Macondo Literary Festival 2024 – The Sea Is HistoryWhat’s that they say? Better late than never? Yeah? Okay, so, this was my first Macondo Festival and I’m afraid I’m never missing another.
Title: The Sea Is History
To be honest, I didn’t think much of the title. My brain concluded we would be discussing books with the Sea as their main theme.
Venue: Kenya National Theatre
I would say this way/ is the perfect location. As a babe from Ushago, sijui Nairobi sana. I believe National Theatre is easy to find and an ideal location for everyone. Plus the place wasn’t look squeezed. Big enough to accommodate everyone but not too big to make it look empty.
What I liked:
The kids corner.
Although I missed the face painting, I love it when bookish events have space for kids. Some of the stories told were entertaining. Maybe next time I should join the kids.
They also had discounted tickets for students! How nice! I think seeing kids and teens included in such events warms my heart. It makes the space and event feel easy to navigate.
Discussions
I love that I had a pool to choose from. Different discussions and different locations. And what I liked more, some sessions would be hosted online, i.e I would skip those and watch them later. Shh, I haven’t watched them. But I will.
Discussions
Visual Storytelling: World Building, Future Imagining was perfectly done!
I loved the poetry performance in Poetry in Protest. Great work guys!
Voices of Nature: Writing Non-Human Worlds was amazing. I think the two guests in this situation were well compatible. At some point it did feel like nerds talking, but we love nerds over here. Oh, the discussion started with a solo performance by a baby (cries in baby fever).
Petition to have a short dance session every evening. The dance session felt like one big hug. One final hug. If the hug could speak, she would say, “same time next year! Until then, be good and hydrate.”
The festival guests were well thought off. The diversity, the different genres, the different views gave us a lovely blend.
The Hosts!
What the opening ceremony hosts did could not be reciprocated by another. Mshai Mwangola and Aleya Kassam did an amazing job! I dread evening events as my brain loves to nap, but this two! The performance sounded like a beautiful exchange between friends. Captivating! Outstanding!
The LAM Sisterhood: Bi Kidude: Bila Spika
When I close my eyes and think of paradise, I include The LAM Sisterhood and this performance. Every day as I go about my mundane tasks I remember their performance. I don’t remember their voice, but I remember how it felt. A captivating, peaceful, and inviting, narration. I will be sure to check them out.
Film Screening : Vuta N’kuvute (Tag of War)
As the film aired, I would only think of how pretty their skin was. The audio and video were crisp. I was happy with the film and I loved it. However, some of my friends wished more would have been done. Something along the lines of character development.
Baraza
What business did I have sitting with the teachers and wazees, none, maybe; in the club we all fam? The place seemed inviting, plus they played inviting taraab music. So, I sat. One of the female authors shared her transition from writing literature reflecting the struggles of the girl child to sharing the struggles of the boy child. I asked what challenges she faced while researching these struggles and I didn’t get a definite answer. I assumed, since she’s not a man, it would be unfair to write on issues that don’t directly affect you, unless you talk to those suffering. Anyways, the old folks were welcoming.
Fun girling!
I had a short conversation with The Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor! I have a picture with Kiprop Kimutai. I hugged Slim Shaka. Dorphan and I held hands. Nyash has a welcoming smile. The Ngartia, said he liked my nails. Naddya Adhiambo Oluoch- Olunya has gives the warmest, kindest hugs. And I know Carey Baraka has been thinking of straightening his hair(exclusive news).
What I didn’t like
Some of the hosts didn’t adequately prepare. I didn’t get it at first, I knew something was missing, but couldn’t grasp it. You see, as a host and in this case interviewer, you should have ample knowledge on the people or person with you. Their background, their causes, their work, their recent projects, etc. I don’t know if time was not on your side, but please let the guests speak.
The Kenya Writes discussion had so much potential.
What made my eyes roll:
“Where are the men?”
A big shout-out to The Wairimu Gathimba, Nduta Waweru, Michele, Frank Njugi, Natasha, and Amanda. This was the best company one would ask for. And a big Thank you to Qwani for ticket!
Photos on Instagram: Poetry_with_ dollyart