After a successful Black History Month Special, which was held in October 2023. Lion & Lilac returns with another edition to showcase even further, leading black voices in the North of England. The event will feature six incredible artists with their unique voices, all in one venue, which includes Degna Stone, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, Omotayo… Continue reading Lion & Lilac set to host a Black History Month Special at North Shields & District Men’s Catholic Club
David Francis, Lanre Sonde, Kirsty Hall set to headline at The Stanza
Following a break in June 2024, The Stanza will host an evening of spoken word poetry and live music at North Shields & District Men’s Catholic Club, Cecil Street, North Shields NE29 0DQ on Wednesday 31st July 2024. Entry to the event is free as part of The Stanza’s commitment to ensure accessibility of arts… Continue reading David Francis, Lanre Sonde, Kirsty Hall set to headline at The Stanza
Jess Fielding, Lewis Brown, Boliuma Olusayero, Aaron Wright set to headline at The Stanza
The Stanza will host its last event of the year at North Shields & District Men’s Catholic Club, Cecil Street, North Shields NE29 0DQ on Wednesday 29th November 2023. Entry to the event is free as part of The Stanza’s commitment to ensure accessibility of arts and culture events to inhabitants of North-East England. Doors… Continue reading Jess Fielding, Lewis Brown, Boliuma Olusayero, Aaron Wright set to headline at The Stanza
Georgia Bartlett-McNeil to headline Born Lippy’s Black History Month Special
Your Monthly celebration of all things wordy returns! Spoken word/Comedy/Live Hip-hop & More! This month will be a Black History Month Special! Featuring… Georgia Bartlett-McNeil Poet and spoken word artiste living in Edinburgh. Her style ranges from hilarious to hard-hitting, and she enjoys writing most about the small moments of every day, and the dramatic… Continue reading Georgia Bartlett-McNeil to headline Born Lippy’s Black History Month Special
Lion & Lilac Presents a Black History Month Special at North Shields & District Men’s Catholic Club
Lion & Lilac presents a Black History Month Special showcasing leading black voices in North-East, England. Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, Omotayo Sangofadeji, Papi Jeovani, Mwelwa Chilekwa, Fred Chyke, and Georgia May will perform and captivate the audience. The audience can enjoy live music, spoken word performance, storytelling, and play. The event will be held at North… Continue reading Lion & Lilac Presents a Black History Month Special at North Shields & District Men’s Catholic Club
New Performance Night set to debut at The Central Bar, Gateshead
The inaugural “Everything Goes Shows” by Kaleidoscope ‘n’ Mic will take place at The Central Bar in Gateshead on October 18th. There will be a variety of performance on the night, where spoken word, improv, and musicians are all welcomed onto the stage. The aim is to promote original work and provide a platform for… Continue reading New Performance Night set to debut at The Central Bar, Gateshead
Writers’ Shack in association with Waddington Street Centre and Talking Pen proudly presents POETRY JAM Featuring Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, Sam Szanto and Chris Hodgson
Three fantastic guests plus quick-fire open floor readings of wide-ranging poetry in the cosy Waddy café lounge—ideal for road-testing new work in front of a warm and appreciative audience. Beginners and slam champions have graced this space. Bring your words and join in. Or sit back and soak up the lyrical atmosphere. Either way, get… Continue reading Writers’ Shack in association with Waddington Street Centre and Talking Pen proudly presents POETRY JAM Featuring Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, Sam Szanto and Chris Hodgson
Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, Gary the Hat, Jimmy Ryan, Chris Cook set to headline at The Stanza
Following the successful hosting of the Special Summer Showcase, which featured leading poets in the North-East, including Amife Sabatina, David Roe, Megan Robson, Steve Lancaster, amongst others. The Stanza will host another riveting evening of poetry, spoken word, comedy, and live music on the Open Mic. An outstanding line-up of poets in the North-East literary… Continue reading Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, Gary the Hat, Jimmy Ryan, Chris Cook set to headline at The Stanza
Multiple Award-Winning Poet Tolu’ A. Akinyemi – The Lion of Newcastle announces North-East Spoken Word Tour for Autumn 2023
