Village Bard

Important Announcement: Postponement of Village Bard

Dear Village Bard Community,

It is with a mix of regret and responsibility that we share the news of the postponement of the induction and commencement of the Village Bard Mentorship Scheme for Afrocentric Poets

New Program Start Date: January 6, 2024

Due to unforeseen contingencies and to ensure the highest quality experience for our participants, we have decided to reschedule the program. While this decision was not made lightly, we believe it is in the best interest of the entire Village Bard community.

What to Expect:

* Revised Schedule: The program will now officially begin on January 6, 2024.

* Extended Preparation Period: Use this additional time to further prepare and familiarize yourself with the program materials, mentors, and fellow mentees.

* Enhanced Experience: We are taking this opportunity to enhance certain aspects of the program, ensuring a more enriching and fulfilling mentorship experience for everyone involved.

* Updated Calendar: A revised program calendar will be shared with you by the end of December 2023.

* Pre-Program Resources: Access additional resources and materials to aid your preparation for the program.

* Induction Details: Information regarding the induction session and other introductory activities will be communicated in advance.

We understand the impact this may have on your plans, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and flexibility during these unforeseen circumstances.

In the meantime, stay connected with the Village Bard community through our social media platforms/online forum for updates, insights, and interactions with your fellow mentees.

If you have any immediate concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

We genuinely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work towards ensuring that the experience exceeds your expectations.

Thank you for being a valued part of the Village Bard community.

Introducing VILLAGE BARD - A Mentorship Scheme for Afrocentric Poets

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Village Bard Mentorship for Afrocentric Poets – an exciting initiative designed to empower emerging poets across the African continent.

* Start Date: December 1, 2023.

How to Apply:
If you are an aspiring poet with a passion for for writing poems that tell of the African experience and celebrating African philosophy, history and culture, we invite you to submit your application for the Village Bard program. To be considered for this opportunity, please follow these steps:

* Prepare Your Work: Submit three poetry samples, each not exceeding 150 words. Your poems should be a reflection of your unique voice and perspective.

* Craft a Cover Letter: Share with us why you believe you should be accepted into the "Village Bard" program. What drives your passion for writing poetry, and how do you envision contributing to and benefiting from this mentorship experience?

* Submission Deadline: Ensure your application, including poetry samples and cover letter, reaches us by November 25, 2023.

Email Your Application to:
[email protected]

Program Highlights:
* One-on-One Mentorship: Engage with established African poets who are committed to nurturing emerging talent.

* Workshops and Resources: Access a wealth of writing resources, participate in group workshops, and refine your craft.

* Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, attend literary events, and become part of a supportive writing community.

Selection Process:
Our selection committee will carefully review all applications and announce the successful mentees by November 30, 2023. We are seeking diverse voices and perspectives to contribute to contemporary African literature.

Stay Connected:
For updates, announcements, and additional information about the programme, follow Village Bard on social media platforms or visit www.olaitanadesina.com.

STYLISTICS & SEMANTICS - BUILDING LAYERS OF MEANING IN POETRY Introduction: Poetry is a medium that allows for a great deal of complexity and depth of meaning. A well-crafted poem can have multiple layers of meaning, each one building upon the others to create a rich and nuanced work of art. I have often been described as a master of double (multiple) entendres....

OLAITAN ADESINA’S POETRY MASTERCLASS SERIES STYLISTICS & SEMANTICS – BUILDING LAYERS OF MEANING IN POETRY Introduction: Poetry is a medium that allows for a great deal of complexity and depth of meaning. A well-crafted poem can hav…

Elements of Afrocentric African Poetry Afrocentric African poetry typically incorporates several key elements that reflect the cultural and historical experiences of African communities. Here are some of the most common elements of Afrocentric African poetry: Oral tradition Cultural heritage Political and social commentary Metaphor and symbolism Rhyme and rhythm Experiential perspective Oral Tradition:The role of oral tradition in Afrocentric African poetry is central to the style and substance of this form of poetry....

OLAITAN ADESINA’S POETRY MASTERCLASS SERIES AFROCENTRISM IN POETRY (Part2) Elements of Afrocentric African Poetry Afrocentric African poetry typically incorporates several key elements that reflect the cultural and historical experiences of African communities. Here are s…

Introduction Afrocentric poetry is a form of literature that centers around African experiences, values, and perspectives. It emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a response to the Eurocentric literary canon, which had traditionally excluded or marginalized the voices of African and African diaspora writers. Afrocentric poetry often addresses themes of race, colonialism, oppression, and resistance. It celebrates the cultural, historical, and spiritual traditions of Africa and the African diaspora, and often incorporates elements of African folklore and mythology....

OLAITAN ADESINA’S POETRY MASTERCLASS SERIES (1) – AFROCENTRISM IN POETRY Introduction Afrocentric poetry is a form of literature that centers around African experiences, values, and perspectives. It emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a response to the Eurocentric literar…

A DIRGE TO HONOUR
Olaitan Adesina

The eerie silence of the village square
After the Town-crier's ambient passage
The mournful echo of his gong long gone
Buried beneath feverish quietude that follows

A lone wail rises in the distance
Its shrill note rending the cloak of silence
A thousand voices join in chorus of hurt's refrain
Reaching a crescendo of sorrow unrestrained

They mourn not the passing of the village head
Nor the demise of his evil wife
The death of neither would provoke such pain
For a tyrant was he and a demon she

Then yet again, the lone voice wails
Weeping aloud in unabashed despair
This time singing of Honour's slaughter
Upon the altar of selfish infamy

Now fowls may fete on each other's bowels
Men be free to lift their Ma's towels
For the Town-crier's gong has sung its dreadful strain
And Honour lies buried in a pit of shame.

Excerpt From
AGIDIGBO (Soliloquy in Verse)
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