My poetry/spoken word journey has brought me to a place where I am now hosting a monthly erotica open mic event called ‘Indulgence’.
The very first one was held at a friend’s apartment in Kileleshwa, Nairobi. When we shared this first poster, we got numerous enquiries mainly because people seem to misunderstand what erotica is. This has still not changed much though we are getting there. One of the challenges we are having is that people still assume that erotica is purely pornographic. The literature or artistic side of it is mostly forgotten. Numerous open mics have been held in Nairobi but none has been specifically highlighting the works of erotica writers and performers. This being a first in Kenya, there is always something new to explain, learn or explore.
While in Malindi over the Christmas holidays in 2017, I was introduced to the erotic paintings and sculptures of Master Armando Tanzini whose soul and art lives at the White Elephant Sea and Art Lodge. Therein I found my next venue. The second Indulgence Erotica Open Mic was held there in January 2018. I also found Fabbri, a genius musician from Rome, Italy. The most interesting part about organizing this event was looking for the Malindi-based artists to perform within the very short time I was there. One of the things I learnt was there is talent everywhere you look, it’s just that the artists are not being nurtured and motivated. The local artists I found there are an incredible lot and all they are lacking is opportunities (or someone to create these).
It was also in Malindi where the need for a bikini show was birthed. MMmaamamia! Wasn’t it amazing. And because getting a fashion designer to showcase their outfits was getting elusive by the day, we improvised and did a little self-styling of our own. One of the body sizes that is forgotten is petite, so we made them happen. Who said petite girls should not model too?!
Then came the third edition of the event that was held in February this year. Held at a fellow artists own garden in Westlands, Nairobi, we saw lots of couples attend this ‘love edition’. It was also a grand show owing to the amazing performers we had. These included Boneless with his Kamba house music, Fiffi Moto and her bellydance and chakacha moves and her partners’ wicked Ndombolo, the superb Murray Shelmerdine, Flautist Jeppy, Music teacher Yovan, Imma Reid, Mama Mkenya, Smitta Smitten, Lusi Mbira, Peter, Poet Roger, Singer Swiga *standing up for the Slay Queens) among others. This time, we made sure there was a curvy model doing a bikini show too. Why not?
I guess what I have realized about Indulgence is that it has a life of its own. Just like my writing, I do not intend to control how it goes. I just go with the flow. I go where it leads me.
For the fourth edition (March 2018), we are taking it to Igiza Lounge at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi. This is the first time, we are having the event on a Thursday night (22nd March from 8 p.m. til late) and at a very accessible place. Karibu tule maneno matamu…
Like the FB page for updates on this particular event: http://bit.ly/2Gl1iQN
Check out the video link to Indulgence 3 ‘Love is’ edition: http://bit.ly/2IoD214
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