Wole Adedoyin interviews Boma Kingsley Nnenda: Art is Life—I Breathe it into Existence Through Ink and Spoken Word
WA: WHAT DREW YOU TO SPOKEN WORD POETRY AS A MEDIUM FOR EXPRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS?
NNENDA: Spoken word allows me to combine the power of beautiful, concise language with expressive actions and vocal modulation. It’s a powerful way to advocate for human rights and emphasize their importance.
WA: HOW DOES PERFORMING YOUR POETRY AMPLIFY ITS MESSAGE COMPARED TO JUST READING IT ON THE PAGE?
NNENDA: When I perform, it’s not just my words—it’s my whole being. My teary voice, my gestures, and my passion all come together. That emotional connection helps the audience feel the message more deeply and powerfully.
WA: WHICH HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES RESONATE MOST DEEPLY WITH YOU, AND HOW DO YOU BRING THEM TO LIFE IN YOUR PERFORMANCES?
NNENDA: I’m especially moved by the human rights violations faced by women, particularly widows in some African cultures. I bring these stories to life on stage by highlighting the harmful traditional practices they endure, using storytelling as a form of protest and awareness.
WA: DO YOU WRITE FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, COLLECTIVE STORIES, OR BOTH WHEN ADDRESSING INJUSTICE IN YOUR WORK?
NNENDA: Both. I draw from personal experiences and shared stories. I aim to create narratives that stir a sense of nostalgia and humanity while confronting injustice.
WA: CAN YOU RECALL A MOMENT WHEN YOUR PERFORMANCE MOVED AN AUDIENCE TO ACT OR RESPOND MEANINGFULLY?
NNENDA: Yes, there was a performance in my classroom about gender inequality. I said, “The woman was made by society to belong to the kitchen where she will fry all the chicken.” It sparked strong reactions and meaningful conversations.
WA: HOW DO YOU PREPARE EMOTIONALLY TO PERFORM POEMS THAT DEAL WITH PAIN, TRAUMA, OR OPPRESSION?
NNENDA: I’ve lived through pain, trauma, and oppression. So, when I prepare, I do it with my entire soul—as someone who has overcome and wants to make a lasting impact through every word I speak.
WA: WHAT ROLE DOES RHYTHM, VOICE MODULATION, AND BODY LANGUAGE PLAY IN DELIVERING YOUR HUMAN RIGHTS MESSAGES?
NNENDA: They are essential. Rhythm, voice modulation, and body language help me capture the audience’s attention and ensure that every striking word is felt and remembered—both in their hearts and minds.
WA: HAVE YOU EVER PERFORMED IN SPACES WHERE YOUR POETRY WAS CONSIDERED CONTROVERSIAL OR PROVOCATIVE? HOW DID YOU HANDLE IT?
NNENDA: Not yet. But if that happens, I hope to remain calm—not to compromise, but to help people see the world through my lens and perspective.
WA: DO YOU FEEL THAT SPOKEN WORD HAS MORE URGENCY OR EMOTIONAL IMPACT THAN WRITTEN POETRY WHEN ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS?
NNENDA: Both have their place and power. But I believe spoken word carries more urgency and emotional impact because of the way our voices and bodies give life to the words.
WA: WHAT KIND OF FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM PEOPLE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE ISSUES YOU HIGHLIGHT?
NNENDA: The feedback is often touching. Some say, “Oh, my eyes have been opened,” especially after performances addressing widowhood practices. That shows me the message is reaching hearts.
WA: HOW DO YOU USE YOUR PLATFORM TO EDUCATE OR RAISE AWARENESS BEYOND THE STAGE?
NNENDA: I share stories that resonate with humanity. I also raise awareness about health issues, especially on key days like World Tuberculosis (TB) Day.
WA: ARE THERE PARTICULAR SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS OR ACTIVISTS WHO’VE INSPIRED YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY?
NNENDA: Yes—Deraspeaks, Lyrical HI, Darasimi Oyor, and Havfy, among others. They inspire me depending on the themes they explore.
WA: HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOU REPRESENT MARGINALIZED VOICES AUTHENTICALLY AND RESPECTFULLY IN YOUR WORK?
NNENDA: I choose my words carefully, with sensitivity and deep respect for the people and stories I represent.
WA: HAS YOUR SPOKEN WORD POETRY LED TO COLLABORATIONS WITH HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS OR MOVEMENTS?
NNENDA: Not yet. But I’m on that journey, and I believe I’ll get there soon.
WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE IN GETTING YOUR WORK SEEN OR HEARD ON LARGER PLATFORMS?
NNENDA: The competition is intense. So I strive to keep improving, refining my craft, and finding opportunities to make my voice heard.
WA: HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THOSE WHO SAY ART SHOULD REMAIN APOLITICAL OR NEUTRAL?
NNENDA: I prefer to smile and share that art is life. I use my ink and voice to prove that art can be a powerful force for change.
WA: DO YOU SEE A GROWING MOVEMENT OF SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS SPOKEN WORD POETS AROUND YOU?
NNENDA: Not as much as I’d like to. But I connect with like-minded poets online and engage in meaningful exchanges with them.
WA: WHAT’S ONE PIECE YOU’VE PERFORMED THAT YOU FEEL CAPTURES YOUR MISSION AS A POET AND ACTIVIST?
NNENDA: It’s a piece titled Beyond the Kitchen. That poem reminds me that I can—and must—do more. It’s the heart of my mission.
WA: HOW DO YOU KEEP HOPE ALIVE IN YOUR WORK WHEN DEALING WITH HEAVY OR HEARTBREAKING THEMES?
NNENDA: I’ve faced many heartbreaking realities and survived by holding on to hope in God. That same hope fuels my poetry and message.
WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EMERGING SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS WHO WANT TO USE THEIR VOICE FOR JUSTICE?
NNENDA: My advice is summed up in four words: Passion. Commitment. Pleasure. Sacrifice. Be passionate. Be committed. Find joy in what you do. And be willing to make sacrifices for your passion.
Thank you!
Boma Kingsley Nnenda is a passionate performance poet and literary activist. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she shares insights into her journey, her craft, and what fuels her love for performance poetry.
