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Issue 00478 |
July 21 - 27, 2007 |
issn 0856 - 9135 |
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Mc Blak débuts
a book of poetic treasure By Rachel Ruffman Masai Camp hosted the début of Mc Blak’s first published book of poetry Wednesday night, the 11th of July. As he stood on the dark stage, illuminated only by two candles, Blak’s words shot out with razing clarity. Blak first came to Arusha one and a half years ago, living in the slums of Kijenge-juu while writing his book, but he is no stranger to that harsh lifestyle of poverty, violence and intimidation. Given the name Chrispine Odhiambo Njer, Blak was born in the Kibera slums of Nairobi in 1979, having since absorbed and interpreted abysmal conditions of this world that most people never see. Blak is self-educated beyond the fourth grade level, fueled by an obsession for reading, music and the spoken word. He was first recognized with his hip-hop group, Watengwa, which got together in the late 90’s. But due to a desire to reach a more varied audience, he returned to his original love: poetry, putting himself on the international writing scene in 2002 while performing at the Tropen Theatre Institute in Holland after winning the International Poetry Contest on AIDS. “Blak’s Poetry Book’, as it is called, is a verbal and physical embodiment of the ghetto: from its goatskin cover to its 24 poems, splayed across 58 pages of inked illustrations, it breathes honesty. It is a work of art, both in display and poetic composition. What’s most impressive about it is the scope and range with which the slender little book touches. Blak’s writing cuts across cultures, borders, genders and generations- providing a reflection of reality for those who live what he describes, and creating a porthole of understanding for those of us who do not. Every topic germane to ghetto life is touched upon. Poverty, gender bias, AIDS, violence and hard drugs are all installations of all slums and each is discussed. “I found the same struggle is everywhere. It's organized crime, the hood has been created; it’s systematized. These hardships and systems go with every boarder, jurisdiction, country and flag. They make you believe you’re ghetto.” ‘They’, of course being those in power: who know or care very little for the masses suffering below them. Blak illustrates this condition in his poem, ‘Kibera in misery’, “No president has ever stepped in and surveyed it they only fish votes” he writes, “riding on political boats.” But what makes his poetry unique and of course commercially viable is his ability to be optimistic while being painfully poignant. A close friend of Blak’s, Mama Charlotte O’Neal spoke favorably about his presentation manner. “(Blak was)...speaking words of truth and love, sometimes painful words...with a smile. It was an education wrapped in art that I hope will be repeated over and over again.” Mama Charlotte is a musician and poetry activist in her own right as well as the co director of United African Alliance Community Center in Maji ya chai. Asked about his big night, Blak confessed that he had been nervous. It was his first solo performance. But he had also felt connected with the audience and was generally very pleased. He said mostly he kept in mind those who had helped to make his book a reality, namely Mama Charlotte for reading and editing, as well as Mike, Wieke, Delroy, Johncarllalo, and Bob. Additionally, Blak was accompanied that night by another artist, called Giza, who deftly took his turns with the audience. Both men were able to bond with their listeners. So while these politicians may be riding high on their boats, Blak has found a tool with which to fight back and energize the masses that subsist under them. His book will reach and touch people in a new way. Luckily, we can expect more out of Blak in the future. He will be putting together a mixed tape of all his underground recordings along with help from other artists. After which he is expecting to go back into the recording studio to break out a second hip-hop album. He is also toying with the idea of writing a children’s book. Asked if it was difficult or cathartic to begin writing about personal troubles in his life, Blak smiled his reply, “It was a relief”, he paused “nobody can be silent for long.” Well, thank
goodness for that. |
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