand Up Poetry, include Hey Hey Preacher, Banshee, General Firecolloso, Lord Phoenix and The Ammartian.
“Stand-Up Poetry is a stage that we are creating to appreciate art.
“More events will be happening in future,” he said.
“The idea was triggered by realising that there is so much art in the poetry industry. And it’s sad that they are not appreciated or recognised enough.”
Ntando said he got the Stand-Up Poetry idea from Stand-Up Comedy.
“Just like there’s Stand Up Comedy, there’s also Stand-Up Poetry.
“The event was successful, people came and we had a good time.
“ Andrew Manyika steered the event right up to the end.
“People enjoyed themselves and performers did their best. I was satisfied,” he told H-Metro.
Meanwhile, budding Afro fusion group, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, gave a sterling performance during the Stand Up Poetry show, belting out their popular love songs, such as Katarina, and others.
The group consists of Brian, Aaron and Gilbert.
Brian said they were humbled to see themselves being appreciated by the fans.
“We feel we are making steps every time we perform, record, release or perform for such an audience that appreciates us.
“Our fan base is growing.
“Even big artists are surprised with the way we are penetrating the market easily.
“It’s not easy to release a song and win an award, so we would like to thank the fans who are voting and supporting us,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter