Paul Liam is a poet, critic, and author of two poetry collections; Indefinite Cravings (2012) and Saint Sha’ade and Other Poems (2014).
A 2014 Fellow of the Ebedi International Writers Residency, Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria, and co-editor of the Ebedi Review. In 2014, he was honoured with an award of literary excellence for his contributions to the development of literature in Nigeria by the Ebedi International Writers Residency. Similarly, he has also been recognized by the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation and the Association of Nigerian Authors, Niger State for his contributions to the growth of literature with various certificates of merit.
His poems have appeared in the following publications; Revista Prometeo Numeros 119-120 (Memorias; 33rd Festival Internacional de Poesia de Medellin, Julio de 2023), Mingled Coins; Seventy Love Poems, (selected and edited by
Okina Launko (Kraft Books Ibadan, 2020, anthology), Echoes of Carnage; A Collection of Poems on Zamfara, (edited by Jalaludeen Ibrahim and Maryam Gatawa, A.I Publishers Kano, 2021, anthology), Blank Pages Anthology of Poems, Issue I (a cross-cultural anthology, of Blank Pages Global Collective, Germany, 2021, online anthology), Fireflies (Kraft Books Ibadan, 2009, anthology), and Life is Like a Flower (Maziriyya Books, 2005, anthology).
Denja Abdullahi is a renowned Nigerian poet, playwright , theatre director and culture expert.
He has published 7 ( seven) award winning poetry collections alongside plays, collected interviews and scholarly essays. Denja Abdullahi has worked for over three decades in the public and private culture sectors. He has taught English , literature and cultural studies in tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria. He was in 2015 an OSIWA poetry resident at the Goree Island , Senegal. He was the president of the Association of Nigerian Authors( ANA) between 2015-2019.
Denja Abdullahi is a UNESCO- Certified Global Facilitator on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity . In 2023, he was awarded a National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Denja Abdullahi is the founder and Chairman, Orpheus Literary Foundation.
Dr Nwachukwu Egbunike heads Pan-Atlantic University Press and is a Senior Lecturer at School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University. His research agenda encompasses digital media, youth political participation, and digital authoritarianism and culture.
He is the author of two collections of poems - "Blazing Moon" (2015) and "Nka" (2021). His most recent book "Digital Youth and Social Movements (Perspectives from Nigeria)" was published in 2024.
Ismail Bala writes in English and Hausa.
His poetry and translations have appeared in the UK, the USA, Canada, India and South Africa, in journals such as Poetry Review, Ambit, New Coin, Ake Review, Lunaris, A Review of International English Literature and Aura Literary Arts Review, among many others.
Born and educated to university level in Kano, he did his post-graduate studies at Oxford. His poems have been translated into Latvian, Belarusian, Nepalese, Slovenian and Polish. He is a Fellow of the International Writing Programme of the University of Iowa. He is the author of Line of Sight (Praxis, 2020), and Ivory Night (KSR, 2024).
Nasiba Babale, is a medical laboratory scientist with Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
She is the Creative Director of Poetic Wednesdays Initiative. She was one of the judges of the 2020 edition of The Nigerian Students Prize organized by Poets in Nigeria.
Her poems have been published by Brittle Paper, African Writer Magazine, Ghost City Press and others. She was shortlisted for the Brigitte Poirson Poetry Prize 2023.
She is a columnist for Konya Shams Rumi. She co-curated the maiden editon of Kano International Poetry Festival. She is the author of the chapbook The Rain is Like You (Konya Shams Rumi, 2023) and the poetry collection Pickled Moments (Konya Shams Rumi, 2024). She hails from Kano State, Nigeria.
Olalekan Ayodele is a poet and spoken word artist who is passionate about words and weaving them into lyrics. He loves travelling and taking in nature. He has finished working on his debut chapbook and has works appearing or forthcoming in Eunoia Review, SEVHAGE, Konya Shamsrumi, and Kalahari Review.
Deji Ige is a writer, a poet, a spoken word artiste, a fashion designer and a communication expert. He has carved a niche in the sphere of creative writing, and renowned for his ability to fuse African ideologies into his works. He has spoken on several stages and for television and radio audiences. He was a speaker alongside Wole Soyinka, Samia Nkrumah, Tony Elumelu, Femi Kuti and Djibril Tamsir Niane, at the UBA Africa Day 2019. Commissioned to write a poem on Wole Soyinka. He was a Creative Member of the Nigerian Delegation that met with the Canadian Delegation led by Her Excellency Julie Payette-the Governor General of Canada during her visit to Nigeria in 2018, and a performer at the event.
He was the commissioned performance poet for Botswana at 50 Independence Celebration, organized by the Embassy of Botswana in Nigeria. He was commissioned to write a poetic citation of General Yakubu Gowon former Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which he delivered at the national event to honour his 85th birthday. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism, Master’s Degree in Media Arts, with a PhD in view.
