The Nation Newspaper

Category: Arts & Life

  • Why poetry matters

    Why poetry matters

    March 21 every year is designated by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation as the World Poetry Day. A day set aside to pay resounding and deserving attention to poetry and poets all over the world. Distinguished Professor Niyi Osundare says so and why in this refreshing piece.

    Every day of the year is World Poetry Day. Let me begin by thanking the Baoa International Poetry Forum for selecting me as co-winner of the 5th Baoa International  Poetry Outstanding Achievement Award. From my own little corner of our world here in Nigeria, I send a resounding “Congratulation!” to my fellow winner, Xu Jingya,  whose poetry and other works I look forward to reading and sharing. In thus   recognizing us, the Baoa International Poetry Festival is not only honouring Poetry, Humanity’s most exalted literary genre; it is also for boosting its international outreach and capacity for building bridges and crossing boundaries.

         For poetry is the soulmate of music, the sister of the song. It is Humanity’s long, immeasurable ballad with a stanza in every language. Its sounds may vary from language to language, but its sounding possesses the magic of memory that finds basic affinities in all tongues. That magic is also the master of motion and movement, of measured swing and seamless sway. Poetry beats the drum of language – and in many cases, it is the very drum itself. Its primal communication with the human body is orchestrated by command without coercion. The ear responds to its rhyme, the body to its rhythm. In poetry’s power  is the charm which unwinds the wind, the sound which unsettles the conspiracy of silence. 

         Sound and sounding. Sounding and signifying. Making statements of meaning in ways that beautify the medium and transcend the prison of quotidian existence. Words and images which travel the miles, open up frontiers, and throw Bridges of Light over gulfs of hate and darkness. Words which run errands in time and space too distant for their senders. Words that are already on the other side of night even when their authors are still battling the haze of a preceding twilight. Words which connect intimately  and inter-spatially. Words which borrow their wisdom from the poem, their love from its lyric, their memory from its epic, their laughter from its sadness. Poems which follow as we lead; poems which lead wherever we follow. . . .

       Chinese poetry and I found each other at the right time. My ‘discovery’ of the poems of Ai Qing occurred in the early 1980’s in a period when a new wave of radicalization was sweeping  through the Nigerian academia, and Nigerian literature began to respond to a liberating leftist impetus emerging from our contact with the works and practices of the likes of Marx, Lenin, and Mao Tsetung. Chairman Mao’s charm was particularly magical: it was both astonishing and inspiring to discover that that great leader of people was also a significant author of poems. His acute apprehension of the people’s mindscape was indivisible from his profound understanding of the landscape, and the culture from which both emerged. He was a poet of nature in the most ennobling sense of the phrase.  Mao’s poetry prepared me for  the relevance and immediacy of Aig Qing’s verse, his well-travelled perspective, his multidisciplinary cosmopolitanism, his borderless Humanism. And so when Ai Qing declared in that clear, deliberative tone:

    I shall bring light for the world 

    I shall bring warmth for mankind

    he reminds me so admirably of Kuo Mo-jo’s confidence in the lines

    The one that is all sings for joy

    the all that is one sings for joy  

               (Selected Poems from The Goddess, p. 16).

    This love for and of Humanity, this eagerness to project beyond one’s immediate place of origin and invest in the commonality of positive Humanity across the world; this image of the poet as bridge-builder and purveyor of humane values – these are some of the virtues I have discovered in the poetry of Cao Shui, a member of a younger generation of contemporary poets whose verse beams ample rays on a world in need of light. The petals of Flowers of Empire are watered by the urgent rains of a thinker whose poetry invites us to see the universe anew even as we commence an urgent reconsideration of the Blight of Babel.

         Poetry matters. Poetry matters immeasurably. That is why we are gathered here from different parts of the world today, in celebration of its infinite possibilities and the  humanizing magic of its music. It is poetry’s abiding duty to make sure that the mouth of our Universe is not far from its ears, that its mind is not far from its music.

