Seunda rounding up his poetry journey

A: My journey as a poet is rooted in lived experience, storytelling and a deep appreciation of culture. Over the years, I have used poetry as a tool for expression, reflection and social commentary. My growth has come from both personal exploration and engaging with audiences on different platforms.

I would describe my style as contemporary spoken word, infused with elements of slam poetry and African oral tradition. My work often blends rhythm, performance and storytelling, making it both engaging on stage. You have announced plans to release a poetry album, when will it be out?

The album At 35 is set for launch on August 1. It is a significant milestone, not just as a release, but as a celebration of growth and reflection. At 35 explores themes of identity, growth, love, societal expectations and personal transformation.

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It reflects the journey of becoming, what it means to live and to learn. The album combines storytelling and performance. The audience should expect a blend of sound and voice.

As founder of Vilipanganga Poetry Movement, what shift have you brought to Malawi’s poetry industry? Through Vilipanganga Poetry Movement, we have worked to professionalise and amplify poetry in Malawi. The platform has created space for poets to perform, collaborate and be taken seriously as artists.

We are shifting poetry from being seen as just a hobby to a viable creative industry, where poets can build brands, monetise their work and reach wider audiences. What needs to be done to fully unlock Malawi’s poetry potential? We need investment in creative spaces, more structured platforms for performance and stronger collaboration between artists and corporate partners.

Additionally, we need to embrace digital distribution and documentation of poetry to reach global audiences. Supporting young poets and creating mentorship opportunities will also be key. What has been planned for the launch of the album?

The launch of At 35 will be a curated live experience, featuring storytelling and a celebration of poetry and culture. Attendees can expect a well-produced event with guest performers, a vibrant audience and a deeply immersive artistic atmosphere.

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