Multiple Award-winning poet and storyteller Tolu A. Akinyemi, aka The Lion of Newcastle, will be touring selected venues across the North East this Autumn. Come along and see him perform pieces from several of his award-winning books, including A Booktiful Love and Inferno of Silence. ~Monday 4th September: The Cooking Pot Whitley Bay. 7pm. ~Thursday… Continue reading Multiple Award-Winning Poet Tolu’ A. Akinyemi – The Lion of Newcastle announces North-East Spoken Word Tour for Autumn 2023
Book Review: “Black Girl, Call Home” by Jasmine Mans
In her luminous poetry collection, “Black Girl, Call Home,” Jasmine Mans crafts a mesmerizing ode to black women and black queer women, illuminating the multifaceted journey of black womanhood, as she artfully navigates the complexities of identity, love, family, and societal expectations. From the very first page, Mans captures her readers’ hearts with her raw… Continue reading Book Review: “Black Girl, Call Home” by Jasmine Mans
Writers’ Shack in association with Waddington Street Centre and Talking Pen proudly presents POETRY JAM Featuring Ann Porro, Lewis Brown and Mayira Thomas.
Three fantastic guests plus quick-fire open floor readings of wide-ranging poetry in the cosy Waddy café lounge—ideal for road-testing new work in front of a warm and appreciative audience. Beginners and slam champions have graced this space. Bring your words and join in. Or sit back and soak up the lyrical atmosphere. Either way, get… Continue reading Writers’ Shack in association with Waddington Street Centre and Talking Pen proudly presents POETRY JAM Featuring Ann Porro, Lewis Brown and Mayira Thomas.
Amife Sabatina, David Roe, Megan Robson, Steve Lancaster set to headline at The Stanza Special Summer Showcase
The Stanza is set to host a Special Summer Showcase headlined by leading poets in the Northeast and beyond. The evening promises to be a showcase of wonderful words and magical music on Sunday 6th August, Time: 3-6pm. Entry to the event is free which will hold at North Shields & District Men’s Catholic Club,… Continue reading Amife Sabatina, David Roe, Megan Robson, Steve Lancaster set to headline at The Stanza Special Summer Showcase
Christie Jay’s “Grey Choir”: A Captivating Poetry Album with Soul.
Whether you have recently immersed yourself in the mesmerizing poetry scene on the continent or simply have a deep appreciation for performance poetry, chances are high that you have come across the name Christtie Jay- a remarkable poet whose works are notorious for their beguiling simplicity, swirl of metaphors, and radiant excavation. With her enchanting… Continue reading Christie Jay’s “Grey Choir”: A Captivating Poetry Album with Soul.
Nigerian Performance Poet Faith Moyosore Agboola Nominated for Rising Talent Of The Year Spoken Word Poetry at the APVA Awards 2023
Talented spoken word poet and experienced cultural producer, Faith Moyosore Agboola who is widely known as Faith Moyosore has been nominated for the Rising Talent of the Year award in the inaugural edition of the African Podcast and Voice (APVA) awards by Afripods The APVA Awards intend that excellent podcasters, spoken-word poets, and voice artists… Continue reading Nigerian Performance Poet Faith Moyosore Agboola Nominated for Rising Talent Of The Year Spoken Word Poetry at the APVA Awards 2023
Tolu’ A. Akinyemi makes history with new poetry collection
Notable Nigerian poet, essayist, storyteller, and children’s author Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s latest collection of poems, ‘Architects of a Cleaner Financial System’ etches his name in the poetry hall of fame. Acclaimed Nigerian writer and poet Tolu’ A. Akinyemi is the first poet in recorded history to publish a full-length collection of financial crime compliance poems.… Continue reading Tolu’ A. Akinyemi makes history with new poetry collection
Even Silence is a Voice: A Review of Unashamed by Bisola Bada
Book Title: Unashamed Author’s Name: Bisola Bada Publisher: ACEworld Publishers Year of Publication: 2022 Like the Holy Bible, this collection of poems begins with genesis. On seeing the first poem’s title, a curious mind may wonder if this book would follow a similar title-naming pattern, like the Bible. However, that’s not the case here. Bisola unashamedly invites… Continue reading Even Silence is a Voice: A Review of Unashamed by Bisola Bada
With his Twentieth Published Work “The Morning Cloud is Empty” Multiple Award-Winning Newcastle-Based Nigerian Author reaches Incredible Milestone.