Odu Ode is a poet from Nasarawa State, Nigeria. His poems are inspired by loss, nostalgia, memories and curiosity. His chapbooks Calligraphy of Demons (WRR, 2020), Back Home, There's a Box of Chocolate (Nirpri, 2023) and Hijra (Konya Shamsrumi, 2024) were well received
Hassana Maina is a dynamic lawyer, writer, and gender consultant with a robust background in law and a specialization in development. She has over five years of impactful work and volunteer experience in Northern Nigeria, she is a committed self-starter passionate about influencing progressive social change. Hassana Maina holds a law degree from Ahmadu Bello University, a masters degree in law with specialism in development and globalization from SOAS, University of London. She has also obtained certificates from prestigious institutions like Said Business School, University of Oxford and National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Nigeria.
Hassana Maina is the founder and Executive Director of Anti Sexual Violence Lead Support Initiative (ASVIOL Support Initiative), the special assistant on SDGs to H.E Atiku Abubakar GCON and also sits on the Board of Public and Private Development Center (PPDC). Hassana Maina was in 2019 mentioned by the BBC media action as the top 5 women fighting for human rights in northern Nigeria. In 2020 she was the recipient of the future Awards Africa prize for activism amongst other awards and recognition.
MJAAY Mojoyinade Adegoroye, creatively known as Mjaay, is a 20-year-old recording & performing singer-songwriter, creative writer, and passionate advocate. She's known for her ability to seamlessly blend her cherry tone with authority, commanding a presence that evokes a hint of nostalgia. She creates a musical experience that resonates deeply with her listeners, showcasing passion through every note. Although her expertise primarily lies in Soul, R&B, and jazz, she navigates and draws inspiration from various genres that weave a musical tapestry, imbuing her creations with a distinct and diverse essence.
She is the COO at VeVe, a female health social enterprise that advocates for women's and girls' menstrual and mental health. Renowned for her captivating and unwavering commitment to advocacy as an activist, she is about using her voice for good, always ready to lend her voice to important causes, and using her artistry to make a meaningful impact on the world. With a voice that encompasses warmth, she delivers a musical journey that deeply connects with her audience. Her socials are: Instagram & TikTok: @m.j.a.a.y
YouTube:
@Mojoyinade Adegoroye.
Diana Modeme is a spoken word artist whose poetry champions social justice and women's empowerment. On stage, she captivates audiences with her powerful words, and beyond the spotlight, she uses her art to inspire change and challenge the status quo. Diana’s poetic journey is adorned with accolades that showcase her remarkable talent. In 2023, she captivated audiences by winning the Utukufu: Glory of Africa poetry competition, hosted by the Association of African Podcasters. The same year, she was honoured with the APVA Spoken Word Artist of the Year award, cementing her status as a leading voice in spoken word poetry.
In 2022, Diana’s lyrical prowess earned her the top spot in the GoNigeria competition, while in 2020, she placed as the second runner-up in the Lacasera “This Is Not a Full Stop” competition. She is also an alumnus of the Purple Hibiscus Creative Writing Workshop, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Diana’s evocative words have graced several prestigious stages, including a standout performance at the Brazilian Embassy in Nigeria, where her poetry resonated with diplomats and cultural enthusiasts alike. Her voice also contributed to Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s impactful project "On Broken Bodies," a collection addressing social issues with profound sensitivity and power
Amrah Aliyu is a global goodwill Ambassador, a passionate advocate for gender inclusion, a poet, and the visionary behind the first-ever Kallabi leadership fellowship for women in Niger State, Nigeria, an initiative aimed at raising the next generation of Women Leaders. With over a decade of experience in media advocacy, she has championed the cause of women and girls, believing deeply in the power of representation and leadership. As Team Lead of the Salma Attah Foundation for Women and Girls Support, Amrah has spearheaded impactful initiatives such as "Periods Without Limits," reaching over 5,000 girls in underserved communities, including IDP camps. Her poetry book, Breasts Are Names of Flowers, is a reflection of her commitment to using words as a tool for advocacy.
Amrah has been named as one of the 25 'Women Redefining Leadership in Northern Nigeria,' Her leadership and influence extend globally. Amrah’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Oby Ezekwesili Women Advocacy Award. In everything she does, Amrah’s vision remains clear: to create a world where every woman thrives, empowered to lead and succeed.
Mandellah Josiah, known as Envoi Vates, is a Nigerian poet, raconteur, voiceover artist, editor, and project manager from Plateau State. As an individual with a passion for literacy and creativity, he draws inspiration from a wide range of subjects, from Plato to Pluto and the soft aesthetics in between. Envoi actively fosters creative and critical thinking in schools and mentorship programs, coaching students in poetry writing and essential skills. His commitment extends to boy-child mentorship, parenting initiatives, and mental health awareness.
