Naivasha's spoken word artist ranks third in prestigious national award
Palma wa Vasho showcasing his poetry during one of his shows.
Poet Geoffrey Mwangi, also known by his stage name as Palma wa Vasho, has secured a second runners-up position in the 2024 Creatives for Integrity Competition, organized by Transparency International Kenya.
His spoken word piece, Tumechoka, featuring Connie Muziki, earned him the prestigious recognition.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mwangi emphasizes that the achievement is a testament to his dedication to advocating for justice and accountability through his art.
"I am a poet and a lover of all things creative. I often call myself a creative activist. Receiving this award feels like validation for my efforts," he says.
Released two months ago, Tumechoka addresses pressing issues such as social justice, corruption, and poor leadership. The poem calls on leaders to prioritize accountability and serve the people.
Looking ahead, Mwangi plans to produce more activism-focused poetry aimed at protesting government corruption, human rights violations, and neglect of the youth.
Additionally, he is committed to mentoring emerging creatives, particularly poets, who seek to integrate activism into their work.
"This award is deeply meaningful to me. It shows that the words I've penned, the emotions I've shared, and the stories I've told have resonated with others, even in small ways. For me, that connection is the ultimate reward," he remarks.
Mwangi views this recognition not only as an acknowledgment of his art, but as a celebration of the transformative power of words to inspire, and champion human rights.
Hailing from Kabati, Naivasha, Mwangi has consistently used his craft to spotlight injustices, particularly in informal settlements, amplifying the voices of the marginalized.