Notable Nigerian poet, essayist, storyteller and children’s author, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s latest collection of poems, ‘The Morning Cloud is Empty’ adds the prodigious Nigerian talent to the illustrious rank of Authors with twenty published works. Ekiti State born Nigerian Writer and Poet, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi who has received great international acclaim for his extraordinary talent… Continue reading With his Twentieth Published Work “The Morning Cloud is Empty” Multiple Award-Winning Newcastle-Based Nigerian Author reaches Incredible Milestone.
The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize 2023 announced its longlist with African Diaspora and stories of Alienated Youth Dominating the List
The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize announced its international longlist today, Thursday 26 January. The £20,000 prize is one of the World’s largest literary prizes for young writers. Awarded for the best published literary work in the English language, written by an author aged 39 or under, the Prize celebrates the international world of fiction… Continue reading The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize 2023 announced its longlist with African Diaspora and stories of Alienated Youth Dominating the List
Injustice, Trauma And Death: Knotted Ropes In Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s Everybody Don Kolomental
Title: EVERYBODY DON KOLOMENTAL Genre: Poetry (a collection) Author: Tolu’ A. Akinyemi Publisher: The Roaring Lion Newcastle LTD Reviewer: ENANG, God’swill Effiong Year of Publication: 2021 Word Count: 1,353 Injustice, Trauma And Death: Knotted Ropes In Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s Everybody Don Kolomental ‘Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once;… Continue reading Injustice, Trauma And Death: Knotted Ropes In Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s Everybody Don Kolomental
Multiple Award-Winning Author releases first collection of poems for Young People
Notable poet, essayist, storyteller and children’s author, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s latest collection of poems, ‘You Need More Than Dreams’ is a collection of didactic and instructive poems targeted at young people and teenagers. Tolu’ A. Akinyemi has received great acclaim locally and internationally for his literary acumen and writing talent, which has seen him publish… Continue reading Multiple Award-Winning Author releases first collection of poems for Young People
AY LIVE set to make history in Newcastle
Leading Nigerian comedian, entertainer and filmmaker, AY (Ayo Makun) will perform live at The FED Gateshead on the 27th of November 2022. AY will bring his award-winning comedy show to North-East England, for the very first time, which will also see upcoming Afrobeats acts and live DJs performing on the night. The glitz and glamour… Continue reading AY LIVE set to make history in Newcastle
Welsh Rapper Wins International Poetry Book Awards
Rufus Mufasa was announced overall winner of this prestigious competition in Pontypridd today. Judged by Welsh writer, poet and environmental activist John Evans. The winners were as follows:1st Prize FLASHBACKS & FLOWERS – Rufus Mufasa, Pontypridd, Wales2nd Prize SIARAD – Caroline Reid, Adelaide, Australia3rd Prize WE ARE THE WINTER PEOPLE – Jenny Rowbory, Machynlleth, Wales Second place went to… Continue reading Welsh Rapper Wins International Poetry Book Awards
Newcastle Based Nigerian Writer makes the shortlist of the 2022 Morland Writing Scholarships.
The Miles Morland Foundation has announced the shortlist for the 2022 Morland Writing Scholarships. With well over 500 entries from published authors. Nineteen writers were shortlisted from the large pool of submissions, which included the winner of the Quramo Writers’ Prize 2022, Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, who is based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Morland Writing Scholarship… Continue reading Newcastle Based Nigerian Writer makes the shortlist of the 2022 Morland Writing Scholarships.