He has facilitated a writing project published in "The Twelfth Despatch Journal: On Writing and Becoming." As a champion and finalist in various poetry slams, Envoi's work has gained recognition. He participated in the "Poets for Avoidable Deaths" campaign, commissioned by The Custodians of African Literature (COAL) and the Avoidable Deaths Network in the UK. He also contributed to the Voices of Unity project by Search for Common Ground Nigeria, among others. His poetry, known for its narrative style, explores themes of family, grief, coming-of-age, love, social justice, and tea.
Jakky Bankong-Obi is from Kakwe-Beebo, a village on the corridors of the Cross River rainforest, Nigeria.
Her chapbook What Still Yields was chosen by Kwame Dawes and Chris Abani for publication in the New-Generation African
Poets box sets (2023). Jakky is Poetry Editor for the pioneer Liberian journal, Pepper Coast Literary and Co-Curator for Poetry Sango-Ota, a Nigerian Journal curating poetry of place, nature and otherworldly geographies.
A media consultant living & writing from Abuja, Jakky’s work has appeared and is forthcoming in The Poetry Review, The Kalahari Review, Reliquae Journal, Pidgeonholes, Moremi Review, Gutter Magazine & Memento; an Anthology of Contemporary Nigerian Poetry and others.
Award winning On Air Personality (OAP) , Broadcast journalist, Master of ceremonies/Compere, Vice president Idoma International carnival and brand ambassador
BM Dzukogi is the founder of the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation. He is the pioneer Director of the Niger State Book Development Agency. He was the former National Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors.
OMOAWE OLATUNDE E. is a distinguished Spoken Word Activist and accomplished Master of Ceremony, specializing in corporate and social events. With over 100 performances in Abuja and various other regions, he has anchored numerous high-profile social and wedding events.
A multifaceted creative, he is also a dedicated gender-based violence activist and a trained actor with significant experience in stage and film productions, both as an actor and director. He hails from Osun State, Nigeria.
Taiwo Michael Oloyede is an art critic and multidisciplinary artiste .His poetry book, Lagos is killing me, won the Prof Akachi Ezeigbo poetry prize and is still gathering rave reviews. He appeared on Netflix, Collision Course. He was nominated for the Etisalat Flash Fiction Prize, Quramo writer’s prize and many other awards His works have appeared in Ake Review, Prairies reviews, SankaraAfricareview, TheLagosreview, The Guardian, The Telegraphng, Bournemouth Review, and in many other places He has headlined the Millfield Festival, UK; African Literary Festival, Oxford; Jerk & Riddims, Peterborough, Lagos Poetrython, LIPFEST, Taruwa Cambridge Festival, Taruwa @ Strawberry Fair, Cambridge - and many other platforms.
He has consulted for organisations on intersectionality, hierarchical compositions & reasonable adjustments in theatre making. His play, the scents of childhood places, was selected by Landmark Theatres for scratch night. He was a finalist for the 25th Peterborough Poet Laureate,2023. He is the curator of Lagos Poetrython and Lagos Poetrython Academy.
Younglan is a multi-award-winning Performance Poet, Veterinary Medical Student, and Community Developer. He has performed at prominent festivals, including the Lagos International Poetry Festival & Abuja Literary Festival and has been featured in publications like Kalahari Review and The Borderline Magazine. As a passionate artist, Younglan seeks to inspire dialogue and drive positive change.
He coordinates the Tudun Wada Community Library and is a Bada Murya Fellow with the McArthur Foundation. Younglan writes from Tudun Wada Jos in the company of his two cats, Raven and Ragnar.
Star Zahra is a Nigerian writer, poet, and textile artist. She has been a poetry editor for Guesthouse Magazine, Iowa, USA, and a guest columnist for the Limbe-based The Sun Newspaper (Cameroon).
Star holds a B.A. in English Language from the University of Abuja, as well as certifications in Media and Arts for Peace, Communication for Development, and Cultural Arts Strategy. She is an alumna of the Nike Research Centre for Arts and Culture and an assistant curator for Kaduna Arts and Fashion Exhibition (KAFART).
Star judged the Andrew Nok Poetry Prize in 2022 and is the author of The Dance of Dawn (2018) and Girls and the Silhouette of Form (Masobe, 2024).
Thetmen Maikori is a dedicated advocate for the preservation of the Hyam language, an indigenous language of the Ham people in Nigeria. Raised in Abuja, her deep connection to her cultural heritage inspired her mission to safeguard the Hyam language from extinction. In 2019, Thetmen founded The Voice of Ham (VOHA), an organization focused on promoting Hyam literacy through workshops, language immersion programs, and training for parents and teachers. She also uses digital platforms to create educational resources and engage younger generations in language preservation.