         Before I end this short speech, let me make a risky confession: I am one of those idealists who still believe that “poetry can save the world”. Maybe because many times, my own life has been saved by that belief  itself.

         Poetry matters because it never fails to remind us of the common colour of the blood in our veins, the violence of hunger, the ugliness of evil, the frailty of our forests, the vulnerability of our rivers, and the sigh of our Planet. Poetry never forgets, and never ceases to remind the Future of its debt to the Past.  Wherever Justice is hidden, you can trust poetry to seek and find it. For in its lyrical habitation lives our Lamp of Life.

         Poetry matters because it is Life’s pristine verse and its Ultimate Song

    •Acceptance Speech for the 5th Baoa International Poetry Outstanding Achievement Award, Shanghai, China; slightly modified here for the commemoration of the  2023 World Poetry Day

  • Celebrating sensational sentiments

    Celebrating sensational sentiments

    Title: Candid Sentiments – a collection of select radio news commentaries
    Author: Igba Ogbole
    Publishers: Chapuga, Benue State
    Reviewer: Edozie Udeze
    Year of publication: 2021
    Naturally, it takes special ingenuity to write a good radio commentary. Even in the newspaper editorial tradition, it is only people with special gift and highly discernable frame of mind that are qualified to do so. The reason is simple. It is taken that editorial; ditto radio commentary represents the official position of the management on an issue. This was what Igba Ogbole took the risk to do for many decades for the people, for the entire Nigerian society. His is not just highly commendable; here is a man who brought all his zeal, exposure on the job and deep sense of dedication to dwell on issues as they unfolded.
    What makes the collection more deep-rooted, far reaching in all spheres is that Ogbole has been bold, fearless and indeed moderate in his choice of words and expressions. Here, therefore, is a candid collection of Candid Commentaries that are made to stand a test of time. In all spheres of journalism profession whether print or electronic, the over-riding principle is to stick to the rules of the game. This is what the author has carried on his shoulders all his active professional life that once you pick the Candid Sentiments – a collection of select radio news commentaries to read, your eyes, brain, senses, conscience, all, open up to the realities of the happenings in Nigeria, in the world at large.
    You can then see and realize how every event in the society becomes a point of concern to the 4th Estate of the Realm. Ogbole’s sense of observation is huge, incredible and intimidating. He is attentive to details. He loves to paint an issue for the necessary results. He is at home with the right expressions to register his urgent impression. At intervals, you encounter a newshound, a snooper, whose eyes and ears are on ground. Issues that trouble all classes of people, all sections of the society, the ordinary depressed man on the streets strike for his attention. And so this collection is a cursory exposition of what the Nigerian society stands for, what the leader and the led indulge in daily either to make or mar the status quo.
    The commentaries are hot, appropriately spiced to suit, to appeal, to douse and to redeem. Beyond analysing the sequences of events that led him into the foyers of a profession he loves so much, Ogbole is naturally effusive, sentimentally committed to truism. His works truly serve as the watchdog of the society. All the themes, topics, deeds and happenstances people usually take for granted adorn the pages of this thought-provoking work.
    In dividing the works into sections, he has not only made the reading attractive, easier, he has equally succeeded in showing how thorough and organized and of course, how sentimental he has truly come to be. Ranging from the turbulent theme of gender equality to education, to agriculture, health issues, religious matters to environmental pollution, he has been able to redraw attention to areas of headaches and squabbles in the polity. He is not done yet. Ogbole digs deeper, he foresees tomorrow. He is a doyen of daring where it seems no one cares to thread. Insecurity is a somewhat sacred theme in this clime. But Ogbole says no.
    In that typical, fearless device of his, he lashes out at the problem areas of national security, more so, as it pertains to the North. The sentiments are a bit lugubrious because he hits the nail on the head. Hear him: “The need for caution over calls for grazing routes and reserves.” As if not satisfied, he opines: “The series of unprovoked attacks by herdsmen on farming communities in parts of the country particularly Benue State has remained a shocking experience (page 129). The ferocity of the attacks, the high number of people killed, the large number of homes and property destroyed and the naked fear and helplessness on the faces of thousands displaced as well as the near-impossible challenge they posed to security agencies at the beginning created the impression that a pogrom was in the offing”.
    Ogbole hammers on reasons for this anomie, this state of uproar and rudderless attitude in the society. Each commentary, whether about governance, politics, or on personalities, has the weight of the observatory instincts that speak much about what the society stands for… some of the themes pinch hard at the matter. See, the renewed attacks on Benue communities by herdsmen. And what of this: “The open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law 2017 and the threat from without”. Here, the cries and moaning over the killings of defenceless farmers, women and children as well as the destruction of crops and other valuable property, daily reverberate across the nation… (Page 135). And more. But this is vintage Ogbole, audacious and brave and courageous.
    Although, most of the commentaries dwell on Benue State for the clear reason that he worked for Radio Benue, the commentaries are serious eye-openers. Each does it; this is the approach given to issues in terms of grammatical expression. For Ogbole, the American age-long aphorism that there is dignity in simplicity turns out to be his mantra in all the commentaries. Simple English that drips with meaning, fascinating words embellish the commentaries.
    It is a book apt for students of history, sociology, social studies, mass communication and related courses in the Humanities. It is in reading the book that one gets to understand and appreciate what the commentaries mean to all. It is in studying the book that one knows the inner-workings of the press, broadcasting being the parametre. The book is neatly presented, properly edited and demarcated into chapters and sections to lure and sustain readers. This is a collection to read to become more addicted and attuned to societal inanities and the sorts that make a people what they are. Ogbole’s deep offering is very commendable and a rich addition to Nigerian body of literature and literary affairs.