More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish set to premiere at Alphabetti Theatre
Alphabetti Theatre and SoreSlap Theatre present the World Premiere of More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish from TUES 15TH NOV – SAT 3RD DEC 2022 Performance Time: 7:30pm plus 1:00pm Saturday matinees Tickets: 15th – 20th Nov – Pay What You Feel (booking essential) 22nd Nov – 3rd Dec – £15-£3 Running Time: Approx. 75 mins Age Rec: 16+… Continue reading More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish set to premiere at Alphabetti Theatre
Born Lippy hosts riveting night at Cobalt Studios CIC
Born Lippy treated lovers of poetry, comedy and hip-hop to an electric night where glittering words were shared by all performing acts. Donald Jenkins hosted the night, which is tagged a monthly celebration of everything wordy and had pulsating performances that had the audience craving for more right to the very end. The performers for… Continue reading Born Lippy hosts riveting night at Cobalt Studios CIC
Newcastle Based Nigerian Writer Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim wins Quramo Writers’ Prize 2022
Newcastle based Nigerian Writer Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim has been declared as the winner of the Quramo Writers’ Prize 2022. Ibrahim was announced the winner at the grand finale of the 2022 edition of the Quramo Festival of Words, which was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos on Sunday, October 9th, 2022. In… Continue reading Newcastle Based Nigerian Writer Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim wins Quramo Writers’ Prize 2022
Jide Badmus, Christtie Jay, Omotayo Sangofadeji set to headline at Lion and Lilac’s National Poetry Day Event
UK Based Arts Organisation, Lion and Lilac will treat lovers of poetry to a National Poetry Day Event in line with this year’s theme of “The Environment”. The event will feature both established and emerging voices on the African and United Kingdom’s literary scene. Among the headliners is Jide Badmus, who is the author of… Continue reading Jide Badmus, Christtie Jay, Omotayo Sangofadeji set to headline at Lion and Lilac’s National Poetry Day Event
Book Review – Abayomi Abiru Interrogates The Concepts Of Home, Loss And Impermanence In Debut Poetry Collection “This City Knows My Name”
“No one leaves home unless/home is the mouth of a shark”–Warsan Shire. Much is made about migration and seeking new beginnings in “saner climes”, but not many people are eager to have conversations about the uncertainty that comes with switching continents, with moving from one side of an ocean to another. People are reluctant to… Continue reading Book Review – Abayomi Abiru Interrogates The Concepts Of Home, Loss And Impermanence In Debut Poetry Collection “This City Knows My Name”
A Nigerian Poet Encapsulates the Turmoil of the World in his poetry Collection: Sometimes I Wish It Could Always Be Day
Reviewer: Creative Bird Poetry has always been lauded for the brevity of language and the ability to capture events, emotions and other muses in flowery words be it with metaphors that strikes through like lightning or imagery that thrills our imagination and helps us to see the seventh wonder through stanzas and verses. Deji Ajibade’s… Continue reading A Nigerian Poet Encapsulates the Turmoil of the World in his poetry Collection: Sometimes I Wish It Could Always Be Day
The Language Of Beauty: An Aesthetic & Thematic Analysis Of Bash S. Amuneni’s “There Is A Lunatic In Every Town”
Reviewer: Nosakhare Collins Title: There is a Lunatic In Every Town Author: Bash Sunday Amuneni Publisher: Sevhage Publishers Year of publication: 2016 Pages: 83 ISBN: 978-978-54494-9-5 Reviewer: Nosakhare Collins We cannot remove the professional love of poetry from a poet. Every piece of work should be defined in art and poetry within the conditions of reality.… Continue reading The Language Of Beauty: An Aesthetic & Thematic Analysis Of Bash S. Amuneni’s “There Is A Lunatic In Every Town”
The Lion of Newcastle, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi is set to Release Four Books at The Lit and Phil Newcastle
Join author extraordinaire, the Lion of Newcastle, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi at his books signing and reading event at The Lit & Phil on the 8th of September 2022. At this event, Tolu’ will officially release his new books, If You Have To Be Anything, Be Kind (children’s literature); City of Lost Memories, (poetry); Awaken Your… Continue reading The Lion of Newcastle, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi is set to Release Four Books at The Lit and Phil Newcastle
Newcastle Publishing Imprint Secures the European Rights to Jide Badmus’s Collection of Poems – “What Do I Call My Love For Your Body”
The Roaring Lion Newcastle Ltd. committed to publishing outstanding books written by Black Authors has signed prolific Nigerian Poet, essayist, and storyteller, Jide Badmus, on a year 5 book deal for his forthcoming collection of poems, with an option to renew for another five years. The Newcastle based publishing imprint has secured the European rights… Continue reading Newcastle Publishing Imprint Secures the European Rights to Jide Badmus’s Collection of Poems – “What Do I Call My Love For Your Body”
Once Upon A Virus – A Poet’s Documentation Of A Never To Be Forgotten Time In Human History.
