Poetry is Life

By Ayanda Abeke

Poetry in the ancient African community is commonly seen as the basic information transmitter to educate, persuade and instruct young folk and clan-folk on what to do and what not to do. Its importance in the development and resistance of African folk against post and neo-imperialism and colonialism cannot be underestimated. The morals and ethics of Africa flow freely through its poetry. There is no way African history: heroic stories, folktales, fables and fairytales could be told devoid of poetry embellishment. A doctor of divination will never consult his oracle without some few lines of poetry and folk-medicine is never administered on patient without some lines of medicinal-poetry been rendered. In Africa of old, events were incomplete without poetry. Few of the forms of poetry include: Ekun Iyawo, Ijala, Ewi, Esa Eegu and others.

Kowry Kreations Media, a literary organization that is concerned with the revitalization and sustainability of African arts, culture and values started its itinerary with Poetry Potter. This is a platform created for poets, storytellers, folk-dancers and artists to meet, share, educate and exhibit their various creative ingenuity. And since its inception, it has been a meeting place for both creative personalities and a literate audience.

The 8th edition of this lovely event held on 30th September, 2006 turned out to be a platform for intellectual discussion on Nigeria politics with Ayo Arigbabu (the Guest Artiste of the month) and Lekan Balogun (the interviewer) at centre stage. The programme started in its usual element with poetry recitations and performances from participants. Actually, Cornerstone, the Togolese-Nigerian reggae musician opened the performance podium with one of his rebellious songs. And after some poem recitations, a child troupe led by Ester Bodylawson, dazzled the audience with a poetry performance whose theme exposed the bad deeds and high levels of corruption in the Nigerian Police Force. The thunderous applause that leapt from the audience’s hands at the conclusion of the piece not only confirmed the thematic relevance of the piece but showed confidence in the older generation’s belief that indeed the future is bright. Segun Toba known as Are (stage name), a prominent member of the organization thrilled the audience with his song titled: “Ojo maro” (let rains fall).

Afterwards, the compere in person of Lanre Ari’ajia announced the Interview Section. And he handed over to the chief interviewer, Lekan Balogun who latter called Ayo Arigbabu to the podium. Truly, this interview was the best of all since the inception of Poetry Potter, a notable personality confirmed from the audience. The Guest Artiste unfolded himself as a writer and an architect during the interview section. Although, he started as an architect, because of his passion and sound skill in drawing, he later gave it up for writing as he found writing more comfortable. Ayo was not so keen about writing for a course. Even when he sees writing for money or audience as vanity, yet he is excited about what next he would unleash on paper through his magic ink-rod. The Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Lagos Chapter: Folu Agoi enforced this point by saying that “creative writing is a personal vocation”, whilst one of the literati members of the audience said “writing in general is subjective”.

This edition of Poetry Potter is indeed one of the best as confirmed by the founder, Aderemi Adegbite, and he said that, he hoped to improve on it soon. Agbalakoko, the youngest comedian made laughter out of the audience. Awoko, a member of the Star-Mate band at the latest edition of Star-quest, lifted the spirit of the audience with his duet performed with Are.

As all forms of poetry that conform to rules and regulations filled the air, it confirmed the essence of Poetry Potter. Sincerely, poetry is the light that illuminates the heart; it radiates round the soul and is unleashed through selective words. Poetry is life. Life is poetry. Poetry is the confession of the hearts through expressive phrases, clauses, and sentences.

(c)Ayanda Abeke, 2006
Rumour Networks
Lagos.