Covering Lust Cargo is by far the most difficult assignment I have ever done, not physically, but emotionally. When I got to the show, I was warmly welcomed by Priest the Poet, who oriented me to the event.

We were to begin at a booth near the entrance, where everyone had to write a message and also read messages left by others.

After that, we proceeded to the rage room, which was beautifully decorated with kitenge fabric on the walls.

Attendees read the sticky notes in the rage room during the Lust Cargo showcase on 25th October 2025 at Baraza Media Lab.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

On one side, there was a manila paper plastered with words like Gender-Based Violence, Toxic Relationships, and Pedophilia, each accompanied by a brief description.

I immediately knew that this show meant serious business, it was going to address very heavy and sensitive topics.

What truly warmed my heart, however, were the sticky notes on the table that formed a heart shape, each carrying heartfelt messages from the poets.

Love heart shape made of sticky notes with messages in the rage room during the Lust Cargo showcase on 25th October 2025 at Baraza Media Lab.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

It was even more touching to see audience members take turns reading the messages, with some taking photos of the ones that inspired them the most.

The performance officially kicked off at 6:25 p.m., with Timelines and Belvin acting as schoolchildren, while Nyash and Scar played their mothers, and Nitap took on the roles of an older child and an uncle. Together, they tackled the difficult topic of pedophilia and children’s awareness of sex education.

Afterwards, each poet performed a piece about their first encounters with sex education and how they learned about it.

The first set of the Lust Cargo showcase on pedophilia and children's knowledge about sex education on 25th October 2025, at Baraza Media Lab.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

The next act featured Timelines and Scar portraying a loving couple who eventually get married, only for their relationship to turn violent soon after.

Scar’s emotional performance moved the audience deeply, I could hear people quietly sobbing around me.

Nitap followed with a powerful piece about gender-based violence, specifically focusing on how it affects men and young boys.

Nyash then lightened the mood slightly with a satirical take on Kenya’s justice system, dressed as a police officer and showing how money often determines whether victims of gender-based violence get justice.

She added to this theme, emphasizing the rot within the system and driving home the tagline “Ganji ndio inabonga.”

The transitions between sets were seamless, thanks to the talented band led by Andy, the percussionist, Derrick, the saxophonist, and the soulful Waithera AF on vocals.

Their music tied the performances together beautifully, maintaining the emotional rhythm of the evening.

Audience following Lust Cargo showcase on 25th October 2025 at Baraza Media Lab.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

In the end, the poets came together to deliver a powerful clarion call, urging everyone to stop staying silent about these issues and to speak up instead. Silence, they reminded us, is not an option.

I must give the poets their flowers for their exemplary performances. Moreover, what stood out even more was how they collaborated with other creatives to make the showcase a complete success.

If I could suggest one thing, though, I wish there had been a segment where the audience could discuss the topics with the poets, it would have made an already impactful experience even more profound.

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Muthoni Wanjiku