  • Asika makes award list ofArt of Afrobeats

    Asika makes award list ofArt of Afrobeats

    For his several decades of promoting The Arts, across music and visual arts Obi Asika has been listed among quite a number of professionals to be honoured at the second edition of ArtMiabo International Art Festival (AMIAF 2023). Writes EDOZIE UDEZE.

    Asika, founder and CEO of Storm 360 – an indigenous music label – has supported quite a number omof Nigerian creative professionals including Naeto C, Ikechukwu, General Pype, L.O.S., Ms Jaie, Tosin Martins, Yung 6ix and Sasha P, among others in the Afrobeats and R&B genres.

    Themed Art of Afrobeats,’ and holding from April 27-May l 2023, at Ebonylife Place, Victoria Island Lagos, AMIAF 2023 edition is regared as a rare visual arts festival with focus and theme on the trajectory of the Afrobeat music genre. Conceived by founder and artist, Miabo Enyadike, AMIAF made its debut last year at the same venue, bringing a rich concept of exhibition into the visual arts scene.

    From historical context of the ‘Art of Afrobeats’ theme of AMIAF 2023, Asika shared the thoughts of a strong link between art and Afrobeats. “I think the pastels and colours of our visual arts and culture have long been seen in Afrobeats colours,” he noted during a chat. “If you see a TG Omori Ashake video, you see all of these elements come together effortlessly.” He explained that the directorial energies in the said musical video is something   worth seeing for directors who are  more “concerned about the aesthetic than the superficial bling and accessories.”

    And in broader scope, Asika argued that as much as Afrobeat and fashion has pushed “the notion of African luxury” into the popular culture space, there is need to be more “intentional” about such duality. “I would like to see more collaborations between our major music talents and their African counterparts both on the continent and globally.” Yes, Nigerian music is already global, he agreed, but added that “it’s important to bring cultural goods and products along with it so that we can monetize further.”

     Bringing his thoughts to the specificity of art, Asika stated: “For me our taste and culture and art have inspired Europe from Van Gogh to Versace, but we were cut out of the benefits loop, it is time for us to bring our taste to the world through our cuisine, fashion, art, style, dance, comedy and general joie de vivre.”

