Full Name: Oliver Mwakio
Stage Name: Cardiac Poet
Profession: Spoken Word Artist, Poet, Recording Artist, Performer, Model, Radio Host, Actor
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Performing Arts (University of Nairobi)
Genres: Spoken Word, Swahili Mashairi, Poetry
Awards: Multiple, including Unga wa Dola Art for Peace (2017), International Mask Awards (2018), and Lenga Ugaidi na Talanta (2019, 2021)
Early Life and Education
Oliver Mwakio, better known as Cardiac Poet, is a dynamic spoken word artist from Kenya who is redefining the role of poetry and art in society. Born and raised in Kenya, Cardiac has always had a passion for the arts, which he has honed over the years through his diverse skill set. Currently in his final year at the University of Nairobi, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Performing Arts, fields that have significantly shaped his artistic journey.
Cardiac’s journey in the world of spoken word began as a personal mission to impact the world through words. His performances, marked by his signature blend of Swahili Mashairi and deep societal reflection, aim to shed light on issues that go beyond the grasp of physical action, touching lives without pointing fingers. His goal is to inspire change, heal, and uplift communities, using poetry as his tool for advocacy.
Career and Artistic Versatility
Cardiac Poet is an all-rounded creative. As a spoken word artist, his performances have earned him a notable place in the Kenyan arts scene, as well as recognition across East Africa. In addition to poetry, Cardiac is a talented musician, actor, MC, and voice-over artist, demonstrating his versatility in the performing arts. He is also a commercial model, having built a strong online presence and frequently engaging with his audience across social media.
He co-hosts the Koo Store Weekly Show, which focuses on spoken word and Swahili Mashairi, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in Kenya’s literary and performing arts space. As a mentor, Cardiac Poet is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of poets, empowering young creatives to find their voices and use poetry as a means of self-expression and social commentary.
In addition to his work as a poet and artist, Cardiac is a recording and performing artist at Wadau East, where he collaborates with other musicians, expanding his reach within the Kenyan music and arts industry.
Awards and Accomplishments
Cardiac Poet’s talent and hard work have earned him multiple accolades both locally and internationally. His awards and accomplishments include:
- 2017: Winner of the Unga wa Dola Art for Peace competition, where his spoken word piece was voted best by a panel that included Judge Ian Mbugua and Erick Omondi.
- 2018: Ranked 6th in the East Africa Poetic Hour Battle in Kisumu, competing against poets from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, and Mauritius. He also won the International Mask Awards, emerging victorious among 2,000 submitted entries. In the same year, his video “Okoa University” won Video of the Year at the Kenyan Coast Music Awards, where he was nominated for three categories: Male Artist of the Year, Most Promising Artist, and Video of the Year.
- 2018: Awarded by the United Nations Women Foundation after participating in an artivism campaign that focused on social justice.
- 2019: Best in Poetry in the Lenga Ugaidi na Talanta competition, where his spoken word piece on the effects of violent extremism won first place. The video also won in the Global Migration Film Festival the same year.
- 2020: His piece on mental health was voted best in a competition organized by the Social Good Center in Mombasa.
- 2021: He won a Nigerian Open Mic Competition, where his poem “Saka Wera” was voted best in the poetry category of the Lenga Ugaidi na Talanta competition. His piece #VunjaKimya on gender-based violence also won the Mtaa Challenge Competition.
- Judge: In 2020, Cardiac Poet was selected as one of only two Kenyan judges for the International Erupt Awards, a global poetry competition.
In addition to these major accolades, he has been featured on multiple Kenyan media outlets, including KTN Life & Style, Citizen TV’s 10/10, Y254, KUTV, Destiny TV, and Maisha Magic’s The Turn Up. He has also been hosted on Baraka FM and Radio Mtaani.
Music and Projects
In the fall of 2021, Cardiac Poet made waves by releasing an EP titled Local Man, which features collaborations with 14 incredible artists. The EP is available on all major digital streaming platforms, highlighting his musical talent alongside his spoken word performances.
Cardiac’s music often reflects the same themes as his poetry: mental health, social justice, identity, and the challenges of modern society. His ability to blend poetry and music has allowed him to create a powerful connection with his audience, using his art to raise awareness on critical issues affecting his community.
Advocacy and Mentorship
Cardiac Poet is not only a performer but also an advocate for social change. His work in spoken word and music addresses topics such as violent extremism, gender-based violence, and mental health, making him a strong voice in Kenya’s creative arts scene.
As a mentor, he is dedicated to helping other poets and creatives grow in their craft, empowering them to use their voices to advocate for change in society. Through his mentorship, Cardiac Poet seeks to inspire and uplift others, ensuring that the art of spoken word continues to thrive among the younger generation.
Future Aspirations
As Cardiac Poet continues to make waves in Kenya’s spoken word and poetry scene, his vision remains focused on expanding his reach and touching more lives through his work. Whether performing at events, hosting radio shows, or mentoring young poets, Cardiac Poet aims to create a legacy that goes beyond the stage.
His ultimate goal is to change the world one word at a time, and his achievements thus far are a testament to his dedication, talent, and impact on the arts and society at large.
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