Thetmen collaborates internationally with organizations like the Endangered Language Project in Canada and The Language Conservancy (TLC) in the USA, and is working to see the Hyam language adopted by Nigeria’s National Institute for Cultural Orientation. Her advocacy work extends to influencing policymakers to recognize and protect indigenous languages. She has earned local and international recognition for her efforts, with recent nominations for Best Ham Cultural Ambassador and Best Hyam Literature Ambassador. Thetmen remains committed to ensuring the survival and revitalization of the Nigerian Cultures and languages for future generations.
Samuel Osaze uses his craft as a reservoir for documenting the cultural heritage of the Esan people while also exploring topical issues such as: youth unemployment and disillusionment, police brutality, environmental despoliation in the Niger Delta, among other concerns. Stylishly, Osaze fuses: folk songs, dance and poetry— three hefty genres, on the same stage during performances.
As a poet, festival administrator, filmmaker and media consultant, Osaze is the author of two volumes of poetry— The Strange Moon of Yenagoa/ Der Falsche Mond Von Yenagoa (2021), published by Akono Verlag, Leipzig, Germany and translated into German by the internationally acclaimed journalists and poet— Andrea Jeska. In 2019, Osaze was an artist-inresidence at the famous Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. His debut collection of poems ‘Aroma of a Burning Bush’ was published in 2014. It’s Osaze’s belief that the best way to realize an authentic African voice is through a coalescence of the past and present to forge something distinctively original.
Victory is a warm and welcoming front desk officer who is always ready to greet clients with a smile. With a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, she ensures that every visitor feels valued and supported. Her excellent communication skills and attention to detail enable her to efficiently manage the front desk, handling tasks with ease and professionalism. Victory is a team player who is always willing to lend a hand, and her positive attitude is contagious.
She takes pride in her work and is committed to creating a friendly and inclusive environment for everyone. In her free time, Victory enjoys exploring new places and trying new things. She is a creative and curious individual who brings a fresh perspective to her role. With her warm demeanor and dedication to excellence, Victory is an invaluable asset to the team.
Yusrah M. Dzukogi is a final year student of International Relations. She’s a writer who enjoys reading and learning about various topics. Yusrah serves as an executive committee member of Northern Writers Forum and Hilltops Creative Art Foundation.
She is passionate about Human Rights and the empowerment of women and girls. Yusrah believes in the beauty and importance of art, as it is substantial.
Deborah is a writer and performance artist, passionate about using poetry to tell African stories and using art as a means for social change.
Loveth Liberty isn't your average performer. This Gen Z powerhouse blends music, poetry, and storytelling into something truly captivating (well, at least that's what some cool cats call it). Her performances are like a personal invitation into a world of art, heartfelt stories, and a touch of magic. But she's not just about putting on a show. Loveth uses her multi-genre art to fight for what's right, making her a champion for social change. Loveth's a busy bee! She's graced the stages of major events like the Lagos International Poetry Festival, Voices4Change Nairobi, Festival Poetry Calabar, the Abuja Literary and Arts Festival, and art happenings across Africa. Nivea, Jameson, The British Council – you name it, Loveth's probably rocked a project with them. She's worked with some pretty impressive brands and organizations alongside fighting for good causes with Amnesty International, Heinrich Boell Foundation, Young Advocates For Democracy and the UN.
This talented Gen Z poet holds a degree in English and Literature from Nasarawa State University. She also snagged a Women-In-Music Diploma from the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation Development. When she's not captivating audiences, you can probably find Loveth whipping up a delicious meal – she's a "love to cook" kind of girl.
Graciano Enwerem (Sir Grrraciano), two-times Nigeria's Number one contemporary poet, serial author, TEDx speaker, Lecturer and media consultant.
He's a multiple award-winning playwright and one of the 4 Record Breakers for the Longest Theatre Marathon Performance. He's the Founder of Figures of Speech movement, an online school where he's taught over 20,000 artistes and mentored 5,000 poets from 2008 till date.
David Odiase is a fantastic rebel and inter-disciplinary dreamer whose art revolves around the intersections of literature (poetry), performance, film, technology and experimental art forms to explore nuances about Africa, its histories, people and cultures.
His poetry films have made official selections at international film festivals such as the African International Film Festival held in Nigeria, the Zebra Poetry Festival, in Germany, and was a finalist at the 2023 Emmys' International Young Creative Award. An Alumni of the Obsidian Foundation Poetry Retreat, He has given readings at platforms such as at the National Poetry Library, Uk, the Live Literature festival in Slovenia and performances at Open Society Foundation's Global Convening for the Restitution of African Heritage in Ghana, Lagos International Poetry Festival, Ake Book and Arts Festival, the San Francisco International Arts Festival, among others. He was awarded the Kudo Eresia-Eke Performance Poetry Prize, Winner of the Poetry Archive Now! Wordview, The Lacasera National Poetry Slam, and the Ekonke African Storytellers' Prize. David is currently the community curator of TrueMyVoice, a literary community of over 500 storytellers across Nigeria, and a 2024 finalist at the United Nations’ SDG Action Awards for driving change through advocacy against social injustices across Africa.