The Coronavirus pandemic was a devastating experience and anyone who witnessed it can attest to this in the affirmative. The world was noisy and silent all at once. Noisy as we watched and listened to the tragic occurrences with little or no control over them. Silence as the world was on a lockdown almost at… Continue reading Once Upon A Virus – A Poet’s Documentation Of A Never To Be Forgotten Time In Human History.
Diversed in STEM–Richard Gilliam makes a case for children to embrace STEM Careers.
The multiplicity of the benefits of literature is further emphasized by Richard Gilliam’s new book “Diversed in Stem”, where he makes a case for young children to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. According to the author, the goal of the book is to show that some of our children’s personality traits that we deem… Continue reading Diversed in STEM–Richard Gilliam makes a case for children to embrace STEM Careers.
Frenchaire Gardner shares hope and love to foster and adopted children in her award-winning children’s book.
TNR: You chose foster and adopted children as your target audience in your latest book. Why so? FG: This book is very personal to me because my biological children have been adopted. Not only is it important to let my four children know they are loved, but it’s important for all children to know that… Continue reading Frenchaire Gardner shares hope and love to foster and adopted children in her award-winning children’s book.
Renowned African Writer appointed as a columnist for 2022 in Malimbe Magazine
The ingenious writing prodigy who has published fourteen books and has six forthcoming titles joins the roll-call of other illustrious African Writers who have been columnists at Malimbe Magazine. Tolu’ A. Akinyemi is a writer of repute who has garnered international acclaim for his outstanding literary works. The multi-award-winning Nigerian writer, who writes in the… Continue reading Renowned African Writer appointed as a columnist for 2022 in Malimbe Magazine
Richard S. T Gilliam harps on the importance of STEM subjects in new children’s book
TNR: What inspired your recently published children’s book, “Diversed in STEM: When We Believe, We Achieve”? R: I was inspired to write my book based on my life. Being from the inner city of Philadelphia, I grew up in an area where I lacked drive and motivation. I really didn’t believe in myself and my… Continue reading Richard S. T Gilliam harps on the importance of STEM subjects in new children’s book
Black Northern Writers Shaping the Literary Culture on the Tyne
Since time immemorial, the written word has transcended borders and writers who, either through economic migration, adventure, self-preservation, or the sanctity of their pen, have found refuge in new territories. These new cities have become homes to the erudite ones who have enraptured us through their published works and literary talents. Tyne and Wear in… Continue reading Black Northern Writers Shaping the Literary Culture on the Tyne
Interview with Nigerian Writer, Adeola Gbalajobi, recently endorsed by Arts Council England as a writer with exceptional promise
TNR: Did getting the Arts Council England endorsement as a writer with exceptional promise feel like a just reward for your years of labour within the literary community? AG: Yes, it did. I’ve been submitting my works for publications in journals and literary magazines since 2017. Then, I just wanted my poems and writings to… Continue reading Interview with Nigerian Writer, Adeola Gbalajobi, recently endorsed by Arts Council England as a writer with exceptional promise
A chat with Jide Badmus – An engineer, essayist, storyteller and Poet, on his literary journey
