Shehu Mubarak is one of the moderators for PIN Initiative Facebook Page. In this exhaustive conversation with Semilore Kilaso of PIN Literary Interviews, he talks about combining nursing with poetry writing and moderating for PIN, the role of social media in poetry promotions and the place of poetry as a genre of literature in Nigeria.
Shehu Mubarak Sulaiman, Kano-based writer and poet, is currently a finalist at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studies Nursing Science. He won the Flash Edition of Instafood Poetry Contest, and his poem was shortlisted for Glassdoor On-The-Spot Poetry Contest. His poem ‘I AM NORTH’ was shown live at the 2020 Edition of The Nigerian Students Poetry Prize Awards that was held in Lagos. His works have appeared on Sebuleni, an online Kenyan magazine, Wiliiwash Blogazine, and pending acceptance in a number of other magazines. He lives in Kano and writes from there. If he is not caught studying nursing, reading or writing, then he is listening to some music or spending some alone-time, as it helps to exercise his creative muscle.
- It is a great pleasure having you on this session of PIN Literary Interviews. Please can we meet you?
Well, my name is Shehu Mubarak Sulaiman, I am a student-nurse. I am currently a finalist at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and of course, I am a poet.
- Being a nurse and a poet, how do you manage to mix the two?
Poetry is an art, this means it has the power to evoke a human feeling, poetry can be used to heal the human mind and soul. Words have a profound effect on the minds of people, as words can heal, and at the same time, destroy. Nursing practice is achieved through instrumental and expressive caring, the former with the use of clinical instruments and the latter using words – expression. Poetry can properly fit into the latter – the expressive form of care. There is a form of therapy called diversional therapy, where different forms of diversion are used to take the mind of the patient off pangs of pain, and to allay gnawing anxieties. Nursing and poetry are quite synonymous, as they both have the power to induce healing and bring smiles to the faces of many. Poets achieve healing with words, and nurses, with drugs.
- Why do you read and write poetry?
I see poetry as an avenue through which I express myself, and at the same, a means through which I prune my mind of all its chaos and ease my soul of some burden. I see poetry as a way to transform my inner turmoil and tranquility into words. Poetry reading to me, is a way I peep through the minds of others, a way I get in touch with their limitless imagination. I see poetry as a means of taking a break from the harsh realities of life. I write poems for various reasons, one of which is putting smiles on the faces of those dear to my heart. I have written poems for sick people, and I have used poems to speak my truth, as the truth they say is a great weapon to use in setting oneself free. I use my poems to create moments using words, and to bury memories between lines. I write odes to people, and this helps to strengthen my relationship with them, it helps me to express clearly how much I value them and how grateful I am that our paths have crossed. I write epics about events and places. I will say that I write poems, sometimes, to appreciate nature and the ineffable job God Almighty has done in its creation. Lastly, I write poems to highlight and correct various ills in my society, not leaving out those to which I am personally involved. Reading poems makes me see things through the eyes of others, and it helps me to sharpen my natural human skill of empathy. Reading and writing poetry is pleasurable, and that is the major reason why I invest so much of my time into doing it.
4. Can you vividly recall the title of the first poem you ever wrote? Tell us about it and how you landed into poetry writing.
I cannot pinpoint a poem and call it my first. Writing had always been my thing, I had written since I was a child. I have written random pieces, which may and may not have passed for poems. I started out with prose writing, I had a thing for letters, I relished the limitless freedom prose bestows on the writer. My relationship with prose had been a wonderful one, until poetry came and seduced me with its brevity and aesthetics. After a while, I came to realize that some of the things I wrote were actually poems, and gradually, poetry took me to the altar, married me, and after which we settled.
I often write out my heart, and come back days after, to go through whatever it is I have written, and trust me, it worked magic. It felt good to be able to write down my thoughts, ideas, fears, opinions and doubts, then come back days later to read from them, and find out that I have created something truly beautiful. One of the first poems I wrote was ‘Forgive Me’, and another, which I wrote without a title, it was inspired by one of Shakespeare’s poems. ‘Forgive me’ was dedicated to my mother, for her struggles with me as a child, it wasn’t easy raising children as a widow. I wrote the poem to appreciate her for all her love and support.
