Abuja artistes join world rally for change

The  global rally tagged ‘100,000 poets and musicians for change’ held in Abuja also took place simultaneously in some other cities of the federation on the 29th of September. It was the first of its kind in Nigeria. The event held at Abuja’s Gudu Park featured talks on topical issues, reading by poets as well […]

The  global rally tagged ‘100,000 poets and musicians for change’ held in Abuja also took place simultaneously in some other cities of the federation on the 29th of September. It was the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The event held at Abuja’s Gudu Park featured talks on topical issues, reading by poets as well as musical and dance performances by musicians and dance troupe.

Some of the poets featured include Idris Kayode, Edwin Eriata Oribhabor, Samson Kukogho, and Dike Chukwumerije among many others. All the poets presented poems that provoked people’s consciousness in creative and rhythmic verses most of which focused on current happenings in the society and other societal ills.

Denja Abdullahi who spoke on the topic “poetry and music can change the world” recalled how poets and musicians have used their creative work and performances to rail against injustice, oppression, misrule, inequality and all other societal ills with a view of bringing about change. He noted that reggae artists like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and Afrobeat artist like Fela Anikulapo Kuti have all clamoured for change with their music.

Abdullahi, who is a poet and a dramatist, also called on Nigerian musicians to put their voices out for good governance, rectitude and social justice even as he advised them to sing about love and female folks in manner ‘devoid of glorification of debauchery’.

The chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja

Chapter, Mr Eriata Oribhabor, who convened the event, said it provided a platform for renowned and upcoming poets, artist, musicians, and exhibitors of arts and literary materials to register their voices on national issues for the betterment of the capital city.

He said, “The essence of this programme is to speak to authorities and ensure that those who write know that what they are writing is there for posterity and legacy.”

He added that it is planned to be annual with increased participation and build-up programmes that will be culminating into a grand programme on the 29th of September, every year.

100 Thousand Poets for Change was co-founded by poets Michael Rothenberg and Terri Carrion. The initiative is headquartered in California, USA where it was first held in 2011. The event is deemed the largest poetry reading in history. The duo aim at connecting diverse cultures and populations, helping poets and artists of all kinds share their artistic visions, their unique work, and their passions for a better society and creating solidarity among them to bring about progressive social movement towards peace, tolerance and sustainability.