Narrative as a Tool for Community and Catharsis: Reflections from SACFEST

It was a profound honor to contribute as a speaker and trainer at the recent Sunrise Arts and Cultural Festival in Bamenda (SACFEST). My session, “Narrative as a Tool for Community and Catharsis: Using Poetry and Spoken Word to Tell Community Stories,” was a deep and generative exploration into the power of localized storytelling.

We moved beyond mere technique to engage with the foundational questions that give this art form its urgency:

• The Ontology of Story: What constitutes a story, and how does it function as a fundamental unit of human experience?
•  The Collective as Protagonist: How does a "community story" differ from an individual narrative, and what are its unique responsibilities?
•  The Imperative of Testimony: Why is the act of telling these stories a vital practice of cultural preservation, social critique, and collective healing?
• The Alchemy of Form: How can the specific techniques of poetry and spoken word—their rhythm, metaphor, and performative intensity—transform anecdote into art and testimony into a powerful, shared encounter.

Our theoretical framework was illuminated by brilliant case studies, including the evocative works of Mottanni ("Wuside Peace," "Abakwa Breeze," "Fayaside") and powerful pieces by Nubia, Penboy, and De Preacher. Their artistry served as a masterclass in weaving the particular textures of our community into universal narratives.

Crucially, we concluded by grounding our artistic enthusiasm in pragmatic ethical considerations, engaging in a necessary dialogue on the safety measures and conscious awareness required when giving voice to community truths.

My deepest gratitude extends to the visionary organizers and tireless team of SACFEST for curating a space where craft, community, and critical discourse converge. It was a privilege to share and refine these techniques with a beautifully intergenerational audience of passionate creators.