An exclusive interview with exquisite ambitious and creative poetess Annie Nasha on a one on one with Pachagazine about her poetry journey.
Pachagazine: What’s your brand and real name?
Annie Nasha: Am Ann Wangari alias Annie Nasha Pen name Nasha Poems
Pachagazine: What got you into poetry?
Annie Nasha: I started writing poems as a joke. I was good in English language at school and I was good at interpreting poems. So I felt the urge of writing. I also made poetry as a hobby to me. So when I’m down, I write to express my feelings.
Pachagazine: How long have you been in this?
Annie Nasha: Since 2016. That is 6years now.
Pachagazine: What else do you do?
Annie Nasha: Am a student at the University of Nairobi and a self employed lady, a writer and a freelancer.
Pachagazine: What challenges do you face as a poetess?
Annie Nasha:
1. Plagiarism which lowers self esteem
2. Inadequate time for writing
3. Lack of support from family
3. Discouragements from other people
4. Lack of proper ground to participate
5. inadequacy of mentors to support, hold on to and correct
Pachagazine: If you weren’t into poetry what would you be doing?
Annie Nasha: I would be managing either my own business or another person’s. I would also try singing.
Pachagazine: If you can change anything in poetry what would it be?
Annie Nasha: I would change the view that poets are depressed souls to they are mentors and strong souls.
Pachagazine: What advice would you give an upcoming poet?
Annie Nasha: Put God first in all you do. Practice makes perfect. You should be ready to write as many poems as possible. The many types of poems you write, the better. Always be ready for correction from your seniors in poetry. And the last thing that always hurts is, be ready for discouragements. Your slogan should be, I write to express not to impress.
Pachagazine: What’s your best piece in poetry
Annie Nasha:
DEAR CRUSH
At times I wonder what kind of spell you cast on me,
Yet after casting you ignore me
I look like a fool running after you
And deeply fantasizing about you
You make my world stop for a while
Cause your cute face makes me blush
I can’t live without thinking of you
Since you are my eyes’ apple
Last night I dreamt about you and I
It was so unlike me
I don’t remember my dreams
But you, I remembered you
I’d wish to be in your arms daily
To feel your heartbeat
To kiss and fall in love with you
For the rest of my life
But you darling,
You snob me leaving me in the dark
I try showing you my love
But you don’t get it
So I decide to keep my distance
Because I can’t force love
But it hurts
All I see is you
Please withdraw the spell you cast,
I w… Read more
Pachagazine: Tell us more about the piece what was the inspiration ana why is it the best?
Annie Nasha: I was inspired by my crush who I really loved so much. So I wrote a love poem and sent to him. And he snobbed. He pushed me away but I couldn’t stop feeling what I felt for him. So I wrote the above poem and after it, I felt free at last
Pachagazine: Who do you look up to in poetry
Annie Nasha: My teacher and Mentor, I’d call her Mommy Irene. Also my boss, Simon Kibuchi also known as the street prophet.
Pachagazine: What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Annie Nasha: My mama told me; God is always there for all of us. Never look down on anyone coz you don’t know what they tell God secretly.
Pachagazine: Now that you have mentioned your crush what’s your status? Dating, married or single?
Annie Nasha: I’m actually dating. Thank God I found a guy who loves me.
Pachagazine: What’s your take about poetry industry in Kenya?
Annie Nasha: Its not taken seriously in Kenya. Poets are not acknowledged.
Social links
Facebook: Annie Nasha
Facebook Group: Nasha Poems
IG: annienasha31
Mirakquil: annienasha
Email : mugambiann31@gmail.com