January 11, 2011 – Like thousands out there, I am very scared of poetry. I was one of the students who, in high school, were classified as ‘unteachable’, and since then, I have found poetry to be a very difficult art to grasp.

Enter Wanjiku Mwaurah, who makes poetry look like child’s play.

What strikes you about Wanjiku is her simplicity. Watching her talking, no giggling excitedly, you will underrate her. But when you read her thought-provoking poems like ‘Morning Glory’ (!), you realize that right in front of you is a lyrical genius of immense proportions.

This third year Sociology, Gender and Development Studies student at Kenyatta University has performed alongside Kenya’s best Spoken Word poets and veterans in the poetic scene.

Her poetry took her to the Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival in Sept 2010 where she performed alongside international artiste Queen Godis of USA and other critically acclaimed poets.

Wanjiku, who is now working on her first book, has been crowned Slam Africa Queen 2009 and has featured at Kwani Open Mic, Poetry Spot, Jukwaani 2009, and Ignite Poets. She has also appeared on KTN, Citizen TV and on Capital FM’s ‘Soul Inc’.

And when she is not performing at corporate functions or facilitating poetry workshops, she is raising awareness for cerebral palsy. For this cause, she is actively involved in Cerebral Palsy Society of Kenya’s Charity Dinners as a mobiliser and performer.

And when I tell you she is only 21, you will tell me to “kwenda huko.”

Catch up with Wanjiku on http://wanjikumwaurah.wordpress.com/