My happiness is making my parents proud, says poet, 10

When did you begin performance poetry? It started when I recited Psalm 91 in church. Then I was seven and it was not difficult for me. I also demonstrated it. After that I wrote my first poem, ‘My Precious Meat’. Then I told my mother that I wanted to recite, ‘Nnanyi is it True’ by […]

When did you begin performance poetry?
It started when I recited Psalm 91 in church. Then I was seven and it was not difficult for me. I also demonstrated it. After that I wrote my first poem, ‘My Precious Meat’. Then I told my mother that I wanted to recite, ‘Nnanyi is it True’ by Dike Chukwumerije. She told him and he sent her the lines, then I memorized it.
Have you written many poems?
No. Now, I perform poems written by many authors. Time Bello, Dike Chukwumerije, Maya Angelou, Boardman, Isaac Ogezi, Isaac Ogezi, Diop and many others.
Was becoming a performance poet difficult?
Not exactly. My mother always took me and my sisters for Abuja Literary Society from when I was very young. There, I used to watch a lot of people perform their poetry very boldly. We also search You Tube for Performances by performance poets.
Your mum is involved in literary works, did this in anyway play a huge role for the love you have in poetry?
Yes of course. She used to show me a lot of poems and ask me if I liked them. She also explains the poems to me. Anyone I like I will tell her that I want to memorize it and perform it. She will listen to me and correct me. Sometimes she teaches me movements. She also used to buy a lot of books for us and we read them. She also got a dramatist for me, Time Bello to teach me movements.
You began writing at quite a young age. Tell us about the first poem you wrote…
I wrote my first poem when I was nine and it was about meat, which my sister likes. I performed it at Abuja Literary Society and everybody who was there clapped. I can still remember.
How have you been able to blend your passion with academics?
My father always makes sure I read my books. My parents also help me with my homework and teach me.
You were recently given a six million naira scholarship. How did you feel after receiving the scholarship for rare display of talent?
I was very happy and excited. My parents say when they get it they will use it to pay my school fees. I want to thank the Minister of Education who told the president about me.
What was your parents’ reaction after your performance?
It was only my mother that was there; my father travelled. My mother was smiling but I could see that I made her proud that day. It’s a good feeling to know your parents are proud of you even at quite a young age.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to continue with performance poetry and also become a lawyer. I also want to continue reciting beautiful poems wherever I see them for every occasion.
What poets inspire you?
I like Dike Chukwumerije, Time Bello, Maya Angelou. I have memorized three of Dike Chukwumerije’s poems, two of Time Bello and four of Maya Angelou’s.