I would say that my poetry writing has evolved, I started by writing in a personal journal, which dates back to about six years ago. I often wrote poems and sent to Abdul Mubarak—a mentor and a friend, after which I waited patiently for a feedback. The feedbacks I receive are sometimes, encouraging comments and sometimes, defeating criticisms. During that period, I read other poems on Facebook, from numerous pages, and from people like Balogun Ridwan Adetayo, and a host of others. I visited the journal from time to time to write extensive prose about happenings around me, and sometimes a few lines of poetry. In 2016, a friend of mine introduced me to Poetic Wednesdays page on Facebook, where themes are given weekly, and poets asked to write on them, then worthy poems are handpicked and afterwards posted on the page. I must say that my followership of the page and its fraternity of poets, has positively influenced my writing. I had my first poetry presentation during one of its get-together on campus back in 2018 or thereabout. Through the page on Facebook, I have developed the skill of writing promptly, and the ability to play with different themes. As at that period, I spent so much of my time reading about poetry, and reading from the works of notable poets online.
5. As poets, some of us tend to look at stylistics. How would you describe poetry in relation to your style?
Well, as I said earlier, poetry to me sometimes is a way I take a break from the harsh realities of every day. I must tell you that I write in a very simple manner, I write with the aim of making everyone understand and connect with my poem, which I feel is more or less not feasible. However, I feel anyone with a basic command of English Language, will not only read, but digest and effectively relate to my poems. I write using simple language, and my love for quatrains cannot be overemphasized. I think one of the key elements that characterize my poems are the flow, imagery, incorporation of rhyme and rhythm, and the occasional use of anaphora and rhetorical questions.
6. What is the writing process like for you? How do you conclude that you are writing a poem and how do you develop from a word into lines?
Well, firstly, I don’t write unless I have a need to. There are days when I normally don’t feel the urge to write anything, and so, I spend such days engrossed in other activities like studying for a test or an exam, chatting with friends, strolling, leisure reading or spending time to look up random stuff on the internet. There are days I wake up with fresh ideas in my head, and on such days; I do well to transform them into words.
When the urge to write comes, I know. I feel it in every inhalation, I sense the impulse running through my neurons, and trust me, it is not something I can help. I keep getting drawn back to my phone, computer or anything at my disposal. Sometimes, I get inspired while reading for an exam, and so, I end up penning down a full poem, or a few lines on my reading material, to be completed, as at when next the muse arrives. When the muse comes, I usually have a surge of ideas, and that is when I begin to write. The writing process for me is pretty simple, firstly, I write as much as I can, I try to exhaust every voice that I can hear resonating in my head. I try as hard as possible to leave no word unwritten, to keep no stone unturned. After putting every thought on paper, then I either start to work on the main poem or leave it for a day or two, before coming back to complete it. There are poems I write on the first attempt, and others which take me time, let’s say days, weeks, or months to complete. There are poems that never seem to accept the finishing touches I give, and so they hang on there, till a worthy muse comes along and helps me in finishing them. Generally, I will say that my writing process is simple and smooth. I write using simple language, in a way that is easy to grasp, easy to connect to and easy to read through the lines.
- How did you become a member of PIN and a Moderator at the POETS IN NIGERIA INITIATIVE group on Facebook? How has it been volunteering your time and services to Poets in Nigeria?
I see my becoming a member of Poets in Nigeria Initiative as a sacrosanct part of my destiny that I had to fulfil. I have written poems for more than half a decade, I mostly post these poems on my Facebook wall, where a number of friends and pen friends react and drop comments. The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was a great turnaround for my writing, I have been able to write a number of poems within a very short period. At a point, I felt I needed a bigger platform to post my poems, and a wider audience to feed my thoughts and imagination. I think I came across Poets in Nigeria Initiative while I was scrolling through my newsfeed on Facebook, I requested to join the group, and after a while, my request was granted approval. First, I was only reading through poems and getting to see how much magic – words – can really do to a person like me, then at a point, I decided to share some of my works, and to my biggest surprise, the reception was encouraging. After a while, I started to write and post very often, and the rest of the time, I read through other poems on the group.
On an auspicious night, as I was about drawing the curtains to a very long and hectic day, I stumbled upon a post on Facebook; a call for poems to be submitted within a specified period, an hour or so. The best three poems were to cart away some prize money. At first, I hesitated, then finally, I overcame it, and began to write a poem. I was glad I made it before time. I submitted my entry and hurriedly went to bed. To my surprise the following morning, I woke up to a text, requesting me to provide my account details, as well as informing me that I was not only among the best three entrants, but the winner of the flash edition of INSTAFOOD POETRY CONTEST organized by PIN. It is through this great feat that I was able to come across Sir Eriata Oribhabor and the great contribution he is making to the renaissance of literary art, through poetry, in Nigeria.