    He noted that though the music is energising all of the soft power, but being specific goes a long way. Asika cited, for example, “the collaboration between Osinachi, who is one of the top Digital artists in the world and a global pioneer in NFts, who collaborated with Don Jazzy to release a very well received NFT collection.” Such collaboration, he hoped will bring much results as Nigerian contents music progresses on the global stage. “It will take along with it all the core elements of our soft power and culture.”

     Asika’s career suggests that he is not exactly new to visual arts. He is a major family art collection, of mainly antiquities such as igbo masks, Nok objects, Igbo-Ukwu bronzes, among others.

    AMIAF is enjoying supports from Piql,

    Cabal, Multichoice Nigeria, Ebonylife Place, JCDecaux, and Translucent S.I. Communication.

    And what does the new addition AMIAF award mean to Asika? “In the first place, it’s a delight to be honoured, having been a custodian of a major family art collection like igbo masks, some Nok, bronzes, igbo-ukwu,” Asika enthused. “I also have a hub and museum at Onitsha, Iba Ajie, which was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as being active in the community, enabling schools and kids to come and use our facilities.”

     Highlighting his interest in AMIAF, Asika disclosed that he love the focus of the festival. “I am a big fan of the important work that Miabo is doing and her own talent as an artist herself. I strongly believe we need more of such events in Nigeria.”

     AMIAF 2023 is not just taking from the current pool of art appreciation, but also investing into the energies of the future. This much comes with AMIAF Slot 2023, a talent space for young artists between age 25-35.

     Enyadike announced 12 shortlist finalists from 100 entries received for AMIAF Slot 2023. Paul Ogunlesi, Oladele Ogbeyemi, Kakulu Ehime, Ganiyat Oriyomi, Faith Michael, Adeniyi Adewole, Daniel Oruwhone, Azeez Salami, Adedamola Adeyemo, Alu Kofoworola, Atiye Afolabi and Popoola Nurudeen are the 12 finalists. “Each AMIAF Slot 2023 finalist will be given individual exhibition space at no cost to feature their ‘artofafrobeats’ artworks in the Artmiabo International Art Festival, starting on April 27- May 1 2023 at Ebonylife Place Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria,” Enyadike stated. To be curated by Yusuf Durodola, AMIAF 2023, features nearly 30 artists from different parts of the world. Among the artists and historian with link to Afrobeat participating in the event are Lemi Ghariokwu as guest fine artist; historian and music promoter, Ed Keazor; and France-based designer, Babatunde Banjoko.

  • Insight into Ogunbiyi’s Footprints…

    Insight into Ogunbiyi’s Footprints…

    Insurance mogul Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi has added another feather to his cap – writing. After working with figures for years, the brain behind one of Africa’s leading insurance company, Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc., tells it all in his new book titled: Akin Ogunbiyi: Footprints of a Peerless Entrepreneur. The businessman-turned-author shared his book experience with dignitaries in Lagos. EVELYN OSAGIE writes.

    After trading in and conquering the world of numbers, Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc. chair, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, is set to delve into the market of words. As one known to have a knack for spotting and promoting talents, his creative zest has led him onto the world of words – writing.

    Ogunbiyi, who believes ‘storytelling is the bridge between numbers and evaluation process’, is out with his book entitled: Akin Ogunbiyi: Footprints of a Peerless Entrepreneur.

    It was a cerebral voyage into world of the mogul-turned-author when he took dignitaries into his “grass to grace” story at a media unveiling of his book at his company’s headquarters in Lagos.

    According to the author, the book features some of his thoughts, voyages and intellectual exploits.

    “The strength of this well-researched book lies, in taking these into account and in crystallising otherwise complicated narratives, into readable form without missing out on the essentials. It is certainly a prelude to my autobiography, which would come out in the fullness of time. It deals with how young entrepreneurs should see life, perceive life and see their vision and pursue it to a logical conclusion,” he said.

