Younglan's Elbow Room Poem: Review by Lengdung Tungchamma
by Alewa House, published 2 years, 3 months ago
I have always believed that great poetry should be the voice of reason.
When men lacked the language to communicate what they hold in their hearts, they resort to poetry.
Younglan's Elbow Room is a touring poem. Its title is misplaced. If I would name this poem, I would call it "Khadiija's Voice". Khadija being an unknown protester that joined in the #EndSars protest of 2020.
Elbow Room is a rejection. A rejection of our politics, our politicians, our system of governance, and our values. When he said "Look at us now, we are monsters", he could have been referring to the unprecedented, deadly, looting that happened during the lockdowns. Do you know, no one was killed during the main #EndSars protest in Jos, but that at least 3 people died at the warehouse where plateau citizens were looting?
We broke down the roofs of the structure, destroyed the gate, stole useless metals and went face to face with soldiers that had guns. We had become monsters.
But it is the making of selfish politicians, pot bellied big for nothing men that have denied us our rights and refused us the right to complain or cry. "An ordinary councilor in Tudun Wada has 6 cars", all bought with our tax payers money. When the new Councillor of Jenta Adamu came on board about 4 years ago, the first thing he did was to get a new car.
Yet every politician claims to be working for "your interest", the "voice of the masses", and to be worried about your plight. At least, when the election comes. Lies.
The touring thing in Younglan's poem is the hope. He lays his hope in the youths, that we will vote for the kind of society we want, and if our votes are rigged, we will vote again. And we will vote again. "Until the revolution becomes you and me".
A great poem should not end without hope. It should offer a vision. A dream. This one does that.
My only criticism of this work is that it was too short. Too short to say everything. But on a second thought, poetry should be short and mystical!
I expected to hear Edge Golbador say something, his voice was soothing but the absence of any words was disappointing.
There are very few poets in this city, Younglan is one of those. I'm always delighted by his work! Always. Dear Jos, you are blessed. Relish your greatness!
May we become the revolution.
You can find the poem here. https://alewahouse.com/watch/4583990495/
Much respect to Alewa House! This poem was neat. All your work has been neat.
Elbow Room review by Lengdung Tungchamma
Featured Articles
Press Release: The Jos Festival of Storytelling (Beyond what you are told)
by Alewa House, published 1 year ago
The Jos Festival of Storytelling, an annual festival of the craft, will take place from April 28 to April 30, 2023. Especially powered by Egija Naija, Alewa House, and Everyday Money. The festival will feature a wide range of storytellers and performances that showcase storytelling's potential to uplift, inform, and entertain. Emerging storytellers, actors, dancers, spoken word performers, and authors will all perform during the event. During the festival, there will also be panel discussions, stage performances, and workshops to explore the craft of storytelling and its role in society.
"We're excited to be bringing together such a group of exceptionally talented storytellers and performers for the festival," said the festival's organisers, Omale Abraham. "Storytelling connects people to themselves, their environments and other people and we're excited to showcase the many different ways that stories can be used to create meaningful connections and build understanding."
The festival's opening ceremony will feature a keynote lecture by Profesor Ademiju Bepo Diran, former Head of Department of Theatre Art at the University of Jos, who will speak on the art of performance storytelling. Other festival highlights include performances by spoken word artists Younglan Ceazer, Envoi Vate, and Miss She. Dance by the Eagles, stage plays by Akolo Anthony James, Mark Musa and Omale Abraham and Art Exhibition by Onyechi Christina Ukeni.
In addition to the performances, the festival will include workshops that will explore many aspects of storytelling, such as how to develop appealing narratives and how to execute stories on stage, which will be facilitated by Dorcas Seffy Bello and Omale Abraham (Da Storyteller).
The event is designed to promote storytellers, the African storytelling tradition and Plateau State, as well as imprint the culture of storytelling in the minds of the younger generation, so as to sustain our history, culture and identity as a people.
You are part of US. So please be our guest. Tickets for the event are now available and may be purchased by dialing a number (+234 8142926295). Visit all of our social media handles @egijanaija for additional information on the festival's lineup and itinerary
Omale Abraham
Festival Director
Email: egijanaija@gmail.com
Phone: +234-8142926295
Herbeembola, with the support of Alewa House, announces the release of their song: Keke
by Alewa House, published 1 year, 3 months ago
As you may have already known, there are very few emerging female artists in the Nigerian music industry and Alewa House seeks to increase this demographic by increasing women participation. On this note, we present to you Herbeembola, the first Afrobeat Artist to ever enrol on the platform.
Herbeembola, with the support of Alewa House, announces the release of their song "Keke".
Keke is set to hit most streaming platforms worldwide on the 10th of February 2023.
We would love your support in allowing an exceptional music artist to reach a wider audience. Even as St. Valentine's love season approaches and love songs are the norm, this artist has a different perspective to unburden with this release.
Her vocal prowess shines forth from the intro, accompanied by an engrossing instrumental, while her message urges a disloyal lover out of her life. The blend of English and Yoruba language on this track is seamless as well as endearing, keeping you wanting more.
Herbeembola (Abimbola Oyewo) boldly launched her music career with a 5 song EP in 2021, including Soul, Pop, Afrobeat, and Dancehall genres. Having sung in the church choir from a young age, Herbeembola has been following a dream of becoming an icon of positive influence through music. She was largely influenced by Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Teni, Kizz Daniel, and very indigenous styles. Her dexterity is however not limited to attracting foreign consumers. It was well established in her last project, and "Keke" is a continuation of the journey of exploring her sound. She is convinced that floating a successful music career is her destined path in life.
Her achievements include Voice 2Rep "Top 10 Finalists Material" from a pool of over 1,000 artists.
You can connect with her on her social media handles as follows
Instagram: the_herbeembola
Twitter: The_herbeembola
Tiktok: @the_herbeembola