On Friday, November 1, Mugabi Byenkya employed a variety of media to share eye-opening stories from an inspiring creative journey through the world. Incorporating slides, spoken word, and song, Byenkya relayed select stories from a childhood in Nigeria to their first MacDowell Fellowship here in New Hampshire. Free and open to all, this one-hour program was presented at the Monadnock Center for History and Culture.
Interdisciplinary Artist Mugabi Byenkya talks about their Creative Journey
November 1, 2024
(Muhammad Kanchu photo)
Born in Lagos to Ugandan parents and currently residing in Kampala, Uganda, Byenkya upended gender conventions from the moment of birth, defying expectations, and expanding their range in spinning tales and connecting with others. As an author, rapper, singer, and performer, Byenkya has entranced audiences at more than 100 festivals, slams, and conferences in North America and East Africa. Rich with magical realism, Byenka’s memoir-novel, Dear Philomena, was published in 2017, three years after having had two strokes that changed their life. Recent publications include the award-nominated, label bestselling debut mixtape Songs For Wo(Men) 2 and a debut chapbook, Songs For Wo(Men). By sharing their experiences, Byenkya is intentionally building connections:
“I hope my work helps people be more empathetic and compassionate towards those in their lives who are managing things beyond their control.”
Dear Philomena became a best seller in Uganda and led to a 45-city tour across North America and East Africa. Byenkya has said that they’re still in touch with the angsty, confused, Black, Ugandan-Rwandan-Nigerian, disabled, and neurodivergent little human they used to be.
While in Peterborough, Byenkya will be developing a musical theatre project exploring gender identity, sexuality, code-switching, grief, belonging, and being disabled in an able-bodied world.
(Cassandra Yerkes photo)
(Cassandra Yerkes photo)
