In a world where silence too often smothers truth, Fanta Barry known artistically as NAFTARY doesn’t just speak; she vibrates through you. At just 21, this Guinean artist isn’t merely performing; she’s reshaping what it means to be a voice for her generation. She’s bold, remarkably multi-talented, and her art springs directly from the heart of her people’s realities.
She doesn’t just perform poetry; she becomes it. And in that powerful transformation, every stage turns into something sacred: part battlefield for the mind, part altar for the soul, and always, utterly unforgettable.
A Slam Poet Born to Resonate
Creativity, it seems, wasn’t just a choice for NAFTARY; it coursed through her very veins from birth. She didn’t stumble upon slam poetry; she claimed it as her rightful domain. For five years now, it has been her chosen space for raw truth-telling, for poignant protest, and for deep healing. The year 2020 marked a pivotal moment: she was crowned the National Slam Champion of Guinea. This wasn’t just a personal victory; it ignited a powerful movement, radiating outwards from her captivating voice.
Her slam isn’t about ornate language or fleeting sounds. It’s purposeful. Her verses don’t simply drift away; they land with impact. And the world, predictably, began to take notice. By 2023, she stood on a global platform, proudly representing Guinea at the World Poetry Slam Championship in Brazil, her feet still firmly planted in the rich soil of her truth even as her voice soared across continents.
Beyond the Mic: A Multidisciplinary Maestro
Yet, to simply call NAFTARY a slam poet would be to miss the broader, vibrant tapestry of her artistry. She is, in every sense, a full-spectrum artist effortlessly weaving together threads of music, theater, literature, comedy, and communication into a single, extraordinarily powerful craft.
Her collaborations speak volumes. When her voice graced the track “M’mama,” it wasn’t merely a guest feature; it was an open window into her universe, where her powerful singing infused with poetic depth created a unique signature. Here, compelling rhythms meet raw, unvarnished emotion, elevated by the lyrical grace she carries from the slam stage.
On the theatrical stage, she commanded a leading role in “Guinè, In Search of Lost Balance,” a musical presented during the prestigious International Djembe Biennale. Here, NAFTARY doesn’t just act; she channels, embodying both the witness and the mirror to Guinea’s very soul.
Her literary contributions are equally sharp. As a co-author of “Les Guinéennes,” she stepped into the world of literature, lending her voice to amplify the diverse narratives of Guinean women. Her pen, much like her stage presence, is honest, urgent, and leaves an indelible mark.
Even in comedy and media, her versatility shines. From appearances at the Canal Comedy Club to hosting the vital public health show “Nani Nani Corona and Ebola” on Coron’Art Guinée, NAFTARY wields wit, humor, and keen awareness. She masterfully bridges the serious with the satirical, proving that even laughter can be a potent form of activism.
Art Meets Academia: A Mind for Impact
NAFTARY’s journey isn’t solely confined to the spotlight; it extends into the classroom. She’s currently pursuing a degree in Communication at ISIC de Kountia, where she thoughtfully blends academic insight with the rich tapestry of her lived experience. This educational background in media empowers her to seamlessly translate her art into tangible impact, whether through a compelling poem, a strategic campaign, or a powerful community performance.
This rare duality a sharp intellect paired with raw artistic instinct positions her as one of the most promising and influential cultural voices emerging from Guinea today.
Art, Backwards and Forwards
“I love art backwards and forwards,” she states simply, a phrase that perfectly encapsulates her approach.
She doesn’t conform to preconceived notions of what art should be. Instead, she boldly reimagines it, bending its boundaries to her will. Her aesthetic isn’t designed to merely please; it’s crafted to provoke, to stir thought, to challenge. Her performances aren’t polished for polite applause; they’re meticulously designed for awakening, for sparking genuine shifts within her audience.
She doesn’t just speak. She shifts things.
The Road Ahead: A Legacy in Motion
NAFTARY isn’t simply on the rise; she’s actively building a lasting legacy. With her multidisciplinary fire, her calm charisma, and her fearless authenticity, she stands at the forefront of a new generation of African creatives artists who are both deeply grounded in their roots and powerfully global in their reach.
Her voice doesn’t simply echo the world around her; it challenges it, inviting introspection and demanding attention.
And the world, undeniably, is beginning to listen.