Wole Adedoyin interviews Prayerlife O. Nwosu: I am Inspired by Artists who Boldly use Their Voices to Confront Injustice Without Fear

WA: WHAT DREW YOU TO SPOKEN WORD POETRY?
PRAYERLIFE: The power of spoken word to evoke emotion and inspire change drew me in. It’s a medium that humanizes statistics and gives voice to the voiceless.

WA: HOW DOES PERFORMING AMPLIFY THE MESSAGE?
PRAYERLIFE: Performance adds depth, passion, and urgency. Through voice inflections, body language, and audience connection, the message becomes more relatable and memorable.

WA: WHICH HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES RESONATE WITH YOU MOST?
PRAYERLIFE: Issues like inequality, justice, and freedom resonate deeply with me. I channel them into my poetry using vivid imagery and personal experiences.

WA: DO YOU WRITE FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OR COLLECTIVE STORIES?
PRAYERLIFE: Both. I draw from my own journey and amplify the stories of others to reflect our shared struggles and triumphs.

WA: CAN YOU RECALL A MOMENT WHEN YOUR PERFORMANCE DEEPLY MOVED AN AUDIENCE?
PRAYERLIFE: One memorable moment was when a poem i performed sparked a powerful conversation within my peer circle. It led to thoughtful questions and deep brainstorming on the issue i addressed.

WA: HOW DO YOU PREPARE EMOTIONALLY TO PERFORM PIECES ROOTED IN PAIN OR TRAUMA?
PRAYERLIFE: I reflect on my experiences, seek emotional support, and stay grounded in the message I want to convey.

WA: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF RHYTHM, VOICE MODULATION, AND BODY LANGUAGE IN YOUR PERFORMANCE?
PRAYERLIFE: These elements are essential. They bring emotion to life, emphasize key messages, and help maintain audience engagement.

WA: HAVE YOU EVER PERFORMED IN SPACES WHERE YOUR POETRY WAS CONSIDERED CONTROVERSIAL?
PRAYERLIFE: Yes, I have. In such situations, I remain true to my message while being open to dialogue and respectful feedback.

WA: HOW DOES THE URGENCY OR EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF SPOKEN WORD DIFFER FROM WRITTEN POETRY?
PRAYERLIFE: Spoken word delivers a more immediate impact due to its dynamic nature and the direct connection it builds with the audience.

WA: HAVE YOU RECEIVED FEEDBACK FROM PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE ISSUES YOU ADDRESS?
PRAYERLIFE: Absolutely. I’ve received heartfelt messages and shared poems from people who felt seen and heard through my work.

WA: HOW DO YOU USE YOUR PLATFORM BEYOND THE STAGE?
PRAYERLIFE: I collaborate with organizations like My News Corner Media, participate in panel discussions, and use social media to raise awareness.

WA: ARE THERE ANY SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS OR ACTIVISTS WHO INSPIRE YOU?
PRAYERLIFE: I’m inspired by artists who courageously use their voices to challenge injustice and drive social change.

WA: HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOU REPRESENT MARGINALIZED VOICES AUTHENTICALLY?
PRAYERLIFE: I prioritize listening, learning, and amplifying voices with respect—always mindful to avoid appropriation.

WA: HAVE YOU COLLABORATED WITH ANY HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS?
PRAYERLIFE: Yes, and those collaborations have led to impactful projects and awareness campaigns that I’m proud of.

WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE IN GETTING YOUR WORK SEEN OR HEARD?
PRAYERLIFE: Reaching broader audiences and navigating platforms that deprioritize social justice content remain ongoing challenges.

WA: HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE ART SHOULD BE APOLITICAL?
PRAYERLIFE: Art is inherently political. Silence, in itself, can be a stance. I believe in using my voice to advocate for justice.

WA: DO YOU SEE A GROWING MOVEMENT OF SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS POETS?
PRAYERLIFE: Yes, there’s a vibrant and growing movement. More poets are using their voices to confront injustice, economic disparity, and systemic oppression.

WA: IS THERE A PARTICULAR PIECE THAT CAPTURES YOUR MISSION AS A POET?
PRAYERLIFE: One piece that stands out speaks of resilience and hope in the face of adversity—it encapsulates the heart of my mission.

WA: HOW DO YOU KEEP HOPE ALIVE IN YOUR WORK?
PRAYERLIFE: I write about resilience, community strength, and the belief in change. Hope is the thread that runs through it all.

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EMERGING SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS?
PRAYERLIFE: Find your voice and stay true to your message. Engage with your community and use your platform to amplify marginalized voices and inspire meaningful action.

Prayerlife O. Nwosu is a talented and widely published poet whose works have been featured in numerous esteemed anthologies and literary magazines, including the Anthology in Honor of Late Prof. Jerry Agada, News Corner Media, The Pine Cone Review Magazine (Issue II), Poemify Magazine (Memories Issue III), and the Sixth Chinua Achebe Essay/Poetry Anthology, where she received an award for outstanding entry. Her poetry has also appeared in Upwrite Magazine, Ezena Carnival of Unity Magazine, 11th Women Stream Anthology, Abhyuday “The Rising” International Magazine, Libretto Magazine (Issue 7), OPA Annual Anthology of Poetry: Bridges to Tomorrow, Nigerian Book of Miscellaneous Insults, Voices of Africa Anthology, Gisthub24.com, AllPoetry.com, and Southern Arizona Press. She currently serves as the State Information Secretary of the Imo State Chapter of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), where she plays a vital role in promoting literary development. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she speaks about her works and passion for performance poetry.