Mitch Isabirye turns poetry into an experience

What the report says

Sqoop Uganda reported that spoken word artist Mitch Isabirye staged a distinctive poetry night at the Uganda National Theatre gardens in Kampala on Friday, drawing a full audience to the latest edition of his Mtichz Manifest series. The event used wireless headphones instead of loudspeakers, creating a quiet setting where the crowd could hear live performances without the usual concert noise. According to the publisher, the format has helped the show stand out as one of Kampala’s steadier arts gatherings since it began in 2022.

The program featured a mix of poetry and acoustic music, with host Rowland Aine guiding the evening. Performers included Arturo Silver Tongue, Mutagwanya Joan and Jason Ntaro, while musicians Edwardo Kayondo and Geof De Poet added short musical sets. Sqoop Uganda said the audience responded through silent applause, laughter and visible emotion, underscoring the intimate tone of the night.

When Isabirye took the stage later in the evening, he focused on personal and social themes such as heartbreak, Kampala life, drinking culture, politics and the pressures of adulthood. His work reportedly balanced humour with criticism, including reflections on governance and public systems. The publication framed the event as evidence that spoken word is gaining a stronger audience in Uganda’s entertainment scene, even though it has often been overshadowed by music and comedy. The standing ovation at the end suggested growing interest in poetry as a live performance format.