Hadithi za KNOB Digital: ‘Through our art, through our words, we can change the world’, Apondi the Poet.

Hadithi za KNOB Digital: ‘Through our art, through our words, we can change the world’, Apondi the Poet.

Every artist has a story, but few narratives resonate as deeply as that of Sumaya Ondeche Msah, also known as Apondi the poet. Welcome to Hadithi za KNOB Digital.

In the quiet corners of Busia, deep in the heart of western Kenya, a small girl discovered the world through words and rhythm. Sumaya Ondeche Msah was born in Mumias, Kakamega, in 2003, and it was there that she formed her passion for performing arts.

Sumaya saw performing arts as more than just a pleasure, it was where she could find peace. The rhythm, the words on paper, and the wordless power of a well-delivered performance were exciting to her eyes, ears, and thoughts. But, despite finding relief in writing and seeing others perform, fear held her back. The stage, with its brilliant lights and expectant crowd, appeared too intimidating for a young girl who despite her love of poetry, couldn’t imagine herself standing in the spotlight.

“In the ink of night, I scribbled my fears, turned them into verses, and though the world didn’t hear me, I found my voice in the silence of my pages.”

Life has a way of guiding us toward our destiny, often taking us down routes we would never choose for ourselves. For Sumaya, that nudge came in the form of incarceration in 2020. At the age of 17, her life was quickly turned upside down, and she found herself behind bars. The circumstances that led her there remain a chapter she keeps close to her heart, a private battle that she prefers not to revisit in detail. But what is known is that this period of confinement was transformative. It was within those cold, unyielding walls that Sumaya began to truly understand the power of her voice.

Incarceration could have crushed her spirit, but instead, it strengthened her resilience. Sumaya turned to poetry not just to escape the world, but also for survival. She wrote with rage, putting her fury, anguish, and hope into every line. The art form that had before terrified her became her salvation. Spoken words allowed her to process her emotions and articulate her experiences in a way that was both therapeutic and empowering.

“In the darkness of my cell, I found light in the rhythm of words, a flame that flickered with every verse, illuminating the path out of despair.”

KNOB Digital, the leading digital marketing company in Kilifi and the coastal region, is inspired by Sumaya’s story and believes in the power of individuals to create positive change in the world. Through innovative digital marketing strategies, KNOB Digital aims to amplify the voices of those who are making a difference, just like Sumaya. By sharing stories of resilience, hope, and perseverance, KNOB Digital hopes to inspire others to take action and make a difference in their communities

Upon her release in 2022, Sumaya emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. No longer content to simply write in the shadows, she stepped into the light, ready to share her story and her art with the world. That same year, she co-founded “Art and Hearts,” a platform dedicated to diverse artistic expression, alongside her partner, Triza Apasi. This organization was born out of Sumaya’s desire to create a space where creativity and compassion could coexist, where artists could explore and share their talents with the community, and where art could be used as a powerful tool for social change.

“Art is the voice of the soul, the language of the heart, a bridge that connects us all in the silent understanding of our shared humanity.”

Sumaya’s work as a poet has not gone unnoticed. Her poem “Apondi,” which tells the story of a young girl’s struggle and triumph, propelled her into the spotlight. This masterpiece earned her an award from the Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association for the best piece on child rights. The poem remains an important part of her artistic career, symbolizing her emergence as a powerful voice in the world of spoken word.

Another of her notable works, “Fegi ni thegi,” a piece that speaks out against the dangers of tobacco, earned her the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (KETCA) award. Sumaya’s poetry is not just an artistic expression, it is a form of activism. She uses her words to challenge societal injustices and to advocate for change, particularly in areas that affect the youth and marginalized communities.

“My words are not just ink on paper, they are the echoes of a thousand voices, the cries of the unheard, the dreams of the forgotten. Through my poetry, I seek to give them life, to let them breathe in the hearts of those who listen.”

 In March 2024, the esteemed Tuza Awards recognized Sumaya for her impactful work in using poetry as a tool for social change, awarding her the title of Ambassador Against Drug Abuse. The Tuza Awards is known for celebrating individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference. Sumaya’s victory demonstrates her relentless commitment to advocating for youth and marginalized communities through her art.

“As we look ahead to the 2025 edition of the Tuza Awards, anticipation is building. This year, the event promises to be even more exciting, with nominations opening on September 10th, 2024. It’s an opportunity for the public to recognize and honor those who are making significant contributions to society. The voting process will start in January 2025, mark your calendars for the Tuza Awards event dates on March 8th and 9th, 2025. We encourage everyone to come out in numbers, support their nominees, and be part of a movement that honors the unsung heroes among us.” Emmanuel Barakah, Team’s Lead.

Despite her accomplishments, Sumaya’s journey has been far from easy. Financial challenges continue to be a significant obstacle, particularly in a field that often struggles to receive the recognition and support it deserves. As a spoken word artist, Sumaya faces the harsh reality that passion alone is not enough to sustain a career. Yet, it is her passion for art and her belief in the power of change that keeps her moving forward.

Sumaya’s vision for the future is as bold as her poetry. She dreams of establishing an art space in Kilifi County, a place where young talents can flourish, find mentorship, and create sustainable livelihoods. This space would be more than just a gallery or a performance venue, it would be a sanctuary for creativity, a place where art is celebrated not just for its beauty, but for its ability to bring about social change.

“I dream of a place where the walls echo with the laughter of the young, where the air is thick with the scent of paint and the hum of creativity. A place where art is not just seen, but felt, where it speaks to the soul and ignites the fires of change.”

Her words echo in the hearts of those who hear them, reminding us all of the power we hold to create change. Sumaya’s journey from a young girl in Busia to an award-winning poet is nothing short of remarkable. Her story is still being written, and with each chapter, she continues to make an indelible mark on the world. Sumaya’s belief in the power of second chances is not just a reflection of her own life but a message to others who may find themselves in similar situations. She is a light of hope, demonstrating that no matter how dark the night, the dawn will always come. As Sumaya’s journey continues, she remains committed to her mission of using art as a vehicle for social change. Her work with Art and Hearts and her community initiatives are just the beginning of what promises to be a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place, one poem at a time.

“The world may try to silence us, but we must never stop speaking. Through our art, through our words, we can change the world.”

It is through the power of storytelling that KNOB Digital aims to connect with audiences on a deeper level, sparking empathy and driving action towards positive change. By highlighting the stories of individuals like Sumaya Ondeche Msah, KNOB Digital hopes to inspire others to push boundaries, challenge norms, and strive for a better tomorrow. With a team of passionate and creative individuals, KNOB Digital is dedicated to using the latest digital marketing tools and techniques to amplify the voices of those who are making a difference in the world. Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all

“I am Apondi, I am a poet, an artist, a leader. I am a survivor, a dreamer, and a believer in the power of change. My story is still being written, and with each word, I carve out a path of hope, resilience, and transformation.”

This is Hadithi za KNOB Digital, For millenniums, humans have told stories to connect, relate and weave imaginative truths that enable us to see one another more clearly with compassion and courage, that is why, through this initiative we target to tell stories from a different point of view, your point of view, learning and understanding the struggles we take to get to the top, that needs to be heard, talk to us and Dont Stop Being Bold!