Winning my first poetry prize is amazing

Can you tell us something of your background? Who really is Tosin?I am a word lover. I’ve always been one. When I was much younger, in my pre-teen years, I was enamoured with the books in my father’s library. I started reading quite early and I was struck by the way great authors like Ngugi […]

Can you tell us something of your background? Who really is Tosin?
I am a word lover. I’ve always been one. When I was much younger, in my pre-teen years, I was enamoured with the books in my father’s library. I started reading quite early and I was struck by the way great authors like Ngugi Wa Thiongo, Chinua Achebe, and Cyprian Ekwensi used words flawlessly. I wanted to be able to do the same. So, I jumped at every writing opportunity I got – clubs, editorial boards etc.
In 2010, whilst finishing an undergraduate course in Biochemistry from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, I published a magazine, Denovo. At that time, I was simultaneously on the editorial board of another magazine, JEANS.
Today, I have contributed as a writer to both print and online magazines, and I seek to inspire people through my works.

You started writing not too long ago, I presume. Are you surprised how far you have come so quickly?
Well, I started serious writing a few years ago. Initially, they were non-fiction magazine articles. I started writing fiction recently and I fell deeper in love with it after attending the Fidelity Bank Creative Writing Workshop in 2012. I have come so far in such a short time and I’m especially grateful to God for the friends that I have. They have always been on the side-lines giving their full support all the way.

Your first love was prose, and I was quite surprised to see your name on the Isele Poetry prize shortlist. Did that surprise you as well?
Yes, my first love is prose. And yes, it did surprise me to see my name on the shortlist. It was my first shot at any poetry competition. Before that, I didn’t write poetry much.

It is your first attempt at spoken word poetry, isn’t it? How did you arrive at the decision to enter for the prize?
Just before the competition was announced, I stumbled on a spoken word poetry video on YouTube. I was hooked. I began to look for other videos on spoken word poetry and I found myself liking it. And so I thought to myself: here is a good deal. Not only do I get to write, but I also get to perform my piece in front of an audience. It sounded like a lot of fun. And so, when the Isele competition was announced, I jumped right at it.
How significant is winning this prize for you? What does this represent for you?
Winning this prize has given me the confidence I need to spread my wings and soar. It feels like spoken word poetry has stretched out its hands, beckoning to me. And I’m ready to walk that path with it.

Are we now likely to see more of you in spoken word than in prose?
Oh well! It’s hard to let go of one’s first love. I plan to balance the two.

Who have been your influences in spoken word, do you have any?
Sarah Kay. I love Sarah Kay. She does spoken word poetry effortlessly.

Expect to see a more dynamic version of me, on paper and on stage.