Nakuru poets Timelines,Chotara, eye esteemed Grand slam championship

Dennis Mwangi, popularly known as Timelines, and Sammy Ngahu, also known as Chotara Poet, are set to compete in the second preliminary round of the 2025/26 Slam Season.

This edition is one of three qualifiers that will determine the final nine contestants for the highly anticipated Grand Slam 2026.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Timelines shares his relentless drive to win after falling short in a previous attempt.

“This is my second time competing in the Slam. I didn’t win the first time, and I won’t rest until I do,” he says.

He credits the Poetry Slam for shaping his growth as a poet, particularly through the mentorship of experienced judges.

“Their guidance has sharpened both my writing and performance. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and challenged me to explore new themes, styles, and storytelling methods,” he says. 

A student at Mt. Kenya University, Timelines has built a loyal following among poetry lovers through his impactful online presence.

Renowned for his soulful spoken word pieces, his performances blend metaphorical brilliance with emotional depth, drawing from personal experience to inspire empathy and self-reflection.

His mission is clear, to connect, to spark change, and to stir humanity in a world hungry for understanding.

Meanwhile, Chotara Poet is equally driven not just to win, but to grow his artistic network and expand his reach.

 “This is a big opportunity for me,” he says, citing his frequent performances at the Nakuru Players Theatre. “I came across a poster by the Kenya Cultural Centre, auditioned, got selected for a three-month poetry training, and later decided to enter the Slam to showcase what I’d learned.”

Chotara is an accomplished artist, with accolades including the FEMA Awards and TALANTA Awards. Beyond poetry, he is also an actor, stage manager, and creative director.

The second preliminary round of the Slam will take place on 7th June at 2:00 pm at the Goethe Institute Auditorium.