Wole Adedoyin interviews Alfred Musinda: I Consider it a Proud Privilege to Give Voice to the Voiceless

WA: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BEGIN WRITING POETRY CENTERED ON HUMAN RIGHTS THEMES?
MUSINDA: I was driven by the need to address pressing human rights issues through art. Poetry proved to be one of the most powerful tools for conveying these messages effectively and creatively.

WA: HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POETRY AND ACTIVISM?
MUSINDA: Poetry and activism are deeply connected. Poetry becomes a voice for change—it ignites empathy, exposes injustice, and inspires collective action. For example, Langston Hughes’ work during the Civil Rights Movement amplified the struggles and hopes of Black Americans and fueled the fight for equality.

WA: WHICH SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU, AND WHY?
MUSINDA: The right to life. I believe everyone deserves to live without fear, regardless of their tribe, race, or ethnicity.

WA: CAN YOU RECALL A MOMENT WHEN YOUR POETRY SPARKED A CONVERSATION OR ACTION ON A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE?
MUSINDA: Yes. I wrote a poem titled "Who Fired the Gun?" about extrajudicial killings and police brutality. It sparked debate and calls for action, which had a significant impact.

WA: HOW DO YOU BALANCE EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION AND POLITICAL MESSAGE IN YOUR POEMS?
MUSINDA: I focus on creating relatable pieces that provoke both thought and emotion. This ensures that the message is impactful while also connecting deeply with the audience.

WA: DO YOU FEEL A RESPONSIBILITY AS A POET TO GIVE VOICE TO THE VOICELESS?
MUSINDA: Absolutely. I consider it a proud privilege and a serious responsibility to be in a position to give voice to the voiceless.

WA: HAVE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR UNDERSTANDING OR EXPRESSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS?
MUSINDA: Yes, in many ways. I often write from real-life experiences, which helps me address issues more authentically and meaningfully.

WA: HOW DO YOU RESEARCH OR STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES YOU WRITE ABOUT?
MUSINDA: I follow human rights activists and organizations on social media, engage in online discussions and spaces, and read books and articles by fellow creatives.

WA: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF WRITING POETRY ON DIFFICULT OR TRAUMATIC TOPICS?
MUSINDA: Sometimes, emotions can overwhelm the message, making it harder to communicate effectively. Additionally, trauma can make it difficult for audiences to engage with the content.

WA: HAVE YOU FACED ANY BACKLASH OR CENSORSHIP BECAUSE OF YOUR HUMAN RIGHTS-FOCUSED WORK?
MUSINDA: Yes, particularly during live performances where some individuals felt threatened by the themes I explored.

WA: WHICH POETS OR THINKERS HAVE INSPIRED YOUR ACTIVISM THROUGH LITERATURE?
MUSINDA: Mahmoud Darwish, whose poems like State of Siege voice the Palestinian struggle, and Maya Angelou, whose works such as Still I Rise speak against racial injustice and gender inequality. Their activism through literature continues to inspire me.

WA: DO YOU SEE YOUR POETRY AS A FORM OF PROTEST, TESTIMONY, OR BOTH?
MUSINDA: Both. My poetry offers real-time testimonies while boldly protesting against injustice.

WA: HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR WORK REMAINS AUTHENTIC WHEN WRITING ABOUT COMMUNITIES OR STRUGGLES YOU ARE NOT DIRECTLY PART OF?
MUSINDA: I prioritize listening to voices from those communities, conducting thorough research, and ensuring the facts are accurate and respectfully presented.

WA: HAVE YOU COLLABORATED WITH NGOS, MOVEMENTS, OR ADVOCACY GROUPS THROUGH YOUR POETRY?
MUSINDA: Yes, I have collaborated with several organizations to raise awareness through poetry.

WA: WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR POETRY HAS ON READERS—EMOTIONALLY, INTELLECTUALLY, OR SOCIALLY?
MUSINDA: I hope my poetry educates, inspires change, and contributes to lasting social transformation in communities.

WA: DO YOU INCORPORATE LOCAL LANGUAGES, HISTORY, OR CULTURAL REFERENCES WHEN ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR WORK?
MUSINDA: Yes, I do. It helps ensure that the message reaches and resonates with the intended audience.

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG POETS WHO WANT TO WRITE ABOUT JUSTICE AND EQUITY?
MUSINDA: Speak up and raise your voice louder. The fight for justice needs everyone. Use your poetry as a tool for change.

WA: CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIFIC POEM OR LINE THAT YOU FEEL BEST REPRESENTS YOUR COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS?
MUSINDA:
"The beauty isn't in the eyes of the beholder—
But in the life of the one living it.
The right one deserves to live,
No hate or despair,
Just a happy life—the one we can spare."

WA: HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE HOPE AND DESPAIR WHEN WRITING ABOUT THE INJUSTICES IN THE WORLD?
MUSINDA: I remind the victims—and myself—that change is coming. Through poetry, I speak out boldly and offer hope and solutions.

WA: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE FUTURE OF POETRY IN HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY?
MUSINDA: The future is promising. More poets and organizations are joining the movement, using poetry as a powerful tool for advocacy and change.

Kenyan writer Alfred Musinda, known on stage as Campos World, is a dynamic poet and spoken word artist whose journey reflects the powerful fusion of passion and talent into a fulfilling career. From an early age, his love for poetry and the performing arts has shaped a unique, emotive style that draws deeply from personal experiences and social realities. A graduate of Maseno University with a BA in Drama and Theatre Studies, Campos World’s academic training has sharpened his storytelling and stagecraft. Beyond the spoken word scene, he plays an active role in the theatre world as a performer, director, and playwright. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shares insights into his artistic journey, performance poetry, and commitment to activism.