Fresh from his triumphant win as Best Outstanding Spoken Word Poet at the recent NAMA awards, Kuda Rice (KR) sits down with us to discuss his creative journey, cultural heritage, and the intersection of fashion and poetry.

In this exclusive interview with Tapiwa Rubaya (TR), Kuda shares his thoughts on the power of spoken word, his design collaboration with St. Ignatius, and his vision for the future of Zimbabwean art. Join us as we delve into the world of this talented wordsmith and explore the nuances of his creative process.

TR: Congratulations on winning the Best Outstanding Spoken Word Poet at the recent NAMA! How does it feel to receive this recognition, and what does it mean to you?
KR: I am absolutely ecstatic and humbled by this recognition. Winning a NAMA award means the world to me as it acknowledges my work on a national level. This award is a reflection of the impact of my poetry, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my voice with a wider audience.

TR: Can you share your thoughts on the recent NAMA ceremony? What was your favorite moment, and how did you feel about the overall event?
KR: The NAMA ceremony was a masterclass in organization and execution. My favorite moment was the performances, which were incredibly well-coordinated and captivating. Sylent and ProBeatz’s performance stood out to me, as it was a seamless fusion of music, dance, and beatboxing. Overall, I was impressed by the event’s smoothness and the talent on display. There is so much talent in Zimbabwe and it was a pleasure to experience it.

TR: You looked stunning on the red carpet in a design by St. Ignatius! Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the outfit, and how it made you feel?
KR: I wanted my outfit to embody the Afrofuturism theme while incorporating African accents. I opted for a simple yet elegant black suit with African patterns on the sides, designed by the talented St. Ignatius. The outfit made me feel confident and proud to showcase my cultural heritage on the red carpet.

TR: As a spoken word poet, you have had the opportunity to perform on several national stages. Which international spoken word stage would you love to perform at next, and why?
KR: One of my dream stages is Poetry Africa in South Africa. I am drawn to the festival’s reputation for showcasing diverse voices and pushing the boundaries of spoken word poetry. Performing at Poetry Africa would be an incredible opportunity to share my work with a new audience and connect with fellow poets from around Africa. An extension beyond that would be to perform in places around Europe.

TR: What has been your most memorable performance to date, and what made it stand out to you?
KR: One of my most memorable performances was a collaboration with Cameroonian musician Marsi Essomba at the Word Kulture event put together by the Alliance Française and Morset Billie. What made it stand out was the seamless fusion of poetry and music, despite the language barrier. The performance was authentic, genuine, and deeply connected with the audience.

TR: Your spoken word poetry often incorporates Shona language and culture. Can you talk about the importance of conducting spoken word in one’s mother tongue, and how it contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage?
KR: I admit that I do not always incorporate my mother’s language into my work. However, I do write some poems that include Shona. I believe that performing spoken word in one’s native language is essential for preserving cultural heritage. As a Shona speaker, I often draw inspiration from my cultural traditions and storytelling roots to shape my poetry. Expressing oneself in their mother tongue allows them to connect deeply with their heritage and share its richness with others. It is crucial for artists to embrace their native language, as it helps safeguard the customs, traditions, and identity that define us.

TR: How do you think spoken word poetry can be used as a tool for social commentary and change, particularly in Zimbabwe?
KD: Spoken word poetry has the power to provoke necessary conversations and spark change. As poets, we have a responsibility to reflect the world around us, speaking truth to power and amplifying marginalized voices. In Zimbabwe, spoken word poetry can be a potent tool for social commentary, encouraging individuals to confront the issues that affect our society and work towards transformation.

TR: Can you share with us your creative process when writing a new poem? Where do you draw inspiration from, and how do you refine your ideas?
KR: My creative process is fluid and often sparked by everyday experiences, conversations, or observations. I draw inspiration from the world around me, and my poetry is often a reflection of my thoughts, emotions, and interactions. I believe that my creativity is guided by a higher power, and I strive to remain open to the messages and ideas that come to me. I have always seen myself as a vessel that is simply communicating a message that God places in my heart.

TR: As a winner of the NAMA award, what message do you hope to convey to aspiring spoken word poets and artists in Zimbabwe?
KR: To aspiring spoken word poets and artists, I urge you to stay true to your voice and vision. Do not be swayed by market demands or external expectations. Instead, focus on delivering your unique message and style. Remember that your art has the power to tell not only your own story but also the stories of those around you. Be bold, be authentic, and keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

TR: What is next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or performances that you are excited about, and can you give us a sneak peek into what is in store?
KR: I have several projects in the works, including poetry albums that fuse spoken word with music. I am also excited about an upcoming jazz and poetry experience, as well as a series of productions that blend poetry with visual storytelling. My goal is to extend my work into various art forms.