Kolawole Samuel Adebayo in the Spotlight

Kolawole Samuel Adebayo (he/him), whose piece ‘The Poem in Which I Open Myself Like a Door’ is published in issue 7 of Lucent Dreaming, is an old soul in a young Nigerian body whose poems seek to awaken the human consciousness. His works have appeared or forthcoming on Kanstellation, The Kalahari Review, Glass Poetry, Button Poetry, Burning House Press, The Amethyst Review, Mojave Heart Review, Praxis Magazine, Kreative Diadem, and elsewhere. Kolawole won the April Edition of the Brigitte Poirson Poetry Contest in 2017. He is a poetry reader at Feral Journal.

So, what inspired your piece ‘The Poem in Which I Open Myself Like a Door’? Can you tell us a little more about what it’s about?

I have always desired an unapologetic ownership of all my identities, especially when it’s one that contradicts tradition. I wrote the poem as a testament to the rebellion growing inside me. A necessary rebellion, I must say. I wrote the poem not just for myself, but for all others who are like me. We must rebel against the status quo that holds us bound. There’s always a resistance needed to flourish in all the glories of our liberties. I wrote because of this— to let loose the glorious voice that had always, before now, been subdued.

What are some of your favourite books and art (including shows, videos, music) – of all time or more recently. Why are they favourites?

I am naturally inclined towards history, government, epics, comedy, nature, wildlife, and tourism. So, I love books, arts, and shows that teach me one or two things about those. Top on my list of shows would be the Infographics Show on Facebook, NatGeo Wild, Vikings, Game of Thrones, and Spartacus. For books, I particularly love Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love”. I admire its infusion of history and religion into arts. Generally, I love books that tow the historical, cultural, and identity lines. Perhaps that’s why Mahmoud Darwish is one of my favorite poets of all times.

As for music, I have an eclectic taste; so, my music playlist is wide. I feel a deep connection with the following artistes and I listen to them a lot: Yanni, Gandalf, Diane Arkenstone, Enya, Aurora, Fleurie, Rema, Brymo, Fela Kuti, Asa, Aquilo, Fever Ray, Koffee, M.Saki, Lil Wayne, NF, Eminem, Florence + The Machines, Beethoven, and Mozart. I also watch MTVBase and BET a lot.

What, if anything, are you looking forward to right now and what writing/creative projects are you currently working on?

I just recently began work on a project that explores the Yorùbá heritage in all its traditions. Besides being of Yorùbá origins myself, I am a huge sucker for the primitive wisdom embedded in the culture and practices of the Yorùbás. I hope to be able to produce honest works that deeply explore the beauties of one of Nigeria’s 3 major ethnic groups.

Can you tell us about how you got into writing and art? Is there anyone whose support or encouragement really inspired or motivated you?

I began to write poetry in late in 2014 when, one night, I had a sudden rush of emotions after staring at the moon for some time and felt like writing. The first poem I wrote was about 8 pages long and it had to be that long because there was so much I had bottled inside me. I have always been observant but wasn’t always as expressive as I am now. Poetry helped me develop my expression. When I read the works of my poet-friends, I am always inspired to do more. Adedayo Agarau, Jeremiah Agbaakin, Michael Akuchie, Nome Patrick, Lawale Ayinla, Temidayo Jacobs, Pamilerin Jacobs, Timothy Ojo, Ojo Taiye, Chinua-Ezenwa Ohaeto, and Aremu Adams Adebisi— they are all flames for my candle. Also, three people that have provided me so much motivation and encouragement are my mentor, Funso Oris, alongside my senior friends and poetry mentors, Jide Badmus and Elisabeth Ferrell Horan. Thank you for the light you give!

Where can people see more of you and your work?

I have works published on Glass Poetry, Button Poetry, Voicemail Poems, Burning House Press, Mineral Lit Mag, Lucent Dreaming, Praxis Magazine, and elsewhere. I also share some of my works on Facebook (@Adebayo Kolawole Samuel) and on Twitter (@samofthevoice) from time to time. Hopefully, in the coming days, I’ll begin to write on my medium account once again.

Lucent Dreaming is an independent creative writing magazine publishing beautiful, imaginative and surreal short stories, poetry and artwork from emerging authors and artists worldwide. Our aim is to encourage creativity and to help writers reach publication! Subscribe to Lucent Dreaming now, support us on Patreon and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.