I will take you all through the journey of the history of Africa, through the pathways that passed through Kwararafa — a good example that we are a people not because we are bound together by just geography and colonial amalgamation–which shows that our people had a better idea of society and nationhood beyond just flag and an anthem
Picture: Image from “Onugbo mlu Oko: a History of Wandering” at 9JA Day organised by Unchained Vibes Africa
I AM making a major announcement for the stage production of KWARARAFA: The Spirits Want Home, a historical and ecocritical stage performance) before the end of today. The performance comes up in October, next month. I must confess that I didn’t expect the support I got for the first edition in Lagos.
I still cannot offer enough appreciation to Sir Eriata Oribhabor through the aegis of Poets in Nigeria, Dr Kabura Zakama through Kairos Tablets and Scrolls, Egbadu Negus Raymond, Peter Katyo, Jones O. Okolie and his organisation and my own Sevhage and AJ HOUSE of Poetry team members.
When I conceived the idea of this edition, I instantly reached Obande Gideon and Ojila Yahaya Monday, and their willingness and encouragement were so inspiring that, for once, I felt a huge sense of community. So, yeah. I will take you all through the journey of the history of Africa, through the pathways that passed through Kwararafa — a good example that we are a people not because we are bound together by just geography and colonial amalgamation–which shows that our people had a better idea of society and nationhood beyond just flag and an anthem.
But the history of our culture and people is also the history of the environment. With the much that’s happening, there is no better time to call our attention to the issues of eco-critical discourse from the perspective of class, gender, religion, and culture.
So, you can reach [email protected] or call/Whatsapp 07030285995 for partnership and support.
I have been selecting the best words, but they seldom come. So I will just announce that by next month, my team and I will stage the second edition of my solo poetry-theatre show titled KWARARAFA: the Spirits Want a Home (a historical and ecocritical stage performance).
This second edition is quite special for me as it is also my birth month and five years of the existence of Afrika Writes and a belated commemoration of Benue Poetry Troupe. If you watched the first edition in Lagos, then witness me with something bigger and richer–going through the journey of African, Nigerian, and Idoma history, and how the environment is what keeps us. As Osundare said, “The earth is ours to plough not to plunder,” Kwararafa is a communion to the earth and a celebration of history, culture, and language. It is an intersectional engagement of nature and the environment and everything else in between.
We are calling for both official and individual support for this project. While more details will be announced in a few days, the event is completely free (no tickets required), however, we accept your support in every capacity.
