Twelve Poets Make Longlist for GEN Z Kenyan National Poetry Competition

 

TWELVE POETS MAKE LONGLIST FOR GEN Z KENYAN NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The GEN Z Kenyan National Poetry Competition has unveiled its longlist, showcasing twelve exceptional poets selected from a pool of over thirty entries. The longlist highlights the diverse voices and powerful expressions of poets from across the globe, with submissions received from countries including Kenya, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Brazil, Pakistan, and Indonesia.

The longlisting process was led by Oludare Akinola (R. B. Pembroke), a renowned human rights activist, poet, and competition judge, who undertook the meticulous task of reviewing the numerous submissions. While some entries appeared rushed and lacked the refinement of poetic devices, the organizers emphasized the importance of careful revision, expert feedback, and honing one’s craft for future submissions.

Aspiring poets are encouraged to invest more time in perfecting their works, as the competition aims to foster growth and excellence in poetic expression. The next stage of the competition will see the shortlist of finalists, with selected poems undergoing an even more thorough evaluation.

Below is the full list of poets who made the longlist:

1. We Resist The Unjust Yoke – Oyamo Richard (Kenya)
2. Uhuru Is Now! – Chinedu Obo O (Nigeria)
3. The Whispers of A Nation: A Gen Z Cry – Linda Gichohi (Kenya)
4. The Kenya We Dream Of – Sayyida Ali Shariff Alwy Ali (Kenya)
5. Spirit of the Protest – Sumaila Isah Umaisha (Nigeria)
6. Sirens – Alfred Musinda Baraka (Kenya)
7. Shadows of Yesterday – Stephen Gatei Wambui (Kenya)
8. Scourge of Greed – Abdulmumeen Humulkhair Olamipo (Nigeria)
9. Hope of Turmoil – Peace Samuel Bullama (Kenya)
10. Echoes of Desperation: A Nation’s Youth Cry for Justice – William Muthama (Kenya)
11. Because We Could Not Bow to Fear – Stanley Moseka Ntiyia (Kenya)
12. A Poem for the Good People of Kenya – Daniel Ayotunde Omonitan (Nigeria)

The GEN Z Kenyan National Poetry Competition continues to offer a platform for the next generation of poets to make their voices heard and bring attention to the pressing social, political, and cultural issues shaping our world today.