Poetry Possesses A Unique Power To Stir Deep Emotions – Aishat Yahkub

 

POETRY POSSESSES A UNIQUE POWER TO STIR DEEP EMOTIONS – AISHAT YAHKUB

 

Aishat Yahkub is a creative, poet, and fourth-year medical student from Ilorin, Nigeria, as well as a member of the Swan Collective. She is the first prize winner of the African Human Rights Poetry Competition, a finalist for the 2024 Akachi Chukwuemeka Prize for Literature, and was longlisted for the 2025 Poetry Journal Poetry Prize. A “Best of the Net” nominee, her poems have appeared in Fantasy Magazine, Brittle Paper, Agbowó, Fullhouse, The Shallow Tales, PoetryColumnNND, Poetry Sango–Ota, and other literary outlets.

Her work explores the haunting intersections of the body, belonging, and memory. A whimsy daydreamer, stubborn escapist, and practitioner of stillness, Aishat brings both intimacy and depth to her art. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she shares her journey, inspirations, and insights on poetry as a tool for human rights advocacy.

WA: CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AS A POET?

Aishat: I’m Aishat Yahkub, a creative, poet, and fourth-year medical student from Ilorin, Nigeria. I’m self-taught—although I’ve been writing and living poetry for years, I’ve never received formal instruction in the art. I’m simply grateful to be here, doing this amazing thing with language. It’s overwhelming, exciting, and humbling.

WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS POETRY COMPETITION?
Aishat: Through friends who share literary opportunities with me.

WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COMPETITION?
Aishat: The theme aligned with a poem I had been wanting to write for a long time. The competition provided the spark I needed to bring it to life.

WA: WHAT SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE DID YOUR POEM FOCUS ON?
Aishat: The right to life, the right to human expression, and freedom—all with dignity.

WA: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR HUMAN RIGHTS THEME FOR YOUR POEM?
Aishat: It called to me. I’ve always been baffled by the systemic barriers that stifle the basic human desire to live and the survival of the common man.

WA: CAN YOU SHARE THE INSPIRATION OR STORY BEHIND YOUR SUBMITTED POEM?
Aishat: There’s so much poetry documenting and witnessing the human condition in my country and in Africa. I wanted to write one infused with overflowing hope—for me and for everyone else in despair.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR POETIC STYLE OR APPROACH TO WRITING ON SOCIAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES?
Aishat: I try to keep it personal and intimate, using the first person to draw readers in and hold them close. I aim to paint simple, primal scenes that resonate deeply and evoke emotion.

WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WHILE WRITING YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS COMPETITION?
Aishat: I doubted myself at every stage. I wasn’t sure how my hopeful approach would be received.

WA: HOW DO YOU THINK POETRY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN AFRICA?
Aishat: Poetry can bring awareness to our struggles, serve as enlightenment, shake us out of complacency, and act as a loud, inciting call to action.

WA: IN WHAT WAYS HAS PARTICIPATING IN THIS COMPETITION CHANGED OR BROADENED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON HUMAN RIGHTS?
Aishat: My perspective is no longer rigid—I now see many different ways to approach human rights advocacy.

WA: WERE THERE ANY OTHER POEMS OR POETS IN THE COMPETITION THAT PARTICULARLY MOVED OR INSPIRED YOU?
Aishat: I haven’t had the chance to read them yet, but the titles have made me eager to do so. Seeing fellow Nigerians on the shortlist was also motivating.

WA: WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR POEM?
Aishat: Hope—most definitely.

WA: HOW HAS THIS COMPETITION HELPED SHAPE YOUR GROWTH AS A POET AND AS A HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE?
Aishat: I had always doubted my voice as a poet advocating for human rights—wondering about sincerity, perception, and impact. Writing my poem for this prize changed that. I became more confident in my abilities, and making the shortlist was incredibly validating.

WA: DO YOU BELIEVE POETRY HAS A UNIQUE ROLE IN CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES? WHY?
Aishat: Yes, absolutely. Poetry has a special ability to elicit strong emotions. I’ve read poems that describe others’ wounds so vividly that I almost flinched from the pain. Its power to appeal to our senses can spark awareness and action. A poem can go a long way.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE COMPETING WITH POETS FROM OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES?
Aishat: It’s always an honour. It was deliciously challenging, as expected.

WA: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE EXPERIENCES AND THE THEMES YOU EXPLORE IN YOUR POETRY?
Aishat: I may not have a wealth of personal experiences to draw from, but all my poems are true to me and my worldview, even the speculative ones. I see poetry in everything and am always bearing witness.