I would say that my relationship with PIN is more of learning and less of volunteering. Our relationship has opened my eyes to a lot of realities. I have been able to meet new people, and try out new stuff. I was shortlisted for the Glassdoor On-The-Spot poetry contest, which was organized early in the year. My poem titled ‘Rape’ was supposed to appear at the Festival Poetry Calabar, later in the year. I have been able to amass some experience, mostly from behind the scenes and in different capacities, I was able to contribute my quota in the recently concluded NSPP, my poem was shown live at the awards event which held in Lagos. I became fortunate enough to join other highly esteemed moderators of the group on Facebook. I must confess that it feels great, and that growth of any form to a person like me is welcome. Volunteering for an organization like PIN; is rewarding. From meetings on ZOOM, to tasks that needed to be accomplished within a specified time, to persistent coaching and paving of the way for growth. I would love to conclude that my journey with PIN, so far, has been an eye-opener. I hope to volunteer more, learn more and achieve more in the future.
8. What is it like moderating a group with over 18,000 poet members? How many posts do you approve daily? What kind of post do you decline?
It feels great and indubitably challenging. Being a moderator accords me the opportunity of getting to read and have a feel of fresh ideas from different people, before they are allowed to make their way into the group. It has opened my eyes to the fact that people love to read and write poetry in Nigeria. It has also convinced me that with a little more effort from both the government and well-meaning individuals, art, through poetry, will rise to become a force to reckon with in the country’s creative industry. Well, talking about posts, I approve a flexible number of posts daily. There are days when I go off the internet for a while, only to return to a heap of posts, let us say 250 awaiting approval, there are days I receive more and days I receive less, there is no finite number.
Well, as for the kinds of posts we decline, I would love to state that we have a set of rules, and that any post that goes against our rules is automatically not going to be granted a free passage into the group. We do not accept posts that come with nude pictures, we do not accept posts that aim at inciting ethnic or religious tension, we also frown at posts that advertise Ponzi schemes and the use of diabolic means to attain financial freedom. We decline posts that set out to harm unsuspecting members in any form.
9. What do you think the readership and members of the group like to read? Are you creating a niche as a moderator?
Well, I think the readership is massive, the group is a very much active one. I cannot categorically tell you what type of posts the members prefer over another, but I feel certain poems get more attention than others, for reasons best known to members. As I have always said, there are no better poets or better poems, and that different audiences have different ways they react to different poems. One thing that I have noticed though is that members love poems that they can easily connect to, and poems that reflect their immediate surrounding and life. A good poem is a good poem, it does not matter how it is being written. There are no better poets, what audience A may perceive as a good poem, might end up having a very bad reception and impression with audience B.
Well, I won’t say that I am creating a niche as a moderator, but I have readers who enjoy my style of poetry, and marvel at every piece that I post. I have readers who get to read a poem of mine after a long while of my absence, only to tell me that they have missed my poems and that they are on the lookout, hoping to see more. I think that is encouraging for any poet.
10. What is your opinion on engaging Social Media as a tool to promote literary art?
You see, we live in a digital age, and in an epoch where people have grown so much dislike and hesitation for buying books; either soft copies on the internet or hard copies in book stores. While I was growing up, the idea of reading was much adored by people, we had so much to read from. During every session in elementary school, we had books recommended to us by our teachers. we read and answered questions on these books, all through the year. There were book clubs and workshops, and people relied so much on books to satisfy their curiosities and to entertain themselves. Social Media has come to quench all that fire, at least in some people, while for others as Darwin will have it, have survived the process of natural selection. Social Media has come to bring the world together, the world is now a global village, where anyone from any part of it, can easily connect with another from an entirely different geographical location.
There are so many writers today who write, market and connect with their audiences online. There are also magazines, and publishing companies who have online presence. There are also many budding poets who make attempts at writing poetry online, and have over time been able to attain some level of followership. Social media I must say, has come to make things easier. Despite having its shortcomings, it is truly an indispensable tool in the promotion of literary art. These days, people generally spend more time on the internet, than they spend lost in the pages of books. Social media has given many aspiring writers the opportunity of finding mentors, of reading literary works for free, of entering contests and having their works published on online magazines. It has also bridged the gap between readers and authors, it has enabled authors to connect with their readers online, and to carry them along in whatever it is that they do. Finally, I would love to say that social media has come to stay, and that in the modern world; any cause, business or activity requires the assistance of social media for its promotion, and literary arts should not be left out.
