World Poetry Day: Young, vibrant Nigerian poets on the rise
In celebration of the World Poetry Day which was marked on the 20th of March 2017, YOUTHVILLE spoke to some young Nigerian poets making meaningful impacts among their peers and in the society at large.
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IYANU ADEBIYI
Iyanu Adebiyi is a writer and spoken words artiste with a number of viral poetry videos to her credit. She is also known for her Instagram Pic-poetry. The law graduate who resides in Abuja is currently working on "The Road Leads Me Home" a collection of poems.
How have you benefited from poetry?
Poetry has become the process through which I get to know and interact with myself. It has given me the opportunity to touch lives and make a difference in society in a creative way. I have benefited from the platforms it has brought and the sheer joy of living out my purpose.
How is benefitting from poetry?
I think that the benefit of poetry to Nigeria grows daily, because I see a formidable army of young poets rising up and this really excites me.
Through poetry, people are speaking up, telling the Nigerian story to the world the way they see it and this is something really beautiful.
Poetry is affording the Nigerian youth a means of livelihood, a sense of purpose and a voice.
It is not just writing about emotions anymore, poetry has become many things to many people and I see it taking centre stage when it comes to nation
KUKOGHO IRUESIRI SAMSON
Kukogho Iruesiri Samson is a poet and a poetry promoter, he runs one of the most successful Nigerian websites on poetry alongside several platforms for writers, authors to showcase their work, wares and events. He is the 2012 winner of Orange Crush Poetry prize and is currently working on his third book "Words of Eros." His other books are, "What can words do" and "I said these words".
How have you benefited from poetry?
Poetry has been my way of escape and expression. Through poetry, I have been able to escape from some world realities that may be more unpalatable than not. Inside the verses of my poetry and those of many other wonderful Nigerian poets, I find a source of infinite pleasure.
Poetry has also given me to ‘say-my-own’ in the sense that I am able to get my voice heard on societal issues in a creative and sort of safe way. Aside this, poetry has also helped me as an individual, professionally. With two books and a few awards, I can say I have had a few moments in the spotlight, thanks to poetry.
How has Nigeria benefited from poetry?
It is not arguable that the majority of Nigerian youth have found an escape in poetry, especially since the advent of social media which connected them to fellow poetry enthusiasts and demystified poetry from the esoteric art to the people’s art.
Keeping young minds engaged is very important to society, just as much as giving them an outlet, a voice of expression. As such, I would encourage individuals, bodies and governments to support the poetry movement.
SADDIQ M DZUKOGI
Saddiq M Dzukogi, is a poet and an editor. He also mentors young kids at the Hilltop Art Centre in Minna Dzukogi is among the 10-man shortlist of poets in the running for the 2017 Brunel International African Poetry Prize.
How have you benefited from poetry?
Poetry is to my body what the heart is to my body. It is that existential entity that my body concretized within itself in a bid to function in a world that constantly seeks to prove that it is an unjust one. Poetry is that formula that keeps the equation of my body balanced. I mean it is why I exist, and why I am able to keep a clear head in this cruel but beautiful world. Poetry allows me that access to the beauty of the world, and through it I know how creation works, that what is destroyed can be recreated. That there is no impossibilities. That is the enormous benefit I have been allowed to tap into. So you see, there is no end to its benefit, no number of pages can adequately afford me enough space to express these benefits.
What can Nigeria benefit from poetry?
A lot. Nigeria is quite a chaotic place to live in, but for me, poetry has given me the eyes to see the beauty of it. And I believe a lot of folks have that eyes through which they see and appreciate the country. No wonder we are "suffering and smiling".
BASIRU S. AMUNENI
Basiru S. Amuneni, who goes with stage name 'Bash' is an Architect by training, and now a banker, who is also a page and a performance poet. Bash has an audio collection of poems titled 'Freedom' and a collection of poetry "There is a lunatic in every town".
How have you benefited from poetry ?
I have benefitted in terms of monetary value, exposure, travel and friendship. The idea that your work is appreciated by people is also an immeasurable benefit.
How has Nigeria benefited from poetry?
It is an industry that is still budding. However, Nigeria can benefit from the potentials therein- which is replete in person and content, to create jobs, sell the Nigerian brand, which can greatly improve tourism and a generous sense of identity.