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"Representing NAIJA" is the tag for the 31st edition of POETRY POTTER. There is no doubt that this edition of the event will surpass the previous in all ramifications. It's going to be a gathering of young meaning Nigerians under one room in a serene atmosphere of the Rounda Hall, National Library, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos. To discuss the present and future of Nigeria creatively, with rendition of rhythmic words and lines which will be accompanied with nice rhythm.

As Yoruba will say, ariwo ko o, it's not unnecessary noise that will drive home the change (the real change) that the country is currently clamouring for, it's by meeting and discussing the issues with creative approach. And this is the reason why KOWRY KREATIONS MEDIA is in partnership with THE FUTURE AWARDS for this very edition of the literary arts monthly platform.

Date: Saturday, 31 October 2009 Time: 2-6pm

Venue: Rotunda Hall, National Library opposite Casino Cinema, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos

PLAY 2009: GTBank Sponsors Poetry Fiesta

The pan-Nigerian Poetry Festival which explores the theme, “Poetry, Laughter, Arts and You” and is acronymed “P.L.A.Y” has finally secured the goodwill of GTBank as sole-sponsor.

In this connection, the Project Producer and Artistic Director, Ben Tomoloju, has been contracted to stage the event on Thursday and Friday, October 29 and 30, this year, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos and treat the Nigerian Literary community and arts patrons to a quintessential culture exposition in poetry and theatre.

Plans for this festival kicked off nearly a year ago based on the contention that poetry as a form of art deserves to recapture its essence as a performance medium. In the study of Oral Literature, for instance, the “oral-moment” of the traditional poet - griot or bard- is a major feature of study and his or her characteristic dependency on a retinue of singers, dancers and drummers shows the exciting interface between poetry and theatre. Illustrating with homely examples, the producer, Ben Tomoloju, draws attention to the acts of the late Mamman Shata and horse-riding Hajiya Lolo Bida who were traditional poets in their own right but celebrated their poetry with musical accompaniment.

Among contemporary Nigerian poets, some leading lights such as Odia Ofeimun and Niyi Osundare have demonstrated a significant knack for performance poetry. They usually read, recite or chant to the accompaniment of songs and music as a re-affirmation of the interconnectedness of these artistic genres. In the new generation, poet-journalist, Akeem Lasisi, is quite outstanding. His poetry is not only inspired by traditional Yoruba poetry, he has also evolved a metalangue for its stage realization. These and many other juicy enactments which also incorporate the peculiar acts of Folu Agoi, Dagga Tolar, Iquo Eke, Sage “Has.son” and peculiar rap artistes are the offering at P.L.A.Y 2009.

According to Tomoloju, all participating artistes have been duly contacted and a number of them from the Nefretiti Group, Crown Troupe and Solar Band are now working at the Artsville Theatre Camp, Jakande Estate Bungalows, Ejigbo, Lagos. The main presentation of the festival is Eddie Aderinokun’s “Meridian Hour” while a special segment will be dedicated to Mabel Segun, the matriarch of Children’s Literature.