    The event, which was anchored by Pastor Gbenga Ogunko, former Group Managing Director of Mutual Benefits, featured readings from sections of the book by the author and other dignitaries in attendance.

    They included the wife of the author, Adedotun; Company Secretary, Mutual Benefits Assurance, Mr. Jide Ibitayo, and the company’s Group Finance Director, Hakeem Oguntola, among others.

    Ogunbiyi led the pack as he read from the book, beginning with his early childhood “Life in the Village” that informed the man he became. He brought to life his adventures as a teenager in school, hunting, farming, fishing and so on; calling attention to some life’s lessons acquired along the way.

    “My siblings and I usually went to the farm at about 5:30am to carry out assignments for their father and return early to go to school. These were the things that gave them joy then, especially when they had a bountiful harvest or had a big catch in the river,” he said.

    From his early life, Ogunbiyi then took guests to his “Life as a student at Ife”, nestled on Page 27 of the book, noting that university exposure shaped his perspectives and moderated his thinking as he got to understand human beings more, the essence of networking better, appreciate the value of hard work and importance of distinction.

    From his going to Agricultural Insurance to setting up his own firm, it is evident that the road to success was not an easy one as reflected on Chapter Two (“Setting out in Life”) of his book. But, as he read on, the book posits that with mentors one can reach the destination quicker and safer.

    “When I wanted to start Mutual Benefits, my father didn’t have all the tonnes of money, nor my mother. But, Chief Aret Adams volunteered to be my guarantor when I needed N5 million in 1995. What I will tell young people is, ‘please, make a good first impression at any point in time. You never can tell who God has positioned on your way to help you. So, make a good first impression. The result of the N5 million is what we see today.

    “You can also have models or mentors without meeting them. But, how do we get our young ones to start the habit of reading books. I publish in The Tribune newspaper every Monday on entrepreneurship and leadership. I still read, but the young ones want to cut corners. If a child is born, he has to go through the natural developmental stages, without that, he can only meet failure. So, I believe this book will go a long way to inspire young ones,” he said.

    His wife, Adedotun, also read some pages of the book, precisely pages 55 to 62, while stating that she sees Ogunbiyi as her “pearl of excellence, her pride, prince charming and a miracle packaged by God especially and specifically for her.

    The foreword of the book, written by a former Commissioner for Insurance, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Fola Daniel, read by Mr. Ibitayo described the book as “an excellent motivational material in mentorship”.

    On how he felt reading the book to his guests, Ogunbiyi said: “It was actually an exciting time. I never knew we would have something like this, but having to read a portion of the book was really interesting and exciting for me. And, of course, having my wife read that aspect that I wrote about her, I am sure I will get a good treat from her.

    “All together, it was very interesting. I feel very satisfied. It’s a book I know will inspire many young boys and girls. That is exactly what we want the book to do. There are a lot of things that will inspire a lot of people in the book.”

  • Life as celebrity realtor – Abel Egbarin

    Life as celebrity realtor – Abel Egbarin

    Despite the indecisive economy occasioned by the surge in inflation and naira crunch, serial entrepreneurs in the country have continued to make headways in their businesses leveraging various means and tools to find their niche and rise to stardom.

    One such individual is Abel Egbarin. He is a real estate developer who has stolen the hearts of existing property lovers with his commendable trajectory in the real estate industry through his firm Obimzy Properties Ltd.

    The music business icon turned property developer boasts of developed properties nationwide, especially in Lagos.

    His efforts, which have paid off, have attracted potential clients both home and abroad, including entertainment personalities of high repute and deep pockets .

    “Many people want to do business with obimzy properties based on our track records,” Abel Egbarin informed, “People that have bought properties from us still want to secure more and spread the gospel of the quality of the properties you can acquire.”

    Before he delved into the real estate business, the serial business magnate had etched his name in the hearts of bigwigs in the entertainment space in Nigeria through his music record label Obimzy records , which gave him an edge over others.

    He said: “I am proud to say I have sold properties to many African celebrities. I am sure your favourite artistes have bought one from me. I am everywhere, and I always try to get busy. So I get involved in many activities beyond project development.”

