Dorphanage is a Kenyan performing artist/poet who uses his creative ability as a writer and performer to express the human experience, especially the disenfranchised one. He’s the 34th Slam Africa champion, a mentor and a strong proponent for social justice. He has been extensively involved in the Kenyan poetry/art scene through advocacy, performances, delegations, events curation and workshop facilitations.
Rebian is a spoken word poet, recording and performing artist, humanist, and activist who uses her art as a powerful tool for advocacy and social change. Through evocative storytelling and lyrical expression, she champions equality, human rights, the voices of the marginalized, and women’s rights, creating work that inspires dialogue, healing, and empowerment. Her creative journey reflects a deep commitment to justice, compassion, and community impact, making her a compelling voice in contemporary African artistry and activism.
Sophie Bauer explores sound as a medium, material and concept for critical reflection. She works across installations, performances, archives and publications researching how sound can be established as source of documenting histories, power relations, collective life and social connection. She is co-founder of Sound of Nairobi.
Adam Chienjo is a Kenyan contemporary dancer, choreographer, artistic director, teacher, curator, and performance critic with 22 years of experience in interdisciplinary performances incorporating dance and movement.
Mwende Stardust is a Kenyan writer and poet whose work inhabits the crossroads of love and lineage. Her work explores what it means to be black and female in a global landscape that insists on either ignoring or simplifying that experience. She engages the generational memory of womanhood, weaving into taboo, deviance, wholeness and spirituality of the African feminine experience.
Dominic Maina Oigo is a Kenyan Kiswahili author, teacher, translator and curriculum content developer. He has authored more than 30 books among them children's literature. Adult literature and reference books. He is the 2026 SAFAL Kiswahili Prize winner for the short story category. He is passionate about advancing Kiswahili literature, nurturing emerging writers and creating meaningful literary and educational content.
Nicholas Ogal is a graduate from Moi University who pursued a course leading to award of Bachelor of Arts (Kiswahili). Since 2016, he has engaged in educational publishing as a Kiswahili Editor in various publishing companies in Kenya. Currently, he is the Kiswahili Editor of Longhorn Publisher PLC. He has written educational materials including Kiswahili course books and Kiswahili readers targeting diverse audiences. One of his works was shortlisted in the Safal-Cornel Kiswahili Prize for African Literature (presently Safal Kiswahili Prize). Nicholas hopes to see many more young Kenyans, Africans and other races engage in activities that promote acceptance and utilisation of Swahili language world over.
Edwin Omindo is a Kenyan writer and teacher born in Vihiga County. He holds BED. (Arts) degree from the University of Nairobi. He currently teaches at Khumuseno Junior School in Vihiga County. Omindo was shortlisted for the Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature in 2023 with anthology Mtoto wa Mama na Hadithi Nyingine, won 3rd Place at Tanzania Fasihi Fund (TAFF) 2024 with a story on insurance Kiburi si Maungwana and took 1st Place in the short story category at the Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature 2024 with his anthology Mungu Hadanganywi na hadithi Nyingine. He has written several short story manuscripts, novels, a novella, a play and children readers some of which are with the publisher.
Bethuel Muthee Githegi is a Nairobi-based poet, curator, and DJ whose work moves across language, sound, and visual culture. His practice explores imagination as a space for memory, perception, and social transformation. Through poetry, exhibitions, editorial work, and music curation, he creates connections between text, images, and collective experience.
Iribe Mwangi Iribe Mwangi is a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Kiswahili at the University of Nairobi, holding a PhD in Kiswahili studies with 26 years of university teaching experience. He led the translation of Kenya’s Parliamentary Standing Orders and has translated for the Supreme Court, Judiciary, and Communications Authority of Kenya.
Kevin Munyi & Friends are Steve the Saxophonist who transforms any space through the rich, soulful warmth of his saxophone; Checkmate Mido who blends captivating rhymes with infectious rhythms, actively shaping his sound within the Kenyan scene; Kevin Munyi, a contemporary composer who weaves sound through the strings of the guitar; and Mariam Akin, Nairobi‘s coastal voice, Swahili meets jazzy warmth, easy bango and chakacha rhythms.
Ngartia is a storyteller with a keen interest in orature and identity. He has pursued tales through poetry, screenwriting, acting and short stories. His work in orature has explored Kenyan History on stage, gaining prominence through Too Early For Birds which he co-founded. His most recent projects are: Dai Verse, Civic Canvas and the revival of Kifo Kisimani by Kithaka wa Mberia. Ngartia participated in the 2025 Turkana Nature Poetry Retreat by Macondo Literary Festival.
Evalyn Wanjiru Githina is a poet, writer and creative visionary passionate about storytelling. She has worked as Editor for AIM Magazine Minnesota, Sauti Project under Al Jazeera and Pawa 254. She hosts Diva On A Mission podcast and is the author of Timelines, a collection of poems capturing the essence of time, memory and identity. Evalyn participated in the 2026 Turkana Nature Poetry Retreat by Macondo Literary Festival.
Michelle Angwenyi is a writer and poet from Nairobi. She was shortlisted for the 2017 Short Story Day Africa Prize and the 2018 Brunel Africa International Poetry Prize, and was a finalist for the Gerald Kraak Prize in 2025. Michelle is the author of Gray Latitudes, selected for the New Generation African Poets Chapbook series. Michelle participated in the 2025 Turkana Nature Poetry Retreat by Macondo Literary Festival.
Naddya Adhiambo Oluoch- Olunya is an animation director and musician, her practise stretching across animation, comics, games, XR, product design and music.