What would you do if money did not matter?
OK, wrong question cos money matters, it just varies in the degree of importance.
Like blood to the body, so is money to business.
But, if you were to ask me, what would you do with $388,550?
The answer?
I will change the world.


What would I do with $388,550?
Well, for now I have just one dream,
Create a vibrant Spoken Word Poetry industry in Nigeria thereby creating opportunities for people especially the youths to express their God given talents and make a very decent living from it.
You see, we were all created for impact, and the impact you make is the legacy you leave behind.
I am a believer in doing what you are loving, and loving what you are doing. I also believe people should be loving life and living in love.


How will $388,550 create an industry?
Well, that’s the simple part.
First, start the biggest Spoken Word Poetry show in Nigeria on a quarterly basis and ensure all Spoken Word Poets get paid “handsomely” for performing. (We have actually started doing this, even though we are yet to implement every aspect fully).
Second, start a slam poetry competition with a very “handsome” cash reward attached.
Third, take the biggest Spoken Word Poetry show in Nigeria from one State to another State in Nigeria.
Fourth, start a slam poetry competition for tertiary institutions students.
Fifth, start a slam poetry competition between different States in Nigeria.
Sixth, start a slam poetry competition between different Countries in West Africa, and then Africa, and then, Nigeria versus USA .
Seventh, there will definitely be an offshoot of the initial dream, and that would be my next target.

Would $388,500 be able to do all this?
Probably not.
But it would jump start 1 and 2, and you know what they say about the law of Aerodynamics, (i.e. when a plane starts to move and reaches a certain speed, the only thing it can do is to take off. By taking off, it defies the law of gravity and the only way the plane will succumb to the law of gravity and come down back to the ground is if it reduces speed or run out of fuel).
The more you do what you love to do, the more you gain momentum. The more momentum you gain, the more it is difficult to keep you from flying.

Ok, I guess you might want to ask, what is so special about Spoken Word Poetry? Why do I love Spoken Word Poetry?
True is, I don’t know why, I just do.
My personal mission in life is to make people happy, and Spoken Word Poetry is the vehicle that chose me. I didn’t do the choosing.
I believe Spoken Word Poetry can motivate people to strive for excellence.
I believe Poets can inspire, excite, entertain, inform and connect with people through Spoken Word Poetry.
I believe we can discover, nurture and promote spoken word poets so as to provide a means of livelihood for them and reduce the rate of poverty and unemployment in the country.

Where are the poets?
They are all over the world, in every company, in every place of business, in every place of worship and in every schools. We have some are in the court room, some are in the hospitals, some are in construction companies, some in the automobile companies, many are in the banking hall as tellers and many more in other companies.

Don’t I want to have a nice mansion, cars and other good things of life instead of pursing a “silly” dream?
Who doesn’t? But those things don’t last forever, ideas last forever. That’s why some people would say the world is ruled by dead people, cos it’s their ideas/ dreams that became realities that you and I now enjoy, use and /or practise.

What happens if I don’t get the $388,550?
Well, like 50 Cent, we will make this dream a reality one way or the other, or die trying…………….!!!

Written by
Olulu, the King not from Zulu.
olulu4ever@gmail.com

i2X Media

presents

WORD UP Volume 3 aka Da Love Thang

WORD UP is the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event in Nigeria
and it holds quarterly.

For this quarter, which is the love season, we will be having all the A-List Poets in Nigeria live on stage.

They include Donna K, Efe Paul Azino, Plumbline, Olulu, Bob Ekat, Chiedu Ifeozo, Dolapo, Uche Uwadinachi, Atilola, Soonest, Increase, Enigmatic Olumide, Ndukwe Onuoha, Tofarati, Ivori, HolyBlaze, Arch Angel, Giwa Expensive, Chinelo Renee and many others.

Soul Music by: D Tone and Lumynos

We will also have Celebrities who will perform poetry on stage.

It will be an evening of pure poetic delight in words and sound.

Venue is Lecture Theatre, UNILAG Guest House, Akoka, Lagos

Date is 16th of February 2013

Time is 3pm to 6pm

Gate fee is

VIP= N5,000
Regular = N1,000
Student with ID card = N500


Check http://wordup411..com/ for more details

seen and replied

my email is olulu4ever@gmail.com
Just send me a mail.
We will see what we can do to help out.

