Carolyne Acen's electrifying poetry performance in Germany

All the while, she has been mining the depths of the poetic turn of phrase on the domestic scene and now she has struck gold abroad.

“The trip [to Germany] was about ‘Bodies, unprotected’ Keeping wounds open. It's a structural discussion on racism, sexism, discrimination and how urgently the protection of bodies needs to be negotiated. It involves artists from all over the world who are giving workshops, talks and audio-visual exchanges to communicate the theme,” she said of her trip to Germany.

Carolyne and her drum in Mousonturm, Frankfurt. Pulse

Yeah, we get that such causes are essential, but why Germany?

“Perhaps it's more culturally welcoming and Frankfurt creates an intriguing environment for artists. The event is at Kunstlerhaus Mousonturm, Frankfurt It's a big theatre. Sandra Noeth and Anna Wagner are behind it. They are curators of the event,” Carolyne replied.

Standing ovation

Acen’s spoken word performance employed two simple instruments: her voice and a drum.

The result was electrifying.

“The experience was mind blowing. I came to Germany a Ugandan poet with without experience on an international stage. But when I stepped on that stage, I felt parts of me transcend. I was on stage and I could do anything. It was my time to shine and I improvised with a drum. Created the artistic stage with the theatre and my words started flowing like the griots and the talking drum. Each rhythm told a story. The drum I used is the Chunga,” she enthused.

She drums her poetic significance Pulse

“I was so lost in the performance that when I was finally done. I was satisfied. Had a Q&A with the audience after and the questions they asked were really good. They understood my poetry. This will shape my poetry. I understand what I need to do to make my poetry even more appealing internationally. I used to just come on stage and stand and perform. But it's not enough. The audience needs to move with you artistically. They need to feel you more than just listen to you. I have taken a few lessons even watching other performers and I am going to add more to my poetry performances.”

The Senegal Connection

While Acen ruled the poetic roost, another poet of similar vintage was drawn to her. His name is Ibaaku, and he also made quite an impression. Not only on the Germans, but on Carolyne too.

“He is a sound poet exploring the potential of audio through collaborative and cross disciplinary work with other artistic fields. He blends music, poetry and video to tell stories about Dakar. His stage experience is super! The incantatory songs and dancing. Wow! I was blown away. His session is ‘Neo Dakar experience’ The audio visual is perfect. Sound, and lighting. Ibaaku is an African audio-visual storyteller on a different league,” she declared.

“Imagine how much he invested to be the artist he is. Like a genius.”

A poet reborn

Carolyne has been renewed by her experience abroad and she now has a clear vision about what shape the future of Ugandan poetry should take.

“I realised that what we are doing as poets in Uganda is not enough for these stages. We are not ready. We have to invest in our art. Add something more. Now I'm going to buy a drum and add some artistic ensemble to it. And rewrite my stage poems. Maybe even add music. Something. Not just going on stage and reciting/performing,” she revealed.

Carolyne has always been known as the unapologetic poet, now she may have to rebrand herself as the visionary poet.