TNR: What or who influenced your journey into writing? Lanre Badmus, my younger brother, was the main reason I started writing poetry. He used to have his poems up on his faculty noticeboard at the University. I would go all the way from engineering to the Law Faculty to read. My parents were avid readers,… Continue reading A chat with Jide Badmus – An engineer, essayist, storyteller and Poet, on his literary journey
In a chat with Azeezat Olayinka Okunlola, joint second place winner of “prisoner of love poetry contest,”
TNR: Congratulations on your joint second place finish in the “Prisoner of Love” poetry contest. How do you feel about this? I feel excited! Well, I haven’t been in the competitive literary space for a while now, and just when I was getting my boots back on, this happens! So, yes! I’m excited and I… Continue reading In a chat with Azeezat Olayinka Okunlola, joint second place winner of “prisoner of love poetry contest,”
A Book of Poetic Wisdom – A Review of Tolu Akinyemi’s Dead Cats Don’t Meow
Book Title: Dead Cats Don’t Meow: Don’t waste the ninth life Author: Tolu A. Akinyemi Year of Publication: 2019 Number of Pages: 113 Category: Poetry Cats are said to have nine lives and a reputation for getting out of sticky situations unscathed. While some of us despise them and avoid them when they meow, Tolu A.… Continue reading A Book of Poetic Wisdom – A Review of Tolu Akinyemi’s Dead Cats Don’t Meow
There is No Such Thing as a Secret-A Review of Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s Never Marry a Writer
Title: Never Marry a Writer Author: Tolu’ A. Akinyemi Publisher: The Roaring Lion Newcastle Year of Publication: 2021 Number of Pages: 80 Category: Poetry Never Marry a Writer is Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s seventh poetry collection, divided into three sections and containing over fifty poems on a variety of intriguing topics. The poems in this collection, on the other… Continue reading There is No Such Thing as a Secret-A Review of Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s Never Marry a Writer
Slow Down (and live in the moment) – A Review of Deji Ajibade’s Living by the Script
Title: Living by the Script: Making the Most of Your Life Author: Deji Ajibade Publisher: The Roaring Lion Newcastle Year of Publication: 2021 Number of Pages: 105 Category: Self-Help You might have heard the saying that money cannot buy happiness. This saying might sound unconvincing or even hilarious to many Nigerians. Can you tell a Nigerian who cannot afford three… Continue reading Slow Down (and live in the moment) – A Review of Deji Ajibade’s Living by the Script
Multi-Award-Winning Author releases collection of poems ‘A god in a Human Body’ to kick-start the New Year
Written by the incredibly talented Children’s author, storyteller, essayist and poet Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, ‘A god in a Human Body’ explores themes of spirituality, divinity and the enormous power that we possess while we traverse this earthly passage. Multi-award-winning author Tolu’ A. Akinyemi has always admired the sheer force in humans and the ability to… Continue reading Multi-Award-Winning Author releases collection of poems ‘A god in a Human Body’ to kick-start the New Year
In the Grips of a Pandemic, JB Favour’s new release “Once Upon a Virus” Chronicles the travails of the last 24 months.
Bio: JB Favour is a ghostwriter, Voiceover Artist, Editor and Poet from Nigeria. She is the founder of the book promotion platform Bookterviews – Meet An Author Show, an interview platform for authors to share the behind story of their writing journey and challenges, inspirations and growth as authors on her YouTube channel and website.… Continue reading In the Grips of a Pandemic, JB Favour’s new release “Once Upon a Virus” Chronicles the travails of the last 24 months.