I am not a publisher o, but i can relate to your issue.
esp as I am also a writer, but more of a Spoken Word Poet.
So in my course of organizing and performing at shows/ events I meet a lot of literary people.
Thus the least i can do is to introduce you to them, and help in any other little way that i can.

BossLadyDiana: The gravity of his hot slap was strongly felt on my fair cheek Instantaneously,like one under a spell still seated on the bike I searched my handbag & brought out every single item I considered valuable my purse, Jewelleries,even the little cash scattered around my bag were all out. He asked in his sudden signature harsh tone "you sure say nothing dey dis bag because if i check and i see say something dey your own don finish"

Obeying his instruction I ransacked every nook and cranny in my bag i looked at him in fright, unable to speak, he yanked the bag off my hand saw my gold necklace safely tucked in a small zipper, that little oversight was my undoing as he asked in a rather rhetorical manner, "I think you say nothing remain inside the bag,oya come down from the machine".






I shivered as he said that not knowing what to expect as he held his phone close to his ear like one trying to make a call. At that instant, the james bond spirit came upon me again as I took to my heels running as fast as my legs could carry me hoping to get help fast, I expected him to run after me but surprisingly I heard no racing foot step behind me while runing, I thought; that was the miracle I anticipated from God until I arrived at the end of the foot path where we were and right before me where three junctions I didnt know where any of the path led to as each step I took seemed to go deeper & deeper into the thick forest.




Of my own free will, just like a prodigal daughter I raced back to my kidnapper concluding he was my messiah at that point in time he looked at me and laughed out loud like the devil himself "you wan lun abi, you dey lun" (he meant to say run) you don die finish your own don finish while saying that he plucked out two branches from a tree,with which he caned me the first strip of the cain on my arms made me envisage the possible difference between heaven and hell as
he flogged the living day lights out of me alternating between the two canes...........................

( to be concluded)

Hi Diana,

I did the mistake of sending this story to my mailing list and now they are on my neck for the concluding part.
Kindly update so I can breathe easy again.
Many thanks.

Hi Larry,

I posted your the brand of cain on to my mailing group, and here is what one of my people said.


Good mrg Olulu,
I know it's too early for dis but I didnt sleep till like 12!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had to google for The Brand of Cain by Larry-Sun.
Unfortunately, it stopped @ chpt. 9 on nairaland site!
Is there a way that I can/cld order for the whole manuscript or something?
Even if it's photocopy!? I will pay

Thanks and pls reply oh!

Majekodunmi .O.A


I am sure with what you have done so far, marketing your book should not be too hard.
Besides, I know some peeps involved in books that can help with marketing.
I can connect you with them, and help in my own little way, if u are game.
Being a while that I have bought a Nigerian novel, but I will make an exception for yours.
So, no dulling. get self published.
Stop waiting for publisher(s), sometimes you have to make that first move.
sent u a mail, reply, if u are interested.

Oya o, where is Chapter 1?

I saw the write up on Abel, before I came across this thread. I am just on Chapter 2, but I love what I have read so far.

Keep the good job up my guy.

As per publishing, well, u might need to consider self publishing.

Mosquito,

What are u waiting for? Continue the story mbok.........

gxpensive: I AM MORE THAN YOU CAN SEE.
You said you want to know about me.
Well to start off, my name is Oluwaseyi.
To know me is more than you can see.
Black hair and dark skin you see, we agree.

My voice and gentleness is what you feel.
'ut the inside is where it's unseen.
You said you want to know about me.
Looking cool with a smile for free.
And being mean, is never a routine.

To know me is more than you can see.
I read of the Nigeria slavery and even dreamt of being a king to set free.
You said you want to know about me.

My level is of V.H.F.
A diploma i obtain like a man in kitchen, named chef.

To know me is more than you can see.
And this i can surely guarantee; i am more than a boy with a sin.
You said you want to know about me.
To know me is more than you can see.

nice.................!!!!

