Abuja’s literary community is set to converge this Saturday, August 23, for “An Evening of Poetry” with Sodiq Alabi, where the Nigerian poet will present his latest work, “Deaf Birds and Frozen Frames.” The event, which will take place at Adam’s Pages bookstore, will be moderated by writer, book reviewer, and founder of Fahimta Literary Discourse, Salamatu Sule.
Thank you for reading this post; don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
Alabi, who published his debut collection “The Texture of Air” in 2015, has earned acclaim for his exploration of migration, exile, and identity. His new collection deepens these themes, confronting displacement and the anxieties of contemporary life while also celebrating memory and resilience. Critics, including poet-scholar Olajide Salawu, have described the book as “a sincere lamentation of a pilgrim tossed in the dilemma of dislocation but hydrated with memories.”
In anticipation of the event, Alabi said the reading offers him an opportunity to connect more directly with audiences in the capital city.
“There’s an undeniable thrill in being able to read and engage in conversation with poetry lovers and literary enthusiasts, to exchange ideas and feel the pulse of the literary community,” he said.
For Sule, moderating the conversation is both a professional duty and a personal passion. She first reviewed Alabi’s debut nearly a decade ago and has followed his career closely.
“Sodiq Alabi is an exceptional poet whose work captures society through vivid metaphors, exposing systemic failures with a sharp yet poetic lens,” she noted. “His new collection is breathtaking, exploring the immigrant experience, the contrast between home and the diaspora, and the subtle beauty of everyday life.”
Beyond the readings, the event is designed to spark dialogue on the role of literature in society. Sule noted the importance of such gatherings, calling them “the lifeblood of our literary ecosystem” where writers and readers can meet, exchange ideas, and deepen their appreciation for books.
The session will also shine a light on the work of Fahimta Literary Discourse, which has grown into a recognised hub for literary promotion in Nigeria. Sule said the agency is committed to bridging the gap between writers and publishers, and she revealed plans for upcoming projects, including a creative and literary clinic in partnership with Adam’s Pages.
The evening is expected to attract writers, poets, critics, and book lovers from across the capital, and will feature not just performances but also an interactive discussion. Alabi, who counts Yoruba oral traditions, Wole Soyinka, Niyi Osundare, Langston Hughes, and Rumi among his influences, said he hopes the poems will open up conversations about shared human experiences.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, at Adam’s Pages, Abuja, and is open to the public.
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: http://bit.ly/3I7mQVx
Or scan the QR code:
