For popular performance poet, Akeem Lasisi, leading practitioners in both modern and oral traditions have inspired him.
According to the producer of popular poetry videos such as Udeme and Eleleture, his new project titled, African Citations fuses poetry and visual arts, music, dance and many more.
Shedding more lights on his works, the poet, author and journalist explains that while he draws inspiration from veteran modern poets like Niyi Osundare and Odia Ofeimun, Yoruba performance poets like Suleiman Ayilara Aremu aka Ajobiewe and Yemi Elebuibon have a great impact on him.
He says: I think I am a bit lucky in this respect. A Yoruba proverb says A kii je meji laba Alade, meaning you dont eat double portions in Alade Village. In my own case, I eat more than double. I partake in the great legacy that the likes of Niyi Osundare, Odia Ofeimun, Gabriel Okara and Tanure Ojaide amongst others have built. Yet, I am an unapologetic student of the Yoruba oral heritage that Ajobiewe promotes alongside Pa Elebuibon, Ogundare Fonyanmu, Alabi Ogundepo, Lanrewaju Adepoju, Olatubosun Oladapo and even mystery poet, Ologundudu advance.
“My mentor number one, Prof. Niyi Osundare is my leading bridge across the divides as well as Prof. Femi Osofisan and the late Ezenwa Ohaeto. So, having enjoyed the benefit of growing up amid these icons, I am continually able to fuel my passion for cross-culture poetic expeditions.
Lasisi, whose poetry collections include IREMOJE: Ritual Poetry for Ken Saro-Wiwa, Wonderland and Night of My Flight: The Poetry of a Lady about to Wed, says African Citation is a product of such bicultural poetry.
I am happy that African Citations is happening because it kind of climaxes my adventures in poetry performance. It is more invigorating when I consider the potential of the event to expand my vision as well as those of other poets especially with experimentalist or spoken word orientations,” he states.
The exhibition with the theme: Humanity Flowing Like A River held on December 10, 2023 at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