Jerry Chiemeke is a writer, communications specialist, film critic, journalist, and lawyer. His writing has appeared in Die Welt, The I Paper, The Africa Report, Berlinale Press, The Johannesburg Review of Books, Kissing Dynamite Poetry, Culture Custodian, Afrocritik, Brittlepaper, and elsewhere.
He has been selected for several international film festivals including Sundance, Berlinale, Blackstar Film Festival, and Durban International Film Festival. Chiemeke lives in London, where he writes about Nollywood, African literature, and Nigerian music. He is the author of the short story collection "Dreaming of Ways to Understand You", the hybrid collection "The Colours In These Leaves", and the poetry chapbook "Notes for Nnedimma." Chiemeke is the winner of the 2017 Ken Saro Wiwa Prize, and a recipient of the 2019 Connect Nigeria Award for Excellence. His work has been nominated for the Diana Woods Memorial Award in Creative Nonfiction, Best Small Fictions, and the Quramo Writers Prize.
Adedayo Agarau is a Wallace Stegner Fellow at Stanford University and a Cave
Canem Fellow. His works have won or have been finalists for the 2024 Wales
International Poetry Prize, 2024 Alpine International Poetry Prize, 2022 Brunel Poetry Prize and the 2023 Sillerman First Book Prize. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Agbowó Magazine: A Journal of African Literature and Art, and a Poetry Reviews Editor for The Rumpus. He is the author of the chapbooks, Origin of Names (African Poetry Book Fund 2020), The Arrival of Rain (Vegetarian Alcoholic Press, 2020), and For Boys Who Went, (Authorpedia 2016). Adedayo’s debut collection, "The Years of Blood," won the Poetic Justice Institute Editor’s Prize for BIPOC Writers and will be published by Fordham University Press in the fall of 2025.
S. Su’eddie Vershima Agema is a multiple-award-winning writer, editor, cultural advocate, and development practitioner. Among other prizes across genres, he has won the Association of Nigerian Authors [ANA] Poetry Prize (2014 & 2022), the Mandela Day Short Story Prize 2016 and was a finalist for the [NLNG] Nigeria Prize for Literature (2022), Africa’s most prestigious literature prize worth $100,000. He has also been nominated for prizes such as the SDGs Short Story Award (2021) by the Economic Commission for Africa; the Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature (2018).
He is the author of the poetry collection, Memory and the Call of Waters and the children’s book, Once Upon a Village Tale. He heads the SEVHAGE Literary Movement [Publishing and NGO], while convening the annual Benue Book and Arts Festival. Su’eddie was previously the Black History Month/Project Curator and co-founder/president of African Writers [Society] at the University of Sussex, where he earned an MA with distinction in International Education and Development as a Chevening Scholar. He was also a 2022 David C. Pollock Scholar of the International Families in Global Transition. He blogs at http://sueddie.wordpress.com, is @sueddieagema across social media pages and @sueddieofficial on Instagram.
Tobi Abiodun is a Benin city born writer and spoken word poet. A multiple poetry slam champion winning titles across major Nigerian cities including the inaugural Lagos International Poetry Festival (LIPFEST) Slam. His short story ‘EYES LIKE THE BURNING END OF A CIGARETTE’ was long listed for the PIN prize for fiction. His works have appeared on NantyGreens, Animal Press, Feral, How To Fall In Love Anthology, Nymphs and Thugs, Komorebi Magazine, Quality Press and elsewhere. Tobi has shared his poetry on numerous platforms including the Poetry Africa Festival in Durban, Lights Camera Africa Festival, and BBC Radio London.
His pidgin spokenword poetry ad for Heritage Bank in 2019 shot him to limelight, after which he went on to produce work for corporates and multinationals including Oando PLC, Hewlett-Packard and MacArthur Foundation. Tobi is now mostly caught in the world of advertising, cooking ideas and influencing the mass market with his writing. He can be found sharing reels on Instagram at : @toby_abiodun Or reading tweets
@abiodun_toby
Richard Ali is a Nigerian lawyer, novelist and poet. He was named Managing Editor of the Jalada Africa Trust, based in Nairobi, Kenya, in February 2021. He has published the novel, City of Memories (Parrésia Books 2012), and the poetry collection, The Anguish and Vigilance of Things (Konya Shamsrumi 2019). Richard was Editor-in-Chief of the Sentinel Nigeria Magazine and a runner-up at the 2008 John la Rose Short Story Competition.
He was the Publicity Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (2011 to 2015). He currently sits on the board of Uganda’s Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation, which runs the BN Poetry Award—Africa’s only in-Africa continental poetry prize. In February 2020, he was named Managing Editor of the Jalada Africa Trust, based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a Partner at the law firm of Asia Ahmed & Co.. He continues to work in internal security, particularly in preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE). He also manages Engaging Borders SRD (www.srd.engagingborders.com ), an Open Society-funded project that uses literature and the arts to address violent extremism in the Sahel. He is interested in promoting Nigerian coffee at Tigray Coffee Co.; he lives in Abuja, Nigeria.
