At Trinity Vineyard Church in Milimani, creatives have found solace in a space that allows them to amplify their art.

Inside the church is Agora, a co-working space that has been able to provide a safe haven for poets, instrumentalists, artists, and other creatives.

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, Trinity Vineyard church worship leader, George Oula says the church intentionally uses art to reach out to young people.

George Oula (in black shirt) performs during an Upgrade poetry show at Agora.

Photo credit: FILE

"Art is the easiest way to reach everyone aside from the word of God, especially the youth," says Oula.

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He adds that for the last seven years, the venue has been holding numerous events including Upgrade poetry, Paint and sip, scented candle and sip, movie nights among others.

Oula notes that it is important to enable creatives in Nakuru by giving them a platform, while also teaching them how to monetize their craft.

Speaking on how Agora has amplified poetry in the region, Uba Wilson, one of the founders of Upgrade poetry event notes that the show moved to Agora when poet Mbunge Aliyeparara was doing his “Vita Vya Vina show.”

Uba Wilson at the Galaxarium center during an Upgrade poetry show.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“Back in 2016, we met the Trinity church pastor Edgar King at a show as he was performing. We invited him to our event and he loved it. From then, he proposed that he had a space that we as creatives could use,” he recalls.

Thereafter, Agora got into partnership with upgrade poetry, a move that has seen many artists benefit from it.

One poet, David Mwangi alias Timelines, admits that Nakuru lacks spaces for creatives to showcase their art.

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“I have been doing poetry for five years now and other than the player's theatre, there are fewer platforms to showcase your talent in this city. I love the fact that Agora in collaboration with Upgrade Poetry has been able to create a safe space of no judgment where artists can convene and entertain people,” says Timelines.

Mbunge Aliye Parara who is part of the Upgrade poetry organizers, says that Agora in itself holds different art forms including Poetry, dances, rappers, and more

Renowned artists who have performed at Agora include H_art the Band, Ayrosh, Noel Ndiritu, Hush Bk, Nasara the Poet, Gufy, Young Noise, Sarakari Dancers and more.

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A church that uses art to reach young people in Nakuru

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Purity Kinuthia