@Redmosquito

you should consider publishing this your story as a novel.
its very interesting and hilarious.
Nice one, very unlike anything I have ever read b4.

You are invited to

Chill and Relax : December to Treasure

This is a Performance Poetry and Spoken Word open mic event, where you can step up and display your poetic prowess with no inhibition.

Date is December 9, 2012 (2nd Sunday of the month)

Time is 3pm

Venue is 16, Abeni close, ASA Estate, off Ayodele Okeowo street, after Deeper Life church, Soluyi Gbagada, Lagos

Featuring Lagos finest Poets.

Gate is free, just come enjoy words leap from pages and come alive

hmmmmm

Lashawnah: Bank queue;
In front is matted hair
Long
Owned by a pretty face
BB-pinging, FB-picture-uplo ading Damsel
Her hair is menace to breathing
Fumes of stench
Waste away
Her boyfriend's not clever
To harness this raw source
Of insecticides
My head turns
To escape the jurisdiction of stench
But behind is a worse mayhem He spoke, a fine chap
Eyes imprisoned behind eye-bottle
"Bros make I use your pen," he begged
Jeez!
The smelly hair's better! His is not mouth odour
It's oral fart!
Compost of a 7-day failed digestion
Fusing with oral manure
To form the world's latest climatic hazard
Oozing from every parting of lips Perching even on my skin Does he have a girlfriend?
Do they kiss?
Perhaps they seize their breath
When they perform their putrid mouthing
Transfer of rancid love!
Perhaps it helps decongest the worm population In their rotten bowels? I'm in the middle of a toxic world
Here you breath to live and die
Do I now need a nose mask
To withdraw lucre from my bank?

@ Lashawnah

nice, me likey likey
just wondering if u can make the words come alive on stage.
would be so so crazy if u can. holla

Redmosquito: Girl, you no try
try na attempt
you did the main the main
i love this
beautiful
I no fit write but I wan try small, hopefully the master, you, has inspired me well enough
Pretty behind
Firmly held up with adipose
Aggressively crafted with beauty
She shifts and turns in front of me
Pfff!
I catch sound of it
A lethal gas emission
The one called sbd
It lays Silent But Deadly
Like a Mamba it unfolds
So beauty does kill
I gag, my eyes swell
The queue behind me
Now as empty as my wallet
"What is the matter?" she preteniously turns to ask
I open my mouth to speak
Foolish move
More of the fumes gain access to my lungs
I fall to the cold tiled floor
The frozen hands of death pulling me to the safety of the Underworld

@Redmosquito
lwkmd
nice and tight, me likey likey

afroxyz:
Okay. I would be available in january. I know of taruwa but don't get notifications. I also know of the event on gbagada. If you would be kind, you could send me an email to notify me of these events. Thanks

No ish.
Send me a mail at olulu4ever@gmail.com, along with your name and number. I would add you to me mailing list.

afroxyz:
I would be happy to perform it. I remember you also made a similar gesture after reading another of my poems I posted here. However, I would not be available for the Dec 9 event. Maybe in a subsequent edition (january or so). I would be glad to be part of it. Thanks

I did? means u good then . This piece was written to be performed, that's why its nice.
We actually re-posted two of your poetic piece on our blog, this one and the one about modern day Christians.

Our monthly Performance Poetry and Spoken Word open mic event called "Chill and Relax, comes up every 2nd Sunday of the month in Gbagada, Lagos from 3pm, and there are other open mic poetry shows around Lagos like Freedom Hall (weekly) and Taruwa (monthly), where you can also perform at.

afroxyz: Yeah, I have watched some spoken poetry performances and I enjoyed it. Its beauty is in the stage, cos it uses its tongue as a pen.

afroxyz: They say,
Spoken word is poetry.
I say,
Try coke and pepsi

For one lives for the stage,
Rhythms and flowetry,
The other lives in the page,
Methaphors and imagery.

They say,
Spoken word is poetry,
I say,
A sea is not its tributary.

One is direct and vivid,
talkative and expressive.
The other is secretive,
Says more with few words.

They say,
Spoken word is poetry,
I say,
Use omelettes to cook egusi.