A Role Played by the Rules – A Review of Funmi Coker’s Letter to Lilly
Title: Letter to Lilly Author: Funmi Coker Publisher: The Roaring Lion Newcastle Year of Publication: 2021 Number of Pages: 52Category: Poetry It takes bravery to choose to dream big in a world that does not provide the right conditions for the girl child to thrive. In Nigeria, the girl child/women face numerous challenges. As a result, more women are… Continue reading A Role Played by the Rules – A Review of Funmi Coker’s Letter to Lilly
A Poet’s Perception on Pain, Life and Much More – A Review of Anda Damisa’s A Lazy Poet
Book Title: A Lazy Poet Author: Anda Damisa (Lazywrita) Year of Publication: 2019 Number of Pages: 70 Category: Poetry “Do not love me/Do not care/This heart has nothing to share,” the author, Andy Damisa, says in A Lazy Poet, a collection of poems inspired by the author’s personal experiences and those around him. There is anger… Continue reading A Poet’s Perception on Pain, Life and Much More – A Review of Anda Damisa’s A Lazy Poet
Timmi Kilgore offers hope through her debut book ‘A Rose through the Crack’
Bio: Timmi Kilgore is a successful entrepreneur born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Her skills, knowledge, and experience personally and professionally qualify her to offer quality support to an organization or individual that will lead to success. Experienced in healthcare, human services, social services, hospice, home-care, mental health, and drug/alcohol abuse. Education: Certified Professional Coach,… Continue reading Timmi Kilgore offers hope through her debut book ‘A Rose through the Crack’
Things That Men Never Talk About – A Review of Tolu’ A Akinyemi’s Inferno of Silence
Title: Inferno of Silence Author: Tolu’ A. Akinyemi Publisher: The Roaring Lion Newcastle Year of Publication: 2020 Number of Pages: 201 Category: Short Stories Poets who write novels have a distinct voice. Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, the author of “Inferno of Silence,” is one of them. Before transitioning to storytelling, he was best known for his intense poetry (and continuing… Continue reading Things That Men Never Talk About – A Review of Tolu’ A Akinyemi’s Inferno of Silence
Book Review: A Constellation of Cravings – A Stellar Debut
An Economic Scholar from the University of East London, Oluwaseun Alele’s debut poetry collection ‘A Constellation of Cravings’ was written with a motive to be a catalyst to propagate many issues the world faces today. To begin, what draws the readers of this poetry collection in is the linguistic prowess exhibited by the author. The… Continue reading Book Review: A Constellation of Cravings – A Stellar Debut
In conversation with Oyedokun Ibukun Stephen, joint second place winner of “prisoner of love poetry contest,”
Bio: Oyedokun Ibukun Stephen, with the pseudonym PENAWD, is a Nigerian ‘vocal-ink’ poet, broadcaster, voice-over artist, content creator, and English Education graduate of the University of Ibadan. His passion for poetry is ineffable, as he travels far and wide–as an artist or audience–to work towards art’s fulfilment in his environs and beyond. His works on… Continue reading In conversation with Oyedokun Ibukun Stephen, joint second place winner of “prisoner of love poetry contest,”
In conversation with Ajani Samuel Victor, winner of “prisoner of love poetry contest,”
Bio: Ajani Samuel Victor is a black writer and poet. He was the winner of the “prisoner of love poetry contest,” a Semi-finalist at the 2020 Jack Grapes Poetry Prize and he was also shortlisted for the 2020 Kreative Diadem Annual Writing contest. He is one of the contributors to SPRINNG Afro-eros anthology. His recent… Continue reading In conversation with Ajani Samuel Victor, winner of “prisoner of love poetry contest,”
Under the Orange Sky – A candid exploration of the Human Mind
Reviewer: Obizulike Chukwuma The title of this book steers us in the path of a visceral interrogation of what it means to be under the Orange Sky. This collection of poems explores loci of the human mind and how it relates with art through storytelling and riveting renditions of vulnerability suffused in logic. In this… Continue reading Under the Orange Sky – A candid exploration of the Human Mind