Samuel Yakura is a Nigerian Born Writer, Poet and Performing Artist resident in Ireland. A multiple-time Poetry Slam Champion both in Nigeria and Ireland, winning Slam competitions like ALS, OxFam, Talkatives and currently the Leinster Regional Slam Champion. He's a Co-founder of the Wearegriot Poetry Collective based in Dublin. His Collective hosts the biggest Poetry Slam in the Country, make plays and theatrical productions, host workshops for both academic, Art, and Corporate organizations.
His Clientele range from Art organizations like Poetry Ireland, Abbey Theatre, Dublin Fringe, Adrian Brinkerhoff Foundation, IMMA, MOLI, Gaisce Awards, to brand/companies like RTE, Guinness, Smirnoff and St Patrick's Festival. His debut Poetry Play; "The Perfect Immigrant" received multiple nominations and 4 Star reviews as part of Dublin Fringe Festival 2022, and concluded a successful Autumn National Tour, 2023. He is currently a Next Wave Playwright with the Abbey, Ireland's National Theatre and is working on his next Play. His work reflects heavily on observing the human condition, interpersonal relationships and our interaction with and within society and culture.
E. E. Sule is a poet, novelist, and professor of African literature and environmental humanities.
He is the director of Centre for Arts and Indigenous Studies at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. He has won several literary and scholarly awards, including the Commonwealth Book Prize, ANA Poetry Prize, and ANA Prose Prize.
Salamatu Sule is a Poet, Literary Agent and Book Reviewer. She has held book chats and discourses on African literature. Sule is a consultant for the Adam's Pages Bookstores and independent authors within and outside of the country.
She is a fellow of Ebedi International Writers Residency and SAIL Lebanon, a Wooe Soyinka Foundation project. Sule was one of the 9 quintessential poets for the celebration of Wole Soyinka @90. She was given a mention in a Monograph titled: Invoking Flora Nwapa, Nigeria Women in World Literature She is a published author of two works; Oma the Drummer Queen (Children Literature) and Orchestra of Her Last Rites -Poetry.
Iyanu Adebiyi is an award-winning writer and performance poet exploring social issues with an aim to inspire and reimagine the self. Her work often moves towards mental health, healing and hope. Her debut spoken word album, Wonder, was released to both local and international acclaim, across platforms. She was awarded by the Presidency for her service to arts, received an award from the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria for her poetry video ‘I Am Something’, an AFAA award nomination for Spoken word, and many other recognitions.
Iyanu’s work has been commissioned and featured by several organizations, including the University of Bayreuth Germany, Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, BBC Kent UK, the Korean Cultural Centre, University of Global Health Equity Rwanda, National Agency for The Control of AIDS, and many more. She has also appeared in various local and international media, and mentored young writers across the world.
Ekereke King, the second of three children and the only boy grew up surrounded by the gentle hum of creativity. He was drawn to the world of art and alternative music from a young age. The lyrical depth of songs spoke to him on a profound level, igniting a desire to become a poet. This creative outlet allowed him to flourish, and he discovered his voice as a writer. His debut book, "Origins," is a testament to his journey, and he's eager to share it with the world soon. When not crafting words, King immerses himself in the world of progaming.
Music is another passion that fuels his soul, with a special fondness for warm, deep melodies that echo the tenderness and melancholy that he prides himself on. As King embarks on this professional path, he's driven by a desire to leave a lasting impact on the world of art. He aspires to be a poetic genius. With every line, every verse, and every poem, he strives to weave a tapestry of emotions that resonates with all who read his work.
Oko Owi Ocho has a BA English. He is the founder and team lead of Afrika-
Writes, former Creative Director for Benue Poetry Troupe, and Programmes Manager, SEVHAGE. He is an award-winning poet, performance artist, and scholar. He was longlisted for the Nigerian Student Poetry Prize (2017), earned an NSPP Award of Excellence (2018) for his poem “Zeyani,” and was the second prize winner of the Korea Nigeria Poetry Prize (2018).
His published poetry collections are We Will Sing Water, and Now I Sing God into Stones. He is the current Creative Director for Abuja Poetry, and his forthcoming coming critical book is Culture, Coloniality, and the African Being. His email is owoichoko@gmail.com.
Abdulkareem Baba-Aminu is a poet, an award-winning journalist who served as the Editor – and editorial cartoonist – of the Saturday edition of the Daily Trust, a major Nigerian newspaper with an influential body of journalistic and cartooning work that has spanned over two decades. He has also worked in TV, as a writer for the BBC WST’s award-winning TV series ‘Wetin Dey’. He is also a writer and illustrator whose work is featured in the bestselling graphic novel anthology ‘The Most Important Comic Book on Earth’ (Penguin UK), and ‘Full Bleed’ (US).