One is superficial and flashy
Seeking to capture your eyes.
The other is an endless abyss
An emptiness that fills the heart

They say
spoken word is poetry,
I say,
Compare silk and cotton.

One is a bride,
Without jewels
The other a maiden,
With a string of pearls.

They say,
Spoken word is poetry
I say,
Marriage is not wedding

For one,
The tongue is a pen,
For the other
The pen is also the tongue

They say,
Spoken word is poetry.
I say,
A War song is not music

@afroxyz

This your piece is nice, I like it,(note i say piece and not poem, cos it reads more like Spoken Word than Poetry). U should consider performing this piece on stage, maybe at one of our open mic Poetry event and if we like your delivery, you just might feature in WORD UP Volume 3 aka Da Love thang come February 2013.
I am one of the promoter of WORD UP, the biggest Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music event in Nigeria. The first edition of WORD UP was held on August 18, 2012 and the 2nd edition, WORD UP Volume 2 was held November 17, 2012.
Check out some of the pixs and videos on http://wordup411..com/, the dvd will be out soon.
Do let me know if you are interested, especially as we have our monthly Performance Poetry and Spoken Word open mic event called "Chill and Relax, coming up December 9, 2012 in Soluyi, Gbagada from 3pm. Its our last poetry show for the year.

Cheers, and keep writing, keep vibing, keep flowing and keep the words alive.

Good day,

We are i2X Media Company Limited, the promoter of Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Events in Nigeria. We are very passionate about the Art as a genre of entertainment, tool to increase literacy level, and as a means of communication, education and information.

We seek to establish Performance Poetry and Spoken Word as an industry from which poets can earn a decent living from their performances. A Spoken Word Poetry industry will help reduce unemployment in the Country as awareness and sponsorship of the Art form increases. This Art form would also improve the literacy level among the populace, as a good Poet needs to be intellectually sound to be able to pass the message inherent his/her poetry performances to the audience, as the foundation for any poet is the ability to read and write.

We request that you partner with us through sponsorship to showcase your products and services as we have the ability to deliver the following benefits:

· Branding Opportunity

· Media Exposure

· Product/ Services Experience

· Speaking Opportunity

· Database Acquisition

We currently hold our show, WORD UP (a Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event) on a quarterly basis. We have held two editions of WORD UP in UNILAG, Akoka, Lagos, and they were both delightful success. The first edition was supported by Charvet Nig. Ltd (major marketers of Power Horse energy drink and KissMix) and we had close to 150 people in attendance, and for the 2nd edition we have over 200 people and the 2nd edition was sponsored by First Bank Nigeria Plc.

Our plans for 2013, is to hold 6 shows on a bi-monthly basis starting from February 2013. The 6 shows will be categorized into 2 broad types (of 3 shows apiece), they are:
a. WORD UP (Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event)

b. WORD UP Slam Poetry Competition.

Word Up (Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event) is a show that features the best Spoken Word Poets in Nigeria all on one stage. It is a major platform for poets in Nigeria and it is the biggest Spoken Word Poetry Event in Nigeria as at today. We also feature celebrities who come on stage to read, recite and/or perform poems.

Word Up Slam Poetry Competition is targeted at discovering, nurturing and developing new poetic talents in Nigeria. It will involve the submission of videos by poets (who have never featured on any Word Up event before) to a selected panel of judges. The best 10 videos will be selected and on the day of the event proper the poets will compete with each other on one stage for stated cash prizes. The best three poets will automatically feature at the next Word Up (Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event).

We have a site - http://wordup411..com/, where pictures, videos and information about our events and the organization can be accessed, and we have video coverage of all our events for your viewing pleasure on request. You can also check our YOUTUBE channel, http://www.youtube.com/user/olulu4eva?feature=mhee, for video clips of some of our events.

The next edition of our event, WORD UP (Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event) will hold in February 2012 in UNILAG, Akoka, Lagos, while Word Up Slam Poetry Competition will start from April 2013.

We would appreciate if your esteemed organization would grant us an opportunity to further discuss how your branding and sponsorship of our vision can bring a fruitful experience that will be mutually beneficial to us all.

Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Events is the next tidal wave that will sweep through our country, Nigeria. The good part is it captures all genres of people, the young, the old and the high network ones. Do not miss the opportunity to ride on the waves.

Attached is a PDF Presentation on Spoken Word Poetry in Nigeria.

Thank you for your time.

Olumide Holloway
+2348038315055
olulu4ever@gmail.com

“Justice has been kidnapped in my country and nobody is willing to pay her ransom, she was absent at the tribunal when the verdict was given, so the marauders were declared winners even though the votes were phantom…”

That is a snippet from a poetry rendition by Efe Paul, one of the leading voices in the Spoken Word movement in Nigeria. He performed the poem at Read It Loud, (a literary forum organised by the public affairs section of the US embassy here in Lagos).

The Spoken Word Poetry movement has evolved from having small cells to having a capacity filled audience. It is safe to say a new generation of youths are rising but certain sections of the society are yet to catch this bug, so it became imperative to inform members of the public on what exactly this movement is about.

Spoken Word is a form of poetry that often uses alliterated prose, or verse and occasionally uses metered verse to express social commentary, it’s a form of poetry intended for onstage performance rather than print because its beauty lies in its delivery. The poet assumes the position of a prophet or sage reflecting on issues affecting his society; usually a product of deep meditation, views of the artist encompasses frank and sometimes satirical comments on politics, religion, gender, sexuality and other social behaviours; It often contain references to current events and issues relevant to a contemporary audience; using clever punch lines, witty remarks, poignant allusions, and sarcasm. The Spoken Word artist echoes the yearnings of his society, offering scintillating performances in from of a dramatic monologue, which are not mere reverberations or tintinnabulations but are the very pulse of a generation.

It’s important to note that Spoken Word originated from blues music and the Harlem renaissance in the USA. The modern poetry as it’s known today became popular as far back as 1960 in African American community with the “Last Poets,” a political and music group borne out of the American civil rights movement. Spoken Word Poetry is at its peak in America with poets making a living out of their talent.

However the same can’t be said of Nigeria as the Industry is experiencing snail paced growth, this could be due to fact that it started out as an elitist movement, with open mic sessions held mainly on the Island. The Industry received a boost recently when international spot light fell on Chiedu Ifeozo, when he was featured on CNN inside Africa, and another plus for the industry was the visit of Bassey Ikpi to Nigeria to host and headline a couple of poetry shows and competition in Nigeria. Bassey Ikpi is a Spoken Word Artist of Nigerian origin but based in America; who became a regular feature on Russell Simmons Def Jam poetry in USA.

Over time and despite the slow pace growth of the Spoken Word Poetry industry in Nigeria, several poets have emerged on the Nigerian scene, they include Sage Hasson, Plumbline, Olulu, Torpedo, Nini Efem, Dark Poet, Wana Wana, Bob Ekat, Atilola, Ivori, Donna k, Soonest, Increase (a 13 year old poet), Tofarati, Lahde and the list goes on, and with the right corporate back up, another blooming industry is set to emerge.

Spoken Word is an outlet for people, especially the younger generation to express their views outside academic & institutional domains of university and colleges, and apart from its surface aesthetic value, which is live entertainment; Spoken Word is an educational tool, which is intellectually engaging, for a generation of youths that have been lost to a pop culture with eroding influences. It can be used to instruct, inform and reshape ideologies, enabling its audience make better informed decision, as it makes them aware of certain aspect pertaining to human life.

Spoken Word also has been found to be very therapeutic both to the artist and the listener, as topics discussed are often things the society shy away from confronting. The advantages can’t be overemphasized as it’s high time we raise socially conscious youths who will mount the mantle of leadership.

Spoken Word Poetry is us telling our own story our own way. For a generation where popular pop culture is shifting attention, deregulating morals, objectifying women, Spoken Word offers succour.

I will conclude this with William Wordsworth words, “Poetry is the first and last of all knowledge, It’s immortal as the heart of man.”

