The Revolution Of Spoken Word Poetry In Nigeria

Guest post By Mobola Oluwapelumi



It's no news that poetry has diverse definitions. If two poets were asked to tell what poetry is to them, there's no doubt each will defines poetry in respect to their views and understanding. Although poetry has no definite definition every poets however understood one thing: poetry is the expression of feelings and ideals, it uses specialized language, and it's ambiguous. As there's no specified definition for poetry so also nobody knows, who pioneer poetry? Meanwhile, It shouldn't go without notice, an ardent research shows that our forefathers knew poetry. Their poetry can be perceived in folklores, moonlight stories, songs, and talking drums as portrayed by Efua. T. Sutherland in his book "The Marriage of Anansewa" and as can be found in the work of the early stage theater practitioners like Baba Ogunde, Oyin Adejobi, Shola Ogunsola and the like whose performances are much embedded in talking drums after independence. As it's widely known poetry is one of the varying works of art which in its form encompasses many other forms. Spoken word poetry is one of this form. Spoken word poetry is one of the oldest forms of poetry that can be found anywhere in Africa and Nigeria in particular. In the olden days, there are many great orators, drum beaters, and flute players who usually perform for the kings, chiefs, and wealthy people in the village. A good example is "ewi kike" which is very rampant in the southern part of Nigeria. As recorded, it's very rich in imagery, symbolism, wordplays, rhythms, and gestures by the performer(akewi). This and the rests can be termed the first ever spoken word events to exist in Nigeria. However, as time elapsed colonization set in, democracy follows so is modernization, art of reading and writing is in full bloom. Many things changed, so is our perspectives. Has poetry now in oblivion? And especially spoken word poetry which can be considered as part of African cultural heritage.

When Nigeria was liberated we embraced reading and writing. So instead of performing poetry, we only have them written on pages of books. There are many award winning writers today who had written many poems to their names but not one is fit for performance. They lacked the rudiments for a spoken word poem (imagery, pun, wordplays, rhythms, probably rhyme and symbolism) as reading is not same as performing in which case the poem has to aid the performer. It took many years for Nigeria to get her groove back in the spoken word industry as revealed by the prolific famous writer and spoken word poet Sage Hasson in an interview " the very first time I did spoken-word poetry was in the 80’s. I had seen this guy called Muhtar Baruka, a Jamaican. He was the first spoken-word poet I ever saw. He came on stage and was like ‘aint no good to live in a white man country too long, ’ and I asked myself, ‘what is he doing?! ’ Everybody else was singing reggae, but here he was, rapping in this funny way. So, that’s when I started it, but I did it in the Jamaican patois. I attempted to do it in 2002, but I didn’t think Nigerians would like it so I shelved it and focused on journalism. However when I resumed in 2005, I was certain without a doubt that it was going to work because I knew God told me to do it, in fact I don’t think I have done everything that I could have done with spoken-word poetry." All thanks to Sage Hassan who many considered the Messiah who safe spoken word poetry from itself and from receding to back water forever.

When spoken word poetry shot into limelight, young writers including the adults felt a new dimension in their passion for poetry; to take it to stage. Now almost every poets and poetess love their word spoken. Spoken word groups and promoters sprang up, events and competitions were organized, and we can say it's becoming a success judging by the amounts of turn outs. Today many outstanding spoken word artiste, male and female grace the stages. However, the story doesn't end there. The majority of Nigerians especially those at the consumer end are yet take spoken word poetry seriously and so is the fund. Backbone of every business is 85% of finance. Spoken word industry needs more sponsors to organize events, encourage the artistes, and create more awareness in the society.

Uhm…well, allow me to mount this prophetic podium and I say with grace, in future spoken word will become a commodity that every home wouldn't do without. I bet that's the dream of every soul that's stake in this industry- the organizers, the promoters, the performers, and us the well wishers. Amen.


Contributing sources:
www.konnectafrica.com
Wikipedia
…and friends.