Words can make or break people. And a picture speaks a thousand words. Now fuse words and pictures in the form of poetry, photography, graffiti and fashion, and what do you get? WAPI…

WAPI, which stands for Words and Pictures, is a British Council initiative that was launched in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2006 and now operates in Nigeria and Tanzania too. It’s a platform for underground artists – whatever their medium – to meet and compete and show what they can do.

According to the British Council’s Tanzanian project leader, Kate Ewart-Biggs, WAPI events are held monthly at British Council offices. They provide an opportunity for record labels and fashion houses to spot new artists and uncover fresh talent. ‘We have an open mic session so that anyone from the crowd can express themselves freely,’ says Ewart-Biggs.

‘WAPI gives young artists a peaceful and safe venue to perform and engage with an audience,’ she adds. ‘It’s also an opportunity for the audience to listen to something new and be part of a creative community.’

Ewart-Biggs applauds the British Council for creating this space for young people in Kenya, as it became one of the few neutral places during the recent political crisis. ‘The country was in turmoil; it was a dark period,’ she says, ‘and WAPI gave them the opportunity to come together and debate issues creatively through their different art forms – be it graffiti, poetry or hip hop.’

Asked why she feels that the British Council should continue supporting such initiatives, she says: ‘WAPI encourages creative entrepreneurs and gives them an opportunity to develop. It also serves as an entrance point for them to be trained in order to build a creative economy, and engages them in the issues of the day.’

Doors have opened for a number of underground artists who have performed at WAPI, she says. ‘We have received a lot of positive feedback. People say it’s a cool place and they are grateful for WAPI.’

One of the big names that graced the stages of WAPI to perform and give some motivation is American underground Hip Hop artist Dead Prez. ‘A lot of prominent artists come and perform here, they especially enjoy the open mic sessions,’ says Ewart-Biggs.

Kenyan project leader Eva Kiiru says WAPI is a new kind of project for the British Council. ‘We are developing a relationship with young people in a different way from the other projects we have.’

‘It’s an opportunity for young people to express themselves and be visible in all art forms. Many artists have been identified here by companies and individuals, leading to numerous commissions - murals, performances at corporate functions.

Eva says the artists appreciate the platform they have been given. ‘It has given artists a space for social and political commentary and an opportunity to be taken seriously where no censorship is exercised.

To find out more about WAPI or to perform contact your nearest British Council office. Watch Dead Prez live in Kenya and other videos of previous WAPI events on YouTube . You can also watch more WAPI videos on JubiiTV.