By Ajibola Adeoya



Ajibola Adeoya is a graduate of Industrial Chemistry from the University of Ibadan. He is a singer/song writer/ instrumentalist/ writer/ poet and he is the convener of SPIN Africa.

http://wordup411..com/2012/11/the-spoken-word-poetry-movement-in.html

Aptly written, me likey likey..............!!!!

u are good, and can only get better

celebrity poets will be on stage, and many other great spoken word poets in Naija

ok, check your box, I just sent u an email.

Hmmmmm, WE would need to see u in action first me friend. cos WORD UP features only the best poets in Naija. If u can confuse or convince us at one of our other poetry open mic events then u can step up to the level of WORD UP.

Words are the tools
that separates us from fools.
Like a Samurai to his sword,
so is a poet/ writer is to words.
So lets celebrate the use of words,
by making people enjoy our use of words.
Lets make words came alive,
by performing written words on stage and live.
If you are ready,
then join me at

afroxyz: The highest jonesing wey I do na to search my name for google,
I no know say e go bring too much kasala, I think say my moves go impress am,
But I no know say she hate poets.

I chase this babe for 2 months,
Her beauty dey open doors and pockets,
Now wey everything come click like a duet,
E come delete, cos she hate poets.

Her reason be say she no wan be second best,
Becos we no dey get time for our girls,
And she no wan drag time with my books and pen,
She come hate poets, cos of experience wey she get.

How I go do, poetry na my first L♥√.
You say make I chose? Me I no go even form.
Becos dis pen, na him I give my virginity to,
So I no care, if you hate poets

hmmm, me likey likey, u should consider performing it live on stage. Performance Poetry is fast becoming the order of the day.
If interested, then i invite you to

i2X Media Company Limited presents

WORD UP (a Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event) Volume 2

We will be having all the A-List Poets in Naija, likes of Sage Hasson, Efe Paul Azino, Plumbline, Olulu, Bob Ekat, Chiedu Ifeozo, Ivori, Atilola, Nini Efem, Enigmatic Olumide, Ndukwe Onuoha, Tofarati, Torpedo Mascaw, Soonest, Donna K and many others.

Soul Music by: D Tone, Lumynos and Ajibola Adeoya

We will also have Celebrities such as Wana Wana of Inspiration FM, Yemisi Jacobs of Nigezie, IGOS of Wazobia FM, Aderonke of Smooth FM and many more celebs who will perform poetry on stage.

It will be a day of Poetic Expressions in Words and Sounds.

Venue is Lecture Theatre, UNILAG Guest House, Akoka, Lagos

Date is 17th of November 2012

Time is 3pm to 6pm

Check
http://wordup411..com/
for more details

Good day,

How are you doing? Hope your day is going on great

We are i2X Media Company Limited, the promoter of Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Events in Nigeria. We are very passionate about the Art as a genre of entertainment, tool to increase literacy level, and as a means of communication, education and information.

We seek to establish Performance Poetry and Spoken Word as an art form from which artistes can earn a decent living as Performance Poets. A Spoken Word Poetry industry will help reduce unemployment in the Country as awareness and sponsorship of the Art form increases. This Art form would also improve the literacy level among the populace, as a good Poet needs to be intellectually sound to be able to pass the message inherent his/her poetry performances to the audience.

Our maiden edition of WORD UP (a Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event) was held on August 18, 2012 in UNILAG, Akoka, Lagos, and it was a delightful success. We have a video coverage of the event for your viewing on request. We also have a site - http://wordup411..com, where pictures, videos and information about the event(s) and the organization can be accessed.

We request that you partner with us through sponsorship to showcase your products and services as we have the ability to deliver the following benefits:

· Branding Opportunity
· Media Exposure
· Product/ Services Experience
· Speaking Opportunity
· Database Acquisition

The next edition of our event, WORD UP (Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event) will hold on Saturday November 17, 2012 in UNILAG, Akoka, Lagos and you are invited. We would also appreciate if your esteemed organization would grant us an opportunity to further discuss how your branding and sponsorship of our vision can bring a fruitful experience that will be mutually beneficial to us all.

Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Events is the next tidal wave that will sweep through our country, Nigeria, especially among the youth; do not miss the opportunity to ride on the waves.

Kind Regards,

Olumide Holloway
olulu4ever@gmail.com
i2xmedia@gmail.com