    For Egbarin, his sterling feat is thanks to his integrity and value. “Give value always and never stop giving value in anything you do, as well as paying attention to every detail is important. “

    He added: “Treat it like a child and nurture it properly. I go as deep as picking my bricks myself. I am that detailed.”

    While it is undeniable that every business has its peculiar hiccups, the Delta-state-born real estate developer highlighted, “Completing a project is the best feeling you can have.
    We have had much of that, and I am grateful. Nigeria and its systems are the major challenges, but we are making it work. We are happy the people are moving with us.”

    Egbarin, who has established himself as a successful luxury property developer has leveraged social media like Instagram and Facebook to further take his message across seamlessly.

    In his words: “Instagram has played a major role in the growth of my brand. I must say.” Adding that the business niche that catapulted him to the apogee is his persistence and resilience in giving value.

    Giving his two cents on the most valuable places to invest in properties in Lagos and Abuja. “The most pricey place to acquire properties in the southwest is Lagos, Ikoyi and Banana Island for the north central like Abuja, its Maitama and Asokoro and guzzape .”

    Egbarin described those places as expensive and ideal for business. “With the situation in the country, we ensure our clients get good deals to get value for their money while maintaining good relationships with them.”

  • Questions & answers for the day

    Questions & answers for the day

    Give me food and I will live. Give me water and I will die, what am I?

    Ans: Fire

    What can fill an entire room without occupying space?

    Ans: Light

    What is black when you get it,red when you use it,and white when you are through with it?

    Ans: Charcoal

    Take off my skin and I won’t shed a tear…but you will,what am I?Ans:An onion

    People make me,raise me and change me.What am I?

    Ans: Money

    What disappears the moment you say its name

    Ans: Silence

    Which word in the dictionary is always spelt incorrectly?

    Ans: The word “Incorrectly”

    It belongs to you but 

    everyone uses it more than you do?

    Ans: Your name

    Which is correct?15 + 118 is 134 or 118 +15 is 134

    Ans: Neither are 

    correct….15 + 118 is 133

    What is easy to get into but hard to get out of?

    Ans: Trouble

    What can you catch but can not throw?

    Ans: Cold

    What is black and white and red all over

    Ans: Newspaper

    Reminder: Don’t forget to put a smile on that beautiful/handsome face of yours😀

    Compiled by – Eze Benita 

    Contact info: 09130534806

  • Riddles for the day

    Riddles for the day

    Life can be full of a roller coaster ride but sometimes it is advised to put the negativity aside and smile

    Here are some riddles to brighten up your day:

    What can cut like a knife, sting like a bee, carry truth and lies but never moves or speaks?

    Ans: Words

    What can you hold in your right hand but not your left?

    Ans: Your left hand

    What can run but never walks?

    Ans: Water

    What can be open and close but no human can ever pass through it?

    Ans: Mouth

    Some math riddles:

    What occurs once a year,twice a week but not in a day?

    Ans: The letter “E

    What 4 days of the week start with the letter “T”? 

    Ans: Tuesday, Thursday, Today and Tomorrow

    Some motivational quotes to start your day :

    Let perseverance be your engine and hope your fuel – Martin Luther king jr

    That which does not kill us…makes us stronger – Friedrich Nietzsche

    When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind….not with it

    Compiled by – Eze Benita 

    Contact info:09130534806

  • When Abby Kesington joined Houston poet laureate, others at 2023 Color: Story

    When Abby Kesington joined Houston poet laureate, others at 2023 Color: Story

    Nigerian-born poet Abby Kesington, who featured at the 2023 Color: Story, a biennial collaborative visual art and poetry exhibition created by artists Marlo Saucedo and Leslie Gaworecki to bridge creative worlds, is slowly but steadily carving a niche for herself in the Houston art community, writes culture journalist JOHN AKINS.

