Wole Adedoyin interviews Ajani Risikat Opeyemi: Art Should Play a Role in Politics as a Powerful Tool for Promoting Positive Change
WA: WHAT DREW YOU TO SPOKEN WORD POETRY AS A MEDIUM FOR EXPRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS?
RISIKAT: Spoken word poetry offers a powerful platform to amplify marginalized voices, especially those of women, and to spark meaningful conversations about human rights.
WA: HOW DOES PERFORMING YOUR POETRY AMPLIFY ITS MESSAGE COMPARED TO JUST READING IT ON THE PAGE?
RISIKAT: When words are spoken with rhyme, rhythm, and metaphor, they resonate more deeply. Performance adds emotional clarity and often moves people toward action.
WA: WHICH HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES RESONATE MOST DEEPLY WITH YOU, AND HOW DO YOU BRING THEM TO LIFE IN YOUR PERFORMANCES?
RISIKAT: Women's rights, children's welfare, and education are causes I care deeply about. I bring them to life by telling the stories of remarkable individuals whose experiences inspire and empower my audience.
WA: DO YOU WRITE FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, COLLECTIVE STORIES, OR BOTH WHEN ADDRESSING INJUSTICE IN YOUR WORK?
RISIKAT: I draw from both. Blending personal experiences with collective stories helps me create authentic and relatable poetry that speaks to real issues.
WA: CAN YOU RECALL A MOMENT WHEN YOUR PERFORMANCE MOVED AN AUDIENCE TO ACT OR RESPOND MEANINGFULLY?
RISIKAT: Yes, during the “Oh Woman, Birth Forth” conference, my performance encouraged women in the audience to explore new career paths beyond what they were studying. It was deeply fulfilling to see them inspired to take action.
WA: HOW DO YOU PREPARE EMOTIONALLY TO PERFORM POEMS THAT DEAL WITH PAIN, TRAUMA, OR OPPRESSION?
RISIKAT: I immerse myself in the theme and seek out words and sounds that resonate with my emotions. This helps me deliver each piece with authenticity and depth.
WA: WHAT ROLE DOES RHYTHM, VOICE MODULATION, AND BODY LANGUAGE PLAY IN DELIVERING YOUR HUMAN RIGHTS MESSAGES?
RISIKAT: They are crucial. These elements bring the message to life and enable the audience to connect emotionally with the themes and stories I present.
WA: HAVE YOU EVER PERFORMED IN SPACES WHERE YOUR POETRY WAS CONSIDERED CONTROVERSIAL OR PROVOCATIVE? HOW DID YOU HANDLE IT?
RISIKAT: Not yet, but I’m prepared to handle such situations by staying true to my artistic vision and fostering respectful dialogue with my audience.
WA: DO YOU FEEL THAT SPOKEN WORD HAS MORE URGENCY OR EMOTIONAL IMPACT THAN WRITTEN POETRY WHEN ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS?RISIKAT: Absolutely. Spoken word breathes life into the message, making it more engaging, relatable, and impactful.
WA: WHAT KIND OF FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM PEOPLE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE ISSUES YOU HIGHLIGHT?
RISIKAT: While I haven’t received direct feedback from affected communities yet, I remain committed to creating work that amplifies their voices and experiences.
WA: HOW DO YOU USE YOUR PLATFORM TO EDUCATE OR RAISE AWARENESS BEYOND THE STAGE?
RISIKAT: I share creative and engaging content on social media, particularly on TikTok (@its_rii_siii), to highlight pressing issues and inspire meaningful action.
WA: ARE THERE PARTICULAR SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS OR ACTIVISTS WHO’VE INSPIRED YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY?
RISIKAT: Yes, IB Quake has been a major inspiration. Her work motivates me to use my voice for justice and positive change.
WA: HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOU REPRESENT MARGINALIZED VOICES AUTHENTICALLY AND RESPECTFULLY IN YOUR WORK?
RISIKAT: I take time to research and engage with marginalized communities, ensuring their stories are represented truthfully and with respect.
WA: HAS YOUR SPOKEN WORD POETRY LED TO COLLABORATIONS WITH HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS OR MOVEMENTS?
RISIKAT: Not yet, but I’m hopeful and open to partnering with organizations that align with my vision and values.
WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE IN GETTING YOUR WORK SEEN OR HEARD ON LARGER PLATFORMS?
RISIKAT: It’s a gradual process. I’m currently working on performing at more events and expanding my content to reach wider audiences.
WA: HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THOSE WHO SAY ART SHOULD REMAIN APOLITICAL OR NEUTRAL?
RISIKAT: I disagree. Art reflects humanity, and if we want a better world, art must engage with politics to promote positive change.
WA: DO YOU SEE A GROWING MOVEMENT OF SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS SPOKEN WORD POETS AROUND YOU?
RISIKAT: Yes, and it's encouraging. I believe more opportunities should be created to support and spotlight spoken word artists in Nigeria.
WA: WHAT’S ONE PIECE YOU’VE PERFORMED THAT YOU FEEL CAPTURES YOUR MISSION AS A POET AND ACTIVIST?
RISIKAT: “Oh Woman, Birth Forth” truly embodies my mission. It empowers women and urges them to pursue change.
WA: HOW DO YOU KEEP HOPE ALIVE IN YOUR WORK WHEN DEALING WITH HEAVY OR HEARTBREAKING THEMES?RISIKAT: I express my emotions truthfully and always emphasize hope, aiming to uplift my audience and inspire them to take action.
WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EMERGING SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS WHO WANT TO USE THEIR VOICE FOR JUSTICE?
RISIKAT: Don’t wait for the perfect time—start now. Use your voice to inspire change and promote justice wherever you can.
Ajani Risikat Opeyemi, a 20-year-old spoken word artist and Philosophy student at Olabisi Onabanjo University, uses poetry as a tool for social awareness and empowerment. Originally from Oyo State, her passion for spoken word began in secondary school, inspired by literary icons like Maya Angelou and Niyi Osundare. She has performed at notable events including the All Women Conference and a University Leadership Conference, and gained recognition through her spoken word series on TikTok (@its_rii_siii). In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, Ajani shares the motivation behind her commitment to human rights activism and how she channels her voice to inspire change through poetic expression.