11. What Nigerian poet(s) do you love to read?
I read random poems from random people, I have read numerous poetry collections, the last one I read is titled ‘A Virus Paused the World’, a collection of poems on the covid-19 pandemic. I spent time in the past reading a number of books from Kyuka Lilymjok Usman, and I must say that I love how he mixes his prose writings with poetry as seen in his novels like Bivan’s House, which represents a microcosm of Nigeria. I like Dike Chukwumerijie and his style of poetry, I have read some of Niyi Osundare’s poems, and a number of Chinua Achebe’s. I have learnt a lot from Sani Ammani and his poems like ‘Kano’ and ‘Kaduna’, and I must say that I have been inspired by them. The rest of the time, I read poetry from random poets online, from poetry sites like Allpoetry, Familyfriendspoems and from fantastic poets, during weekly submissions on Poetic Wednesdays Initiative page on Facebook. I enjoy poems on the Poets in Nigeria Initiative group on Facebook too, and the poems of Sir Eriata Oribhabor and his creatively spiced poems in Pidgin English. I enjoy poems from notable poets like Maya Angelou, Khalil Gibran and Rumi; especially how his work move back and forth between spirituality and nature. I visit poetry sites where I can find full works of my favorite poets.
12. Poetry appreciation is gaining ground in Nigeria. What in your opinion is the place of poetry as a genre of literature in Nigeria? What future? What opportunities for Poets?
I watched excerpts from the coverage of the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize that was shown on NTA, and I am forced to tell you that it is the first of its kind. I listened to notable people in our society speak on the long history of poetry: how it predates our time, and how poetry can reorient us towards greatness. I think the future is rosy for poetry and poets in Nigeria. There was a time, when poetry was truly appreciated and notable poets were read and followed. I don’t know what happened along the line, but I feel the time has come yet again, for poetry to take its place in the literary space in Nigeria. I have never thought of earning a dime through poetry, but here I am today, having a few bucks to my name, courtesy of poetry.
I think that with a perpetual appreciation of poetry in Nigeria, poets will be able to write and get rewarded for it, and poets will become as important as other artistes in the creative industry. With proper promotion of poetry in Nigeria, it will rise to the heights prose attained by prose over the years. Poetry should be sneaked into our school curriculum, and just like prose, poetry books should be recommended for students to study all through a session. I have read about Maya Angelou and her contributions to the civil right movement of the 60s in America, she performed one of her poems at a Presidential inauguration. I know so well of other poets and how their works have driven a cause for change in their various societies. Poems address social issues, and have effectively brought to an end, some of the ills. I think there are ubiquitous opportunities for poets, opportunities which are waiting to be harnessed.
- What’s your opinion about Poets in Nigeria as a vanguard of poetry renaissance in Nigeria?
It is no secret that Poets in Nigeria as an organization, has contributed immeasurably to the growth of poets and poetry in Nigeria. It has for five years, connected poets for greatness through festivals, initiatives and grand poetry events. Its group on Facebook; has a convergence of over 18,000 members where poetry is being discussed, norms are being challenged and new ideas brought forth. It has initiatives all year round for poets to flaunt their skills and get rewarded for it. It has a package for everyone, from storytelling, to performance poetry and a host of others. It has also successfully transcended into some aspect of prose writing, as it is seen it its poetically written prose contest, which is being organized annually. Poets in Nigeria aims to discover and nurture young talents. I was moved by the recent NSPP award event, I am actually marveled at how seriously and tirelessly PIN is working on rewarding young talents for their creativity, and also at its commitment towards raising the next generation of Nigerian poets. The contests are just so numerous and equally rewarding to be ignored. I may not know of other literary organizations in Nigeria, but as far as I am concerned, PIN is doing a great job, and with the rigorous efforts and laudable projects, I see the future to be bright and colorful.
14. Thank you for your time. Please leave us with few lines of a poem you have written. (max 10 lines).
Do not try to slander me
Your false tales don’t define me
My offspring are not terrorists
For I am North, I am hospitality
In me are age-long festivals
And some colourful durbars
My Yankari is a sight to behold
Come! Don’t wait till you are told.