This self-celebration and community adulation through poetic expression is the tenth of Yorùbá-Nigerian writer, poet and lecturer Abíọ́dún Ọlátòkunbọ̀ Abdul’s event series focusing on cultural and social themes related to Yorùbá/Nigeria/Africa/Diaspora: YNAD Talks. https://www.yorubayonder.com/p/ynad-talks.html
First, we’ll separate the limericks from the haikus before exploring Yorùbá poetic styles, rich with insightful verses and emotive expression. Try your hand at Oríkì, weave your words into Ẹ̀sà, find your way around Ìjálá, and more. Then see how we can transpose ‘call and response’ and other aspects of our oral literature tradition into written illustration. Embracing the BHM theme of 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride', let’s channel our pride through uplifting & powerful praise poetry as we infuse some Yorùbá flavour into English composition.
With delectable Nigerian snacks as prizes and uplifting Nigerian music as inspiration, come express yourself in this YNAD Talk ‘Spice Up Your Poetry!: Adding Yorùbá Flavour to English Composition’ on Thursday 30th October, 5-7pm, University of Nottingham UP campus, Trent Building, rm A21 (The Council Room).
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The YNAD Talks event series goal is to foster inclusion in the wider community also mirrored within the university bodies, complementing initiatives to decolonialise/internationalise curriculums at all education levels and promote positive diversity engagement. By championing authentic African literature with a specific focus on Yorùbá praise poetry forms, this YNAD Talk not only sits comfortably within the 2025 BHM theme, it also stresses the pluralistic nature of African cultures which can permeate throughout the British social consciousness, signalling the value of Blackness for everyone in general and empowering Black communities in particular.