He has written for many publications, including ‘The Passenger’ (Italy and UK), and many others, some translated into French and Italian. His paintings have been widely exhibited, and he also illustrated a number of children’s books, and poetry collections. His first novel, ‘The Herdsboy’, a work of African futurism, is slated for a mid-2025 release.
Sumaila Isah Umaisha is currently with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) as Chief Information Officer. He had worked as Literary Editor since 1994 with various media organisations including Hotline magazine, New Nigerian Newspapers, Blueprint Newspapers and then as Editor with the Nigerian Newsday from 2013 to 2020. Among other prizes, he has won twice (2004 and 2007) the prestigious Literary Journalist Prize awarded by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
His short stories, poems, essays and interviews have been published in several national and international anthologies, journals and magazines, including DRUMVOICES REVUE, USA,
The London Magazine, UK, and his blog, http://www.everythinliterature.blogspot.com. His first work, a collection of short stories titled Hoodlums, is a recommended text in some Nigerian universities. His latest works are Glasshouse, which was on the long list of the Curry Prize for African Literature (2022) and on the shortlist of ANA prize (2022), Lost in the Wild. He was National ANA PRO, (2006) Kaduna ANA Chairman (2009, and Nasarawa ANA Chairman.
Umar Abubakar Sidi is a poet, soldier, aviator, and author of the poetry collection The Poet of Dust and Like Butterflies Scattered about by Art Rascals. A helicopter pilot with the Nigerian Navy, he attended the prestigious Nigerian Military School, Zaria and the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. Sidi’s work is majorly premised on the exploration of the body, soul and spirit from Sufi and Surrealist perspectives..
His works have appeared in Brittle Paper, Transition Magazine, Jalada, Saraba Magazine and elsewhere. His debut novel The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus is published by MASOBE. He lives in Nigeria.
Pacella Chukwuma-Eke is the author of Love In Its Bliss and Sins; runner-up for the Nigerian Prize for Teen Authors, Poetry Category; and The Apocalypse, published by Konya Shamsrumi. She has her works published in several journals including Roughcut Press, Eunoia Review, Strange Horizons, Lolwe, and elsewhere.
She has also graced literary stages including the Orange Poetry Soapbox Edition, The Renaissance Conversation, The Green We Left Behind Book Launch, and others. She is the winner of the Utopian Award for poetry 2023, The Green We Left Behind Poetry Slam, ANA Poetry Slam, and a recipient of the HIASFEST’s 2024 Star Prize Award. She is a student of Human Physiology in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State.
He is a creative writer with a strong skill in reliving experiences and evoking strong emotions. His forte is creating strong, clear narratives emphasising promoting or reinforcing viewpoints.
He has published articles with Nairametrics. He also has a short story collection that is still unpublished but will be by next year. He is an Igbo translator working with TheFactCheckHub, the fact-checking arm of the ICIR (International Centre for Investigative Research).
Maryam Bukar Hassan, also known as Alhanislam, is a distinguished Nigerian poet, speaker, and advocate for gender equality, peace, and social justice. A dynamic voice in the global fight against systemic oppression, Alhanislam has made significant strides in amplifying the narratives of marginalized communities, particularly women. Alhanislam’s influence extends far beyond the written word.
She is a highly sought-after speaker at major global events, where her insights on gender equality and social justice have captivated audiences. One notable moment in her career was at COP28, where she opened World Health Day with a powerful performance that explored the intersections between Neglected Tropical Diseases and maternal health under the invitation of HRH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE and most recently, she gave the opening statement at the second action day of the Summit of the Future at the UNGA 2024 under the invitation of the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations.
Alhanislam is the founder of "True My Voice" initiative, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to empowering young people through creative expression and advocacy. The initiative has gained significant recognition and was recently named a finalist for the UN SDG Awards 2024 in the category of Creativity for Advocacy.
Falade Kolawole popularly known as Pariolodo, is a performance poet and social advocate. A graduate of English, he co-directs Orange Poetry, a platform dedicated to promoting poetry. Pariolodo is a multiple slam winner including the national grand slam. He's best known for his spoken word poetry theater productions,
*'Love is Not for the Broke'*, which delves into the complexities of the Nigerian political landscape and *'Mista Silas'*
a one-hour production that explores violence against women in the workplace. Through his work, Pariolodo demonstrates a fervent belief in the power of poetry to enact meaningful social change.
