In today’s episode of theMFpod, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Angel Kabera — a poet, singer, digital creator, and advocate of SOETRY, a unique fusion of song and poetry. Angel’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and self-discovery. With her magnetic personality and profound insights, Angel captivates audiences by transforming personal experiences into art.
The Genesis of Angel’s Creativity
Angel’s creative journey is deeply rooted in her childhood, where the church became her sanctuary and stage. Growing up, Angel transitioned through various roles in the church, from serving in church to leading Praise and Worship. This environment wasn’t just a spiritual haven—it was where her love for music and storytelling flourished.
“Church was my escape and my ministry,” Angel recalls. Through music, she found a way to express herself, connect with others, and explore her creative talents. From cleaning chairs early in the morning to singing during services, these moments instilled in her a sense of purpose and discipline.
For Angel, music wasn’t merely a hobby—it was a profound form of prayer. “Even today, I pray while singing,” she shares. These early experiences laid the foundation for her later work in poetry and song, where her spiritual connection remains a central theme.
The Winding Path to SOETRY
Angel’s journey to becoming a creative trailblazer wasn’t without its detours. Before embracing SOETRY as her life’s calling, Angel worked various jobs—selling luxury saucepans, mentoring youth, handling communications, baking, and even working as a receptionist. These roles taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, branding, and storytelling.
One defining moment occurred during her days as a salesperson. Angel cold-called a potential client to pitch saucepans but was met with an unexpected response: “Call me when you’re ready to talk about poetry.” This statement struck a chord, forcing Angel to confront her true calling.
Reflecting on that moment, she says, “If selling saucepans could make me $300 a week, how much more could my gift of poetry and song offer—not just financially but in fulfillment?” This epiphany led her to take a leap of faith, fully dedicating herself to her creative endeavors.
Introducing SOETRY: A Fusion of Song and Poetry
At the heart of Angel’s artistry is SOETRY, a genre she describes as the purposeful fusion of song and poetry. Unlike traditional spoken word performances set to background music, SOETRY involves composing melodies that harmonize with poetic verses, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
“SOETRY is more than an art form—it’s a lifestyle that celebrates heritage, culture, and storytelling,” Angel explains. Through SOETRY, she has graced stages shared by Nobel laureates, world leaders, and cultural icons, proving that poetry can transcend boundaries and amplify voices on a global scale.
The Lessons Behind the Spotlight
Angel’s unorthodox career path has been a masterclass in resilience and adaptability. From cold sales calls to commanding a minimum performance fee of one million Ugandan shillings, Angel has learned the value of her work and the importance of setting boundaries.
Her approach to branding stems from her storytelling skills, a lesson she mastered during her time as a salesperson. “You sell not just a product but its story. Whether it’s a saucepan or SOETRY, the story you tell determines its value,” she emphasizes.
Angel’s authenticity is another hallmark of her success. She identifies three guiding principles in her work:
Introspection: Encouraging self-reflection to uncover identity and purpose.
Empathy: Building connections through shared experiences and understanding.
Africanicity: Celebrating her roots while redefining what it means to be an African artist.
These values are evident in her performances, where she challenges societal norms and encourages audiences to embrace their heritage.
Navigating Challenges as a Creative
Angel is candid about the struggles of being a creative in Uganda, from financial instability to societal expectations. She highlights the need for side hustles to fund creative pursuits and the importance of leveraging modern tools like AI and social media to stay relevant.
“Resilience isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving despite the odds,” Angel says. Her ability to adapt, innovate, and maintain authenticity has allowed her to break barriers and inspire a new generation of Ugandan creatives.
A Pioneer in the Poetry Scene
Angel’s work with SOETRY isn’t just about her personal journey—it’s about paving the way for others. She sees her artistry as a tool for empowerment, particularly for women and young creatives in Uganda.
Through her performances, Angel encourages others to embrace their unique voices and take ownership of their narratives. Her advice is simple yet profound: “Leverage networks, embrace criticism, and read the room.”
The Future of SOETRY and Ugandan Creativity
Angel envisions a bright future for Ugandan creatives, one where SOETRY and other art forms are celebrated on global stages. She’s passionate about challenging traditional systems and creating spaces for authentic storytelling.
Her message to budding creatives is clear: “The greatest investment you can make in a relationship or craft is yourself. Work on being the best version of you.”
Final Thoughts
Angel Kabera’s story is more than a tale of artistic success—it’s a lesson in resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of creativity. From her humble beginnings in church to her rise as a SOETRY pioneer, Angel exemplifies what it means to stay true to oneself while embracing change.
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