Could you introduce yourself to Netizens?

My real name is Benjamin Barasa. I am 20 year old, a Kenyan by birth and my artistic name is Generic 1990, a real poet with zeal. I am also a second year student at Rongo University taking a degree course  in Human Resource management. 

Why tagging yourself as Generic 1990? Share with us the chemistry behind such a unique stage name.

Generic basically means a typical name that does not give a specific description of something but rather describes and looks at that thing as a whole. Therefore, in relation to that, I chose to call myself Generic because poetry is meant to impact positively all the diverse groups of people worldwide and rather not a specific group. Then I chose this digits 1990 which actually according to me is a year, the 90s in general. Main reason for choosing the year was because poetry is ancient, it didn’t start yesterday. Therefore, it is old enough to give us the best motivation and solution to deal with any emerging situation. So the picture I wanted to bring out in ‘1990’ is that poery is old and old is gold .

What was growing up like?

Growing up was cool especially being brought up in a family that embraced christianity and really held a great value in societal norms and virtues. As we all know that God is the giver of talent, I think he built it further because I always lived to pray and praise him. But as they say, there’s no good that has no bad. Our family was not that well off but atleast we afforded good nutrition. I am happy to be alive today and kicking writing about myself.

When did you start doing poetry?

I buckled down on poetry seriously when I was in highschool, that is from 2015 onwards. Actually before that, I already counted myself a poet but never really had a go for it. I guess maybe I was still growing up so as to know more. On top of that, Ralph Waldo Emerson says, every artist was fist an amateur.

What does Arts and Culture mean to you?

According to me, Art is the most powerful non-living thing. This is because of its ability to influence and inspire. Art enables us find ourselves and loose ourselves at the same time, isn’t that powerful? Yes it is! Culture is the mother of art, through culture we can be able to express ourselves in an artistic dimension.

As a poet, you’ve done a number of pieces. Which is your most favorite poem, so far and why?

There is this piece I have termed ” Medussa “. It’s a romantic piece actually and the reason as to why I am in love with it, is that the girl—Medussa was in my dream, so I decided to paint it down. Though the piece is short, but it really has the words required. I even went to an extend of doing a performance on the piece.

Some claim that writing a poem got to be hard. What’s your thought on that?

First of all, we all know that there is no mountain that got no climb, but the climb can be easier if the necessary effort is applied. This is the same with poetry, if you accept that you are a poet and you are ready to talk poetry and apply what is needed of you with passion then probably words will just flow. Writing a poem is not hard but giving the poem its self interpretation is what is hard. I think that is my self invented sensible Saying.

Which specific areas do you like writting most?

Sometimes I term myself as poet of dark and light because I write all round but I majorly write on current affairs in relation to the modern society, romance and mystery.

Poetry is said to have the power to impact people in society positively. What can you say about that?

That is true. Poetry gives the society an inner eye to perceive a situation as any other calamity that can be dealt with in the easiest way possible. A well delivered poem has the power to transform a serial killer to a serial killer dealer, wiping clean all vice in the society.

Many poets are said to have drawn their inspirations from different valuable sources. Where do you draw yours from?

Mostly I draw my inspiration from my real life experiences. They drive me to better myself, to give myself the best image the mirror will ever reflect. Ancient poets like William Shakespeare and Pablo Neruda have also inspired me a lot.

How is God blowing up your mind lately?

Honestly, God has been the producer throughout, giving me the ability to create those wise rhyming lines and plant them down on paper. All credit goes to HIM.

Tell us what happened on a day you’ll never forget in your life.

I am still growing so I think I am still young and open enough to encounter more experiences that will act as my eternal remembrance. But for now I think the day I will receive the most noble and precious award for poetry honestly, will be the day I will live never to forget.

What best advice have you ever received from your parents/guardians in regards to the poetry you’re doing?

The most powerful breathing words I have ever received are from my little sister. She said, ” You are the  best poet I know, with that ability inside you I am sure the world will look at you with a smiling face.” Those are the words that inspire me to do more and to add up to the little that am doing. 

What next big thing should we anticipate from Generic 1990?

I always say, in every positive step there is greatness, so expect greatness from this Penner—Generic 1990.

The blue star insider.

Generic 1990.

By MAXWELL KAMAU