Rotimi Osiyoye’s Digital Affection explores the role of communication in society
Reviewer: Deji Akinade Communication has been an essential part of our culture since the beginning of time. It has also been a crucial part of our social life and over time, the means of communication has changed according to the times. Digital Affection takes us on a journey from the past on how communication is… Continue reading Rotimi Osiyoye’s Digital Affection explores the role of communication in society
The Things Father Did Not Teach Us–An appealing collection that speaks volume
Abimbola Alaka is a fine poet and her debut collection bears testament to this. The poet who was a National Winner of the Nigerian Stock Exchange Essay Competition in 2005 wrote this collection of poetry for young people. Taking a more painstaking look, are we not all young at heart? This poetry was written for… Continue reading The Things Father Did Not Teach Us–An appealing collection that speaks volume
Lindsey Davis, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, others, set to headline the Havering Literary Festival 2021
The Havering Libraries are excited to announce the return of the Havering Literary Festival next month.The festival will be on a slightly smaller scale this year – with a mixture of in person and virtual events and featuring many local authors. Full details can be found at www.havering.gov.uk/haveringliteraryfestival Please book your place for any event by… Continue reading Lindsey Davis, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, others, set to headline the Havering Literary Festival 2021
Lagos is Killing Me—Enunciates the place of literature in Society
Oloyede’s Lagos is Killing Me is not a cliché, even though Lagos strangles many souls. Even if Oloyede had titled this collection of poems, Nigeria is Killing Me, that will lay bare the current state of affairs in a nation of two contrasting ends, the nouveau rich and the poor who barely survive on less… Continue reading Lagos is Killing Me—Enunciates the place of literature in Society
Ushering in another Black History Month: Journeys into Tolu′ Akinyemi’s Black ≠ Inferior
Title: BLACK ≠ INFERIOR Genre: Poetry (a collection) Author: Tolu′ A. Akinyemi Publisher: The Roaring Lion Newcastle LTD Year of Publication: 2021 Date of Review: 30th of September, 2021 Word Count: 1,490 Reviewer: ENANG, God’swill Effiong ‘From every mountainside, let freedom ring’—Martin Luther King Jr. Black ≠ Inferior was spurned with everything compared to what… Continue reading Ushering in another Black History Month: Journeys into Tolu′ Akinyemi’s Black ≠ Inferior
Northumberland’s Shining Light: Philip Stuckey talks up music, poetry and storytelling…
TNR: Who were your early influences as a singer/songwriter? PS: I love James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Dan Fogelberg…basically all the songwriters who write poetry in music form. I was a big fan of the Dunfermline rock band, Nazareth as a teenager and loved Dan McCafferty’s voice. I was never a great Beatles fan but recognised… Continue reading Northumberland’s Shining Light: Philip Stuckey talks up music, poetry and storytelling…
Houdini Isn’t Exempted: Love as an Imprisoner in Olawale’s ‘Prisoner of Love’
Title: Prisoner of Love Genre: Poetry (a chapbook) Author: Ibrahim Olawale Publisher: The Roaring Lion Newcastle LTD Date: 13th September, 2021 Reviewer: Afer Ventus Yes! Dante, Spencer, Shakespeare and many more foreign writers have written about unrequited love in some of their works (Inferno, Amoretti and the Shakespearean sonnet respectively). These writers have in their… Continue reading Houdini Isn’t Exempted: Love as an Imprisoner in Olawale’s ‘Prisoner of Love’
Broken things can be beautiful too – A Review of Adeola Juwon Gbalajobi’s Ellipsis
Title: Ellipsis Author: Adeola Juwon Gbalajobi Publisher: The Roaring Lion Newcastle Year of Publication: 2021 Number of pages: 52 Category: Poetry “Three” – a magical number! In the history of man, three has always had an extraordinary significance in his formation. These tripartite traits of “three” break like ellipses into different phases and compartments of… Continue reading Broken things can be beautiful too – A Review of Adeola Juwon Gbalajobi’s Ellipsis