Mitch Isabirye on Poetry, Collaboration, and Culture: The Story Behind ‘Poetry in Motion EP’

Mitch Isabirye is a name that resonates deeply within Uganda’s spoken word community. A masterful storyteller and an ardent collaborator, his work has earned him a reputation as a poet who not only creates but also nurtures and uplifts the creative ecosystem around him. His latest contribution, a poem titled “Mother’s Land” on the Poetry in Motion EP alongside Maritza, is a testament to his artistry and the power of collaboration.

For Mitch, his involvement in the project was a result of years of consistency and dedication to his craft. “Hard work and consistency come naturally to me,” he says. “People connect with authenticity and a strong brand. The Tribe just reached out to me. I’m a collaborator by nature, so it made sense to be part of it.”

That openness to collaboration is a key part of Mitch’s journey. While his work often speaks for itself, he acknowledges the importance of social capital in the creative industry. “Sometimes the work alone is not enough. You have to be open to ideas, talk to people, and build relationships. We are in the business of social capital. People approach me not just because they know my work, but also because they know me personally. That made it easier for The Tribe to reach out.”

The Poetry in Motion EP was designed as a collaborative effort, pairing artists based on their strengths and storytelling approaches. Mitch was paired with Maritza, a poet whose methodical and research-driven style complemented his more spontaneous, in-the-moment approach. “I usually write in the studio. Maritza, on the other hand, is very structured and does deep research. We met a few times, discussed our concept, and she came back with everything structured. I then added my parts in the studio, complementing her work rather than changing it. The result was a seamless blend of our styles.”

Despite its ambitious scope, the EP comprises only four tracks—a decision driven by the producers. “To be honest, for something this big, four tracks feel like a disservice,” Mitch admits. “But it comes down to resources, time, and the overall vision of the producers.”

One of the central themes of the EP is migration and globalization, which naturally led to a discussion about culture and identity. For Mitch, culture is not static. “We have to appreciate that culture evolves. It can go extinct, be integrated, or even colonized. What matters is that creatives continue to play their part in preserving it. Even if your work impacts just one or two people, you’ve done something meaningful. Our identities can be passed down through our stories. People listen; it’s just a matter of what they choose to engage with.”

Spoken word, in particular, holds a unique place in cultural preservation. Mitch sees it as a continuation of African oral traditions. “Spoken word has always been part of African culture—people sitting around a fire, passing down stories and knowledge. It’s one of the oldest art forms, and it’s deeply embedded in our identity. What better way to keep that tradition alive?”

However, spoken word remains a niche art form, and expanding its reach is a shared responsibility between artists and platforms. “As an artist, I do what I can with my platform. But the question I always ask mainstream platforms is: What are you doing to amplify spoken word? It’s a collective effort.”

Looking ahead, Mitch continues to explore new artistic avenues. “I’m always collaborating. Right now, I’m working on a project with a visual artist. It’s something we’ve been developing for a while. I always have concepts coming to me.”

His journey as a poet has been largely self-taught, shaped by experience and observation. “Life keeps teaching me. I learn by watching others. I’ve attended workshops, conferences, and festivals, but my formal background is actually in science.”

On the question of making a living as an artist, Mitch is pragmatic. “This is what they don’t tell you: You need a hustle that supports the artist before the artist can support the hustle. People don’t pay for talent—they pay for the brand behind the artist. So, build a brand, and the opportunities will follow.”

As for what’s next, Mitch has something special in store for his audience. “I have a show coming up soon called Mitch’s Manifest. Watch out for it.”