Widely relatable ‘African stories’ from ordinary individual experiences
The Poetry Journal Issue 001 | Blood Ties
We’ve selected the work of 24 writers from over 1000 submissions to our first call for entries – including our three prize winners. You can read issue 001 online or order a print copy.
PJ2024
Meet the winners of The Poetry Journal Prize 2024
Abu Ibrahim is a published Nigerian poet. He has also performed at the Pa Gya Literary Festival in Ghana, Lagos International Poetry Festival, Say It Out, Lagos and more.
He is the recipient of the Lagos State University (LASU) Debate Society Impact Maker Award for Storytelling and Outstanding Impact, and the 2023 winner of the Port Harcourt Poetry Festival Poetry/Spoken Word Poetry Album of the Year – for his debut poetry album; ‘Music Has Failed Us’.
Read his winning poem: Blood Ties
Shiloh Okparanma is a writer and poet resident in Rivers State. He is a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt and founder of a literary community during his university days. He enjoys reading fictional novels with poetic profoundness (with his favourite being ‘The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born’). When he is not reading or writing, he is picking up arbitrary and curious knowledge.
Read his winning poem: Postpartum Depression in Men
Olawunmi Shobola is a Nigerian lawyer based in Toronto, Canada. She finds self-expression through poetry, short stories and drawing. She is currently working on a collection of literary works for publication. You can find her corner of the internet via Instagram @wunmeee
Read her winning poem: Premonition
Book spotlight
Face Me I Face You
Oyindamola Shoola
Face Me I Face You is a collection of witty and humorous poems existing at the interface of identity, class, and culture. It holds a mirror to the working class by capturing the narrative essence and dramatised aspirations of its characters.
