Swahili poet’s wit, verses charm Tanzania

By Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AA) – Mrisho Mpoto, 43, a prolific Swahili language poet and a gifted speaker is captivating Tanzania these days by using his mastery over words to convey strong political and social messages, ranging from creating awareness about COVID-19 vaccination and HIV/AIDS to family planning and governance issues.

Dressed in a free-flow pyjama and nicknamed Mjomba (uncle in the Swahili language), he has become a trademark of the country’s performing arts industry.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Mjomba said he is using poetry as a weapon to fight evil in society.

“I’m happy to teach young people to know art so that they can use it to make a positive change,” he said.

Born in 1978 in Tanzania’s southern highlands, Mpoto had a narrow escape as an infant because his mother had left him to die in the forest. But then she changed her mind.

“I think God had his plans, that is why I am alive today,” he said.

He said that he uses poetry to express himself about many things that affect society.

At the official launch of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Dar es Salaam -- Tanzania’s largest port-city— he stormed the stage and in charged rhymes mobilized people to take the vaccine and protect themselves against the deadly virus.

“You patriot, come get your shot, it is the best thing to protect your life,” he said to the cheering crowd.

Mpoto likes to walk without shoes as he believes that nature comes closer to him when his feet are in direct contact with the earth.

Laced with political messages, his verses often address political issues and take potshots at politicians and rulers. In one of his poems, he lashed out at the privatization of public agencies and highlighted the plunder of Africa’s national resources.

His attacks on neo-colonialism, fake democracy, and making fun of claims of progress by politicians leave his audience in splits.

“I am not just a poet. I am a theatre artist and song and dance are part of my work. My poetry addresses pertinent issues. I am the voice of the voiceless,” he said.

Despite his popularity and ability to tell the story, his critics say Mpoto lacks artistic vision.

"He doesn’t always acknowledge sources of verses he recites," said Mgunga Mnyenyelwa, Mpoto’s former mentor and guardian.

Despite criticism, Mpoto’s supporters treat him as a gifted artist.

“His work is touching to the heart," said Habiba Ali, who works as a hairdresser.

A remarkable feature of his music is he does not use any foreign words and is solely based on Swahili.

“I want the world to know we are rich in languages and there is no need to borrow words from outside,” he said.

Mpoto has formed his own music band to promote his style and attend to the requirements and demands of his audience.