When I first met him, he was on stage dropping powerful lyrical lines.

Experiencing spoken word for the first time accompanied by some acoustic music swept me off my feet.

Watch: The fun side of Priest the Poet

This was Priest the Poet. His are not sermons from the scriptures but creative lines meant to entertain you and keep you awake on different societal issues.

Priest the poet during an interview.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

In an exclusive with Mtaa Wangu, this award-winning poet takes us on his journey and the hurdles he has faced along the road to greatness.

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Asked why he goes by priest the poet and not his name Samuel Njoroge Njuguna, he chuckles and says, “I took part in a play during the Catholic Festivals when I was a youth where I played Father Macaarios.”

For him, poetry is an easy way to communicate and connect on a deeper level with people.

"My theme varies every time but the agenda never changes. That is to communicate hope, inspire change and keep people entertained with my work," he adds.

Starting off his art in Nakuru, Njoroge notes that it has not been a smooth ride.

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Njoroge adds that people engage with art in Nakuru less often than people in other towns, especially in Nairobi.

Priest the poet receiving his award for being an aggressive poet championing social change.

Photo credit: COURTESY

"It is very hard for fans to fill up a room in Nakuru as compared to Nairobi. They say a prophet is disregarded in their hometown. That might be the reason for the poor turn out we witness during shows," he reveals.

He shares another limiting factor poets and creatives in Nakuru face as less creative hubs and resources to empower artists.

"Nakuru players’ theatre and Agora have been very vital when it comes to shaping and aiding creatives growth. However, a place that challenges you and gives you a chance to critic and grow your art is something that lacks in Nakuru," he says.

His message to creatives in Nakuru is for them not to look at the hurdles they face but rise above it.

Priest the Poet receiving an award from CS Ababu Namwamba after winning the Poetry After Lunch competition (PAL) Kenyan Chapter.

Photo credit: COURTESY

Of his journey, he has managed to be the 2022 Great Rift spoken word artist of the year, among other awards.

Wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

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Purity Kinuthia