Ibrahim grew up on his grandmother's telling of African folklore, from where he developed a passion for literature. Since 2019 when he left an erstwhile career to focus on writing, his work has been published in Transition Magazine, Zone 3, Ake Review, Typehouse Magazine, Adi Magazine, JMWW, Brittle Paper, Necessary Fiction, and elsewhere. Ibrahim has won the Creative Future Writers’ Awards, the Quramo Writers' Prize, and received support from the Jessica George Bursary. His work has been selected for Best Small Fictions anthology and has been a finalist for Faber Children's FAB Prize, Miles Morland Writing Scholarship, a Masters Review anthology prize, and twice for Moon City Short Fiction Award. He has also been longlisted for Commonwealth Short Story Prize, Laura Kinsella Fellowship, and Dzanc Diverse Voices Prize. Ibrahim is the editor of the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) and a fiction judge at NYC Midnight. He’s @heemthewriter on Twitter, and @writtenbyheem on Instagram and Threads.
Keesh Rowland is a sterling Performance Poet, Public Speaker, Resume Writer and Creative Director. He is passionate about using his creative and analytical skills to meet standard needs within and beyond his immediate environment. As a poet, his works interrogate several social concepts while advocating for social justice and change. He is the second runner up of Lagos International Poetry Festival Slam 2023 and the first runner up of the Fact Check Slam 2022 organized by US Missions in Nigeria.
He was amongst a group of artists selected by United Nations Nigeria to perform at the Irish Embassy during the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He's the Winner of The Speak Forward Public Speaking Competition Abuja As a Creative Director he employs his love for paintings, photography and aesthetics to curate jaw dropping experiences for audiences at events. He also employs his experience as part of several events including Carnival Calabar to ensure smooth running. Fun fact about Keesh Rowland is that he used to be a Professional Hip Hop Dancer before switching to Performance Poetry.
Caroline Brennan is a journalist, poet, influencer, performer and creative director. She works with authors, poets and screenplay writers to promote and publish their work in the national press, television, radio, podcasts and through a variety of global multi-media platforms. Caroline has been instrumental in delivering successful book launches for debut authors as well as famous writers.
She is a talented and respected performance poet responsible for coordinating and participating in spoken word events and poetry slams in the UK. She believes that poetry should be accessible to all, regardless of age, background or ability. Most importantly, she views poetry as vital and transformative, carrying a real power to uplift, inspire and drive for change.
Caroline's own poetry explores femininity, loss, trauma, healing, finding community, confidence and love. As an accomplished media commentator, her work as part of the Literacy Live Team has seen her interview many well-known poets, authors and DJs taking part in the popular Victorious Music Festival. Caroline is also a committed Children's Rights campaigner and the former director of Speak for Yourself Children's Parliament. Working with schools, community organizations and other social initiatives,
Nimrod Oscar Bowora (Mr Poet) Biography Nimrod Oscar Bowora, better known as Mr Poet, is a dynamic comedic poet captivating audiences with his unique blend of humour and social commentary. Since 2022, he has produced and co-hosted a poetry show on National FM Namibia and the "Frankly Speaking" show on NBC Radio Namibia. Nimrod explores pressing issues and expresses his innermost thoughts through his engaging storytelling. Nimrod has published three books on Wattpad and shares poignant poems on his Blogger blog, resonating deeply with readers. Achievements Producer & Cohost: "Frankly Speaking" show on NBC National Radio Namibia. Published Works: Three books on Wattpad, The Aroma of a Pregnant Sun, 3 A.M Confessions and I write in her name. Active Blogger sharing heartfelt poems. Connect with Nimrod Instagram: @poet_mr_poet
Chinyere has degrees in English Language/Literature and law. She has written 13 books. Won awards and got to the finals of the NLNG literary competition in 2011.
She is currently a Trustee of Abuja Literary Society and past Financial Secretary of Association of Nigerian Authors.
I.S. Jones is an American / Nigerian poet and editor. She is a senior editor for Poetry Northwest where she runs her column, The Legacy Suite, a three-part interview documenting the journey of writers publishing their debut poetry collections. Her chapbook Spells of My Name (2021) was selected by Newfound for their Emerging Poets Series. She is the 2024 Artist-In-Resident at Northwestern University with the Black Arts Consortium where she is at work on her debut collection of poems.
Moses Nwokedi a.k.a BiGMo is an On-Air Personality with 99.5 Wazobia FM Abuja, where he doubles as the Program Manager. He is a media consultant, actor and event anchor who has been on radio for over 13 years.
Jackie Yiheng Lu is a doctoral researcher in Intellectual Property Law at Queen Mary University of London, with research focuses on moral rights in relation to Artificial Intelligence creations, exploring the legal challenges posed by AIgenerated content.
Yiheng holds bachelor's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Intellectual Property Law from Nanjing Normal University, China, an LLM in Intellectual Property Law from The University of Manchester, and an MSc in Power Systems Engineering from University College London. He has presented papers at various academic conferences, contributing to the discourse on AI and copyright law.
Lawyer, poet, novelist and book publishing company owner.
The inaugural Abuja International Poetry Festival 2024 by Nasara Creative explores the evolving role of poetry in the digital age through key cultural partnerships.