WA: WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR POETRY WILL HAVE ON BOTH AFRICAN SOCIETIES AND THE GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT?
Aishat: Nothing grand—just a little more hope, making realities less bleak and despairing. If I can do that, I’ll be satisfied.

WA: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE USING POETRY AS A TOOL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY?
Aishat: This competition has opened the floodgates. I will write more poems, document more, witness more, believe in my voice, and act from where I am.

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FUTURE ENTRANTS OF THIS COMPETITION?
Aishat: Don’t let the theme limit you—interrogate it, explore it, and write what’s true to you. Write from your heart and where you are.

WA: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY UPCOMING POETRY PROJECTS OR PUBLICATIONS YOU’RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Aishat: I’m working on several projects, but one I’m especially proud of is a series of related poems capturing my people in movement—with their hopes, joys, and struggles—rooted in the land that homes them. The poem I submitted sparked this idea

 

IHRAM Announces Winners of African Human Rights Poetry Competition

 

IHRAM ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS POETRY COMPETITION

 

The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has officially announced the winners of its recently concluded African Human Rights Poetry Competition. This announcement was contained in a statement released by the Coordinator of the Competition, Wole Adedoyin, and made available to the press.

According to the statement, the Longlist, Shortlist, and final winners were carefully selected by a panel of distinguished judges comprising Khalid Imam, Nkwetatang Sampson Nguekie, and Thomas Block, alongside other members of the IHRAM team at the organization’s international headquarters in New York. Their combined expertise ensured that the competition upheld the highest standards of literary and human rights advocacy.

The Coordinator, Wole Adedoyin, disclosed that the competition attracted a remarkable total of 350 entries from 25 countries, representing a broad spectrum of experiences, cultures, and perspectives. This impressive participation underscored the global relevance of human rights issues and the unifying power of poetry in speaking truth to power.

Entries came from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Thailand, India, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Canada, Jamaica, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, USA, Egypt, Botswana, Malawi, Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cameroon. This wide geographical spread reflected the competition’s global reach and the universal appeal of its mission.

The African Human Rights Poetry Competition was founded with the primary aim of amplifying the voices of poets committed to the advocacy of justice, equality, and human dignity. The shortlisted poets courageously addressed pressing issues such as political repression, gender-based violence, child exploitation, freedom of expression, and other urgent human rights concerns, using the power of their art to inspire awareness and change.

As a platform, the African Human Rights Poetry Competition offers both emerging and established poets an opportunity to channel their creativity into purposeful activism. The participating works served as powerful instruments of social commentary, confronting oppressive systems and spotlighting injustices often ignored in mainstream narratives.

Through this initiative, IHRAM reaffirmed its commitment to the transformative power of the arts in promoting human rights awareness and advocacy. By giving poets a stage to share their work, the organization continues to build a more equitable, compassionate, and informed society.

At the conclusion of the competition, the first prize went to Aishat Yahkub for her entry “COME, I SWEAR WE'LL LAUGH SO HARD AGAIN AND RUN ALONG ALL THE RIVERS.” The second prize was awarded to Khairat Abdulrazzaq for “BEFORE”, while the third prize went to Awountsa Tsafac Umel for “AFRICA, RISE WITH LIGHT.”

In addition to the top three winners, five honorable mentions were recognized for their exceptional contributions. These include: “BENEATH THE UNIVERSE” by Doreen Mwenda, “THE INNOCENT” by Sheriff Olanrewaju, “I AM HUMAN, TOO” by Chioma Muogbo, “JUSTICE” by Tanimu Abdullahi, and “The Black Man’s Saga” by Chukwuajah Emmanuel.

IHRAM commended all participants for their courage, creativity, and dedication to the cause of human rights. The organization expressed optimism that the competition’s impact will continue to resonate, inspiring both policymakers and ordinary citizens to work collectively towards a world where justice, freedom, and equality are not privileges, but rights for all.

 

My Music Focuses On Social and Human Rights Issues, Confronting All Forms Of Injustice And Inhumanity - Alao Felix Oluwadamilare

 

MY MUSIC FOCUSES ON SOCIAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES, CONFRONTING ALL FORMS OF INJUSTICE AND INHUMANITY - ALAO FELIX OLUWADAMILARE

 

Alao Felix Oluwadamilare is a singer, songwriter, and poet whose artistic works reflect his passion for serving God and humanity. He won Second Prize in the just-concluded African Human Rights Music Competition. A native of Ejigbo, a town in Osun State, Nigeria, Felix is currently a Law student at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with a deep interest in Intellectual Property Law and International Humanitarian Law. He has volunteered for and participated in numerous initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of mankind.

