Why poetry is tool for change – Deji Ige

So, my poem is a reminder to Africans of the past that united their struggle and the future for which they must unite so that the pain of the past will never be in vain.

Deji Ige is a creative writer, poet and spoken word artiste. He has performed for television, radio and social media audiences. Recently, he released a spoken word poetry album titled ‘Vintage’. Here, he talks about his new work, publishing a book, and more. Excerpts:

Bookshelf: Your new spoken word poetry album titled ‘Vintage’ explores themes that focus on women, motherhood, Africa, slavery, Nigerian history and more. What would you say generally triggered what you to put together?

Deji Ige: ‘Vintage’ was born out of passion for creativity, ingenuity, meandering thoughts, in-depth ideology, untamed expression, and an urge to create a phenomenon.

Bookshelf: In ‘Africa Remembers’ you spoke about Africa’s slavery experience. Why did you feel the need to remind Africans of slavery and what it was like?

Ige: The poem ‘Africa Remembers’ is a wakeup call for Africans to unite for the sake of the future and fortune of the continent. If you carefully flip the pages of history, you would realize that two major struggles in the past propelled a seamless unification of Africans. First was anti-slavery movement, the second was the liberation struggle against colonialism. No physical beacon was lit, neither was a hashtag generated on social media, yet Africans united, spoke with one voice and had their focus on a common goal. With their commitment, sweat, blood and willpower, slavery was shoved down the throat of the slave merchants and the colonial masters lost their jobs.

Now, there is a third imminent struggle that should unite Africans. Africans must unite for the Economic Liberation of Africa. At this point in history, we must strive for a unification that will herald a free and prosperous continent void of neo-colonialism, bigotry, and tribal rivalry. A continent that will not be brought to her ruin by ideological repression, poverty, bigotry, religious extremism, war and tales of woe. Only a unified Africa can liberate the continent. So, my poem is a reminder to Africans of the past that united their struggle and the future for which they must unite so that the pain of the past will never be in vain.

Bookshelf: In ‘Tell My Fortune’ you drew attention to Africa’s history and particularly how artefacts were stolen by Europeans. In recent times there have been moves to get them back and some were even reported to have been returned. What determines the subjects you treat in your work? Ige: My poems and writings are influenced by what I see with my eyes and through the eyes of others, what I hear, what I feel, my experiences and that of my society, my vision, prophecies and projections for the future.

Bookshelf: There are still cases of child marriages in Nigeria. Your poem, ‘I Shed Mournful Tears’, is a reminder of how deep it has sunk into our society. Do you think art, and poetry in particular can play a successful role in improving our society?

Ige: I know art and poetry can improve a society. Arts in whatever form, poetry, painting, music, drama, dance are powerful tools of communication, hence their potency to make a change. Art and poetry can propel ideological revolution which will help change the narrative regarding ugly traditions in the Nigerian society among which is child marriage.

Bookshelf: How did your journey as a poet begin?

Ige: At a point in my life I had too many words within me, woven into poetic webs. The webs of words would not let me rest until they were birthed on paper as poems and spoken word pieces. Then I started exposing my works to different audiences who in time became converts, consumers and followers. This is the genesis of my exodus as a writer and my revelation as a poet.

Bookshelf: Spoken word poetry is becoming more and more popular. How do you view its development in Nigeria so far?

Ige: The development of spoken word poetry in Nigeria is slow but consistent. It is gradually gaining prominence and finding its way into the pop culture. With consistency and tenacity of those who are bringing worth and prominence into this enigma called spoken word poetry, someday in Nigeria, its clout will rival that of music and drama.

Bookshelf: Do you intend to publish a book?

Ige: I will definitely publish a book before my curtain falls. Delving into spoken word poetry came out of my love, ability and passion for it.

Bookshelf: What are you working on at the moment?

Ige: I’m working on shooting videos for some tracks in the ‘Vintage’ album and also my doctorate degree in Media Arts.