The just-ended iteration of the All African Women Poetry Festival (AAWPFestival) 3.1, held at the iconic Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi, was a resounding success. 

This year, the festival proudly honored renowned Kenyan poet, playwright, and performer Sitawa Namwalie as one of its 2025 Literary Legends. The event drew over 80 attendees and sparked profound conversations on the intersection of poetry, memory, and resistance.

The panel featured four distinguished voices: Nyangari Macharia, who performs under the stage name Nyash; Winne Madoro, known as Kazu; Emma Ofosua, the freestyle poet and founder of the All African Women Poetry Festival; and the celebrated honoree Sitawa Namwalie. Together, they delved into the festival’s overarching theme, Of Memory and Loss, with a specific focus on Memory as Resistance.

Through a compelling discussion, the panelists examined memory and loss through three major lenses: the tragic loss of Kenyan women to femicide, the erosion of native languages and cultural heritage, and the diminishing sense of humanity and empathy in society.

These discussions unearthed powerful recollections of what love once was and should be, the essence of communal living, and the deep-rooted connection between people and their environment. A profound takeaway from the session was the assertion that the greatest resistance to the erasure of resilience and past struggles is joy—a radical act of defiance in the face of loss and hardship.

The session culminated in a stirring round of poetry from the panelists, each blending their voices into a powerful expression of remembrance, protest, and celebration. The festival concluded with the presentation of the honorary recognition to Sitawa Namwalie, a moment that underscored the festival’s commitment to celebrating Africa’s literary giants.

Powered by Tuniq Africa LBG and made possible through the generous partnership of Creative Spills in Kenya, AAWPFestival 3.1 reaffirmed its mission to amplify the voices of African women poets and engage with critical socio-cultural themes through poetry and dialogue.

As we close this chapter, we invite poetry enthusiasts and literary lovers to anticipate AAWPFestival 3.2, where we will continue our exploration of Of Memory and Loss with a special tribute to Her Excellency Prof. Abena Busia.

The next edition promises another powerful lineup of poets and thought leaders, deepening the conversation on memory, identity, and cultural legacy.

Stay tuned for updates, and join us in this ongoing celebration of African poetry, storytelling, and resistance @aawpfestival on all platforms.