In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shares insights on his participation in the competition, his creative journey, and his dedication to music and human rights advocacy.

MUSICAL BACKGROUND?

ALAO: My name is Alao Felix Oluwadamilare. I am from Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria. My passion for music began when I joined my church choir at a young age. Initially, I focused on playing instruments, especially the drums, until 2020 when I discovered my ability to write songs. Since then, I have written many songs reflecting themes of love, humanity, and spirituality. At present, I am writing songs and seeking opportunities to advance my career as a professional singer and songwriter.

WA: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS MUSIC COMPETITION?

ALAO: My primary motivation was my love for humanity. Secondly, the prizes, opportunities, and exposure promised by the competition also encouraged me to participate.

WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE COMPETITION?

ALAO: Through a friend.

WA: WHAT SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE DID YOUR SONG ADDRESS?

ALAO: My song focused mainly on equality and fairness.

WA: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR HUMAN RIGHTS THEME FOR YOUR SONG?

ALAO: I chose to address equality because I strongly believe that everyone is equal, regardless of background, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or status. I also believe that everyone should be treated with dignity.

WA: CAN YOU SHARE THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE LYRICS AND COMPOSITION OF YOUR SONG?

ALAO: The inspiration came from my personal beliefs and perspective. I was also moved by the story of Ishmael Beah, who was recruited as a child soldier in Sierra Leone, and by the atrocities committed by Boko Haram, including the assault on girls and widespread human rights violations.

WA: HOW DOES YOUR MUSIC GENERALLY REFLECT SOCIAL OR HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES?

ALAO: My music generally reflects on social and human rights issues such as slavery, servitude, oppression, torture, and all inhumane acts that undermine human dignity.

WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE DURING THE CREATION OF YOUR COMPETITION ENTRY?

ALAO: My main challenge was raising funds for the recording of the song. Thankfully, God came through for me.

WA: HOW HAS PARTICIPATING IN THIS COMPETITION INFLUENCED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON HUMAN RIGHTS?

ALAO: It has positively shaped my perspective. The experience made me realize I can use my talent to advocate for human rights and contribute to making the world a better place.

WA: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS ACROSS AFRICA?

ALAO: Africa deeply loves music, and it is a key part of our culture. Music is a powerful tool that can play a significant role in addressing and promoting human rights across the continent.

WA: DID THE COMPETITION OFFER YOU ANY NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION OR NETWORKING?

ALAO: Not yet, but I look forward to the opportunities it may bring. I am eager to collaborate and network with fellow competitors.

WA: HOW DID IT FEEL TO HAVE YOUR WORK RECOGNIZED ON SUCH A PLATFORM?

ALAO: It felt great.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE OF COMPETING WITH ARTISTS FROM OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES?

ALAO: It was a great and memorable experience. Competing with the many talented individuals God has blessed Africa with was both challenging and inspiring. Africa is truly full of talent.

WA: IN YOUR VIEW, HOW CAN COMPETITIONS LIKE THIS HELP ADVANCE THE HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT?

ALAO: Such competitions encourage talented individuals to use their gifts to promote human rights. Music is a powerful tool for change, and I firmly believe in its impact.

WA: WERE THERE ANY ENTRIES FROM OTHER PARTICIPANTS THAT PARTICULARLY INSPIRED OR MOVED YOU?

ALAO: Yes. Songs like Break the Chain and Our Voice really inspired me.

WA: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE USING YOUR MUSIC TO ADVOCATE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AFTER THIS COMPETITION?

ALAO: I will continue to create music that reflects and promotes human rights, driven by my passion for humanity and a better world.

WA: WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR SONG WILL HAVE ON LISTENERS?

ALAO: I hope it inspires listeners to take meaningful action in promoting equality, fairness, and human dignity.

WA: HOW DO YOU THINK YOUNG AFRICAN MUSICIANS CAN CONTRIBUTE MORE ACTIVELY TO HUMAN RIGHTS CONVERSATIONS?

ALAO: Competitions like this can inspire young African musicians to engage in human rights advocacy. Wider platforms that showcase their talents on the global stage would help. Governments should also include human rights education in school curricula.

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FUTURE ENTRANTS OF THIS COMPETITION?

ALAO: Remember you were created to make an impact, to solve problems, and to make the world better. Stand against injustice, inequality, tyranny, and oppression. Use the gift God has given you to advocate for human rights, and I wish you success.

WA: CAN YOU SHARE WHAT YOUR NEXT MUSICAL PROJECT WILL FOCUS ON?

ALAO: My next project will continue to preach the love of God and humanity.