Drops Of Melanin: From Campus Dropout To Internationally Acclaimed Spoken Word Sensation

• Najma, a Kenyan-Somali woman, grew up in a marginalised community and went through a rough patch in life that saw her drop out of campus and end up in hospital
• As she braved the lonely hospitalisation period, she remained sane by venting through poems, which gave birth to an emotional book that introduced her to the world
• Seven years later, Najma, now known as Drops of Melanin, is an acclaimed poet who performs across the world and serves clients like World Vision and the UN

Najma Saleh aka Drops of Melanin is a spoken word artist, author, poet, and fashionista, but she can best be described in one word: resilience.

She has seen it all, from growing up as a Kenyan Somali orphan to getting depressed and dropping out of university.

However, the rough patches that dotted her life did not deter her from rising up from the ashes to become one of Kenya's most famous poets.

Najma started from dark space

In an interview with Dada Next Door, Najma shared her remarkable journey of self-discovery that brought forth the Drops of Melanin the world now knows.

The second-to-last born in a family of eight disclosed that she stumbled upon her latent poetry talent during her university days when a friend overheard her reciting profound lines.

However, life took an unexpected turn as she faced personal challenges, leading her to drop out of university.

Struggling with depression, she found solace in expressing herself through words during the hospitalisation period.

“I figured that I needed to translate what was going on in my life through words, and I wrote a 156-page novel,” she disclosed.

Journey of self-discovery

Najma, however, decided against publishing the book just before production began and chose to transform each chapter into a poem.

As fate would have it, her turbulent period marked the inception of her poetic journey that would endear her to the world.

The idea was to skillfully weave her emotions into lines that concealed the rawness of her personal experiences.

Seven years later, Najma reflects on this transformative period with gratitude, acknowledging the blissful path it played in who she has become.

Poetry pays her well

Over the years, Najma's poetic prowess has become a means of personal expression and a source of livelihood.

She has graced stages across the globe, captivating audiences with her powerful spoken-word performances.

In 2019 alone, Najma delivered over 150 performances, solidifying her internationally recognized spoken word artist status.

Among the notable clients who've engaged her services are World Vision and the United Nations, allowing her to use her voice to raise awareness and advocate for important causes.

Voice of the voiceless

In November 2023, for instance, she had an open mic session in Dubai at an event dubbed Art for Palestine.

Hailing from a minority group, Najma is now dedicated to empowering women, particularly those facing disadvantages.

“I grew up in a space where most times I would be the only woman in a hijab at events full of men, so I learned how to ensure my voice is heard,” she said.

When Najma is not writing and reciting poems to audiences worldwide, she runs a law firm that deals with corporate law.