Poetry – Viva Naija

Oya Chronicles: In Conversation with My Mother by Funmi Iyanda – Abimbola Onimole

A. L. Onimole — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 14:45:52 +0000

So did you die? Funmi Iyanda’s “In Conversation with My Mother” started with these words. From that moment, I was transfixed. I entered a world serene, anguished and intimate; beautifully so actually. Funmi Iyanda’s dialogue with her mother played to the unique display of the artist Gbolahan Ayoola’s “The Blue Woman”. The evening also included […]

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There was a time

Wordsmithf — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 15:55:33 +0000

There was a time When for the sake of your smile the ocean would not have withstood me When I would have run a gauntlet just to be by your side When my thoughts were centered only around you and yours When I counted your pleasure as my own There was a time When I had ready […]

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Greg Hicks is theatrical excellence, Femi Elufowoju, Jr masterful in Arcola Theatre’s Richard III

Rachel — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 11:30:51 +0000

Despite being a confirmed culture vulture, I was a bit concerned about how my ADHD would hold up for Richard III. This is Shakespeare’s second longest play, and I am a person who has to sit on my hands during the five seconds of YouTube videos you can’t skip. I needn’t have worried, however. The […]

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Maami – a traditional Yoruba poem

Ogbeni POG — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 09:35:10 +0000

Maami, this day shall pass away To usher in a boundless joy The energy invested in the hurdles of life Shall be regained in the pleasure of future. You’ve won many battles with courage And broken many tides with prayers You’ve made enormous sacrifice to the gods That I might live well not to be ‘asiniwaye‘ […]

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London’s Southbank Centre’s AFRICA UTOPIA returns for 5th year

Rachel — Tue, 02 May 2017 12:23:20 +0000

SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S AFRICA UTOPIA RETURNS WITH A PROGRAMME OF PERFORMANCE, ART, FASHION AND TALKS Africa Utopia returns to Southbank Centre for its fifth year, from 15-16 July 2017, with a line up of some of the most exciting musicians, artists, performers and thinkers from across Africa and its diaspora. This vibrant weekend explores Africa’s lead […]

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ALBINO – traditional African poetry

Ogbeni POG — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 19:51:37 +0000

Cluttering face in the hot rays Inviting even the engaged eyes The white god amidst the Blacks The cult among the uninitiated Squeezing reddish face Oh please don’t dare cry Why dare close eye at dawn How do you see path to tread Flexible delicate coverings That could not hide in a wrapper Do those […]

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Sisi Mi – traditional Yoruba poetry

Ogbeni POG — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 19:55:18 +0000

Sisi mi You need not the charms of Abija wara bi ekun Nor the Ifa consultation of the Elebuibons You need not the prophesies of Temitope omo Joshua To ascertain the originality of the love I profess to you. I see in you what other beauties lack I see in you the strength of Efunsetan […]

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A tribute to my grandfather

Ogbeni POG — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 11:16:18 +0000

Baba Right in your warm embrace I wrecked mama’s heavy meal I gulped from your palm wine tank In readiness for the Ijapa travels. You rained blessings on me before the farm path registered your feet. You bought me cloths of many colours; sandals of finest ropes. You tamed the weirdest of demons And paralysed […]

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African African Why Wait?: A Poem On Self Love

Wordsmithf — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 12:59:31 +0000

African, African why wait? For the media to acknowledge your beauty, your substance, the richness of your culture, the uniqueness of your paradigm, the poetry that is your language? Why wait for another to declare that your life matters? African, African take a good look at yourself and see That you are rich and as […]

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Believe In Yourself: A Poem On Self Confidence

Natalie Ewaen A. Usen — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 18:46:16 +0000

We will encounter people in life Those who define us by the mud in their eyes. These are those who would challenge your sense of worth And make you doubt; they erode your self worth. They come as friends, as persons in authority, As those you love, and people you look up to. If not, […]

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