Gakuru is an artist whose essence can be captured in her favourite slogan, “Paintbrushes, Poems and Politics.” Recently returned to her artistic practice, she is a passionate creative, striving to create art that not only catches the eye or moves the audience but also contributes significantly to the emancipation of art, artist, and audience from oppressive domination and gentrification. From riffs and runs to poetic prose and freestyles, her work is a deliberate act of resistance. Deeply moved by music, attuned to film, and in love with the power of language, Gakuru listens as intently as she creates. Her work lives in the spaces where creativity and struggle meet. She dreams of a society where the artist is dignified, and their artistic labour positively contributes to nation-building. Recently founding a collective for artists, she channels this energy into spaces that churn creative passion into purpose.