    It used to house bags and bags of rice. Now, the Silos at Sawyer Yards, which regally sits between Edwards and Winter St in Houston, is the heart of Houston’s visual arts.

    The building, with a large metal sign that reads “The Silos” on the top left corner, has an orange door with the inscription “studio entrance.”

    It was through this door that Nigerian-born poet and one-time reporter with Daily Independent and Tell, Abby Kesington, Houston Poet Laureate David Appleton and over 20 other poets and several artists and art lovers found their way into Gallery 100 for the 2023 Color: Story, a biannual event with the objective of bridging the gap between visual arts and poetry.

    Like others, Abby Kesington got the invite to be part of the show, and thought of what to do with it.

    She eventually submitted an entry titled ‘Finish Line’, a poem with imageries of the skyline, sunshine, clouds, rain and coastline. It is an inspirational piece that screams “when life storms like a feline/ Tearing down your baseline/ Leaving you without an anchor/ Remember the sun still shines”.

    The piece adds that “when friends go offline/ And no help from the bloodline/ Remember the sun still shines”.

    Weeks after she submitted this poetic piece that preaches optimism in the face of challenges, she got a congratulatory letter from the organisers. She is one of the chosen. Many fell by the way side.

    The victory seems a confirmation that poetry has found her. And on April 8, she stood before an audience of artists, poets and art lovers to read ‘Finish Line’ at one of Houston’s most iconic silo buildings.

    Screaming, applause and more greeted her recital when she got to the touching last line: “That it was all by design to bring you to the finish line.”

    There is an interesting story to the poem ‘Finish Line’, which the organisers fittingly paired with the visual art of Rodrigo Aguilera, a piece titled ‘And Pray’. Her poem and Aguilera’s piece were on the wall of fame at the exhibition. “I wrote that poem,” Abby Kesington recalled, “on a very challenging day when it seemed all hope was lost.”

    The poet was battling what she described as “a monster anxiety”. Words came to her rescue. “I was able to put things in perspective and sustained my sanity.”

    Abby Kesington, whose poems usually focus on anxieties, freedom, women rights, poverty, and climate change, managed to contain her excitement about the reception of her rendition.

    “I was nervous about this but I’m happy it went well,” she said.

    Her nervousness is not unconnected to the fact that she is more of a poetry for the page person.

    “When I started, it never crossed my mind that I will ever read it on stage. It was a form of therapy to just let out those words buzzing in my head. So I think poetry for the page comes easier for me but I’m very much open to new opportunities of poetry on stage,” said Abby Kesington.

    She sees no need for some literary critics who tend to dismiss spoken word/performance poetry as not poetry.

    “I think the goal is to have the reader or audience appreciate your work. Poetry is a form of art that is blessed with an advantage to have the words perform before an audience. Now reading the poem aloud sometimes lend credence to the work and it is very much left to the audience at that point.

    “As a child and young adult, Abby Kesington read everything from her father’s Hints magazine to suspense novels and thrillers to the novels of Camara Laye, and Chinua Achebe. Though she studied Political Science for her first and second degree, writing was her first calling and she worked with two of Nigeria’s renowned newspapers and magazines, Daily Independent and Tell. Like most writers, Abby Kesington doubted her poetry; she thought she was just doing it to fight her ‘inner demons’.

    “Poetry found me at the doldrums of life, when all hope was lost and I didn’t have anything to live for. It gave me renewed hope in humanity. A renewed sense of self. Don’t get me wrong, I still fight my inner demons,” she said.

    She is not unaware of the burden of tradition for many Nigerian poets to write poetry that tends towards the socially committed poetry, which ace performance poet Efe Paul Azino once described as ‘art in the shadows of protest’.

    “Poetry is an expression of the experiences of the poet. Now because of the social economic climate or should I say injustice, many of the poems from Nigeria seem to take on the narrative of protest.

    However, my poems are a kind of protest against social differences and the seeming injustice of race, gender, age and abuse, not necessarily in the Nigerian sense.

    “Poetry, she says, means a form of expression. “Beyond the art is the poet’s experiences all morphed into words. A window to the poets’ mind and sometimes heart.

    “She is an apostle of the modern form of poetry, but with some sentiments for the old sonnet.

    “I like the modern forms because the poet is not boxed into a form. You have the freedom of expression. Juxtaposition of prose and poetry, imagery and concepts that push the norm. I like that very much.”

    Her literary influences are diverse. The list includes Nigeria’s Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, the late American poet Maya Angelou and the Chilean poet, late Pablo Neruda.

    Abby Kesington’s poems seem to draw their ideals from the words of Zimbabwean writer Yvonne Vera who said: “A woman writer must have an imagination that is plain stubborn, that can invent new gods and banish ineffectual ones.”

    She desires poetry to deliver her to posterity. She wants her poems to outlive her.

    “For generations to come to read my works and see that I identify with issues like anxieties, freedom, women rights, poverty, and climate change,” she said.

  • Biodun Stephens, Laide Daramola speak on ‘Hotel Labamba’

    Biodun Stephens, Laide Daramola speak on ‘Hotel Labamba’

    Popular Nigerian filmmaker Biodun Stephens has collaborated with Laide Daramola for a joint production entitled ‘Hotel Labamba.’

     In a recent chat, Stephens and Daramola hinted on the feature film scheduled for an April 27 cinema release.

     Stephens, who took on the role of the film’s director said, “Having a lot of movies in the works is very exciting, and directing the comedy-drama, ‘Hotel Lambaba’, stands out in all aspects, and everyone needs to look forward to it.  I am equally very excited about it and for everyone to see the magic we’ve made.”

     ‘Hotel Lambaba,’ which features Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Ademoye, Lilian Afegbai, Bolaji Ogunmola, Kachi Nnochiri, Blessing Jessica Obasi, Etinosa Idemudia, and Femi Adebayo, follows the mysterious murder of a popular Instagram influencer in Hotel Lambaba which is hidden in plain sight but known by only those who want exclusivity or something to hide.

     On her part, Daramola, who runs Lady Laide Films, described the comedy-drama as a product of teamwork, great storytelling, and an exceptional cast and crew members.

     “Hotel Lambaba is an opportunity to showcase the behind-the-scenes that goes on in our society on a daily basis, uncovering murder, the justice system, and much more. This project was exciting, and I’m sure the viewers will love the storytelling and have a good laugh while at it.”

  • PMAN hails Buhari for signing new Copyright Act

    PMAN hails Buhari for signing new Copyright Act

    The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigerian (PMAN) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the Copyright Amended Bill, which repeals the Copyright Act, Cap C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

     President Buhari, on March 17, appended his signature to the Copyright Act 2022, which provides for the regulation, protection and administration of copyright in Nigeria.

    In a statement by Pretty Okafor, the PMAN president, the signing of the bill into law by Buhari is a welcome development.

     While applauding President Buhari, Okafor said the new Copyright Act will go a long way in promoting creativity and encouraging Nigerian artistes to be more productive.

     The PMAN president also expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN; Director General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asein and  the National Assembly members for the legislation.

     He also thanked Honourable Tokunbo Abiru representing Lagos State, Nigerian musicians, especially 2face Idibia and Nollywood actors that accompanied him to the National Assembly to defend the bill during the public hearing.

     “President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated unalloyed commitment to the growth of Nigerian music and entertainment. This noble gesture will not only have a positive impact on the nation’s creative sector, it would also rub off greatly on the economy,” Okafor said.

     The PMAN president appealed to all Nigerians, most especially, content creators and users, to support President Buhari’s gesture and ensure that the initiative works for a better creative industry.

     “I hereby appeal to all Nigerians especially content creators and users to support this noble initiative of President Muhammadu Buhari. I equally appeal to all music pirates and unauthorised creative content users to desist from their nefarious activities, as it would not be business as usual with this new Copyright Amendment Bill,” Okafor stressed.