Nigerian poet Kiyani Mercy Ayinpo, whose spoken word piece, “Hope” addresses the uncertainties we face in life with answers to how to approach living, had a robust conversation with our correspondent, Kathryn Mercy Gabriel.
A CONVERSATION WITH KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
POEMIFY
Hello, Mercy. It’s a pleasure to have You here. Can we meet you?
KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
My name is Kiyani Ayinpo Mercy. I am a student of life, a spoken word poet, writer and a learner
POEMIFY
Nice to meet you, Kiyani. We would like to know what inspired you to explore spoken word poetry as a means of artistic expression and how you first became interested in it.
KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
I started writing poetry in 2017 after encountering a friend who loved spoken word poetry. Her enthusiasm led me to try poetry, and I saw I was good at writing. I never had a platform to perform. Until I came across the team leader of PPS (Punchline Poetry Society). He found me on Facebook and invited me to attend their events. When I saw what others could do, I knew I wanted my voice to be heard too, so I manned up to take the stage. I wasn’t good at it, but with more experience, I fell in love with it. My interest bloomed
POEMIFY
I’m glad you found a platform, we might not have had the opportunity to listen to the beautiful poems that come from you. Tell us, what themes or subjects do you frequently address in your poetry, and why do they resonate with you personally?
KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
Oh, thank you so much. Basically, I love to write about Hope. I had proposed in my mind that if I ever get a platform to perform, the theme will be “Hope“. The reason is because everyone fights battles we might never know about. I want to perform or write to an audience that will listen to my words and say, “Because of you, I have hope.” It will bring me fulfillment.
POEMIFY
I hope it comes soon. We’re anticipating. So, how do you go about coming up with a new spoken word composition? Do you have any special rituals or methods that you find useful for keeping track of your thoughts and feelings?
KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
Writing poetry comes to me spontaneously, probably because I have written consistently for a while now and am getting used to it. But I always write down my thoughts as soon as they come to me, so I don’t forget them. And if it comes as a scribbled idea, I can work on it subsequently till something (a piece) is born from it.
POEMIFY
It’s obvious you’ve been committed. What role do you think poetry plays in Nigerian society as a spoken word artist? How does it promote awareness of social issues, encourage change, or do all three?
KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
In addressing social issues and creating awareness, I think poetry is a great tool. The reason is that poetry has always been used to address issues. Especially in moments where several pieces of work are analysed by an audience, different views are obtained. I think in Nigeria, it is a great method to make a positive change.
POEMIFY
You have a valid point. Can you share how Your friend and any Nigerian authors or poets had an impact on your writing? How have they influenced your development as an artist?
KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
I’ve had people who have encouraged me to keep writing even on days when I don’t feel like it. They make me feel like my writing is worth reading. That act has helped my development as an artist. Learning from criticism has also helped. I tend to see areas where I’m flawed and areas where I can work better and improve.
POEMIFY
You’re blessed with the right people, then. Which, if any, difficulties aside from not having the feeling to write have you encountered as a spoken word poet in Nigeria? What challenges did you overcome, and what guidance would you offer to aspiring poets dealing with comparable challenges?
KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
On my side of the country, most spoken word poets are underestimated. They are paid poorly and treated with less respect. That has been a challenge in the arts because of the platforms we get to perform on. To overcome a challenge like this, one has to voice their mind in time and create an understanding of how they want to be treated as a performing artist. Sometimes, support is rare, and very few people appreciate what we do. Just stick to the ones that value you and be thankful for them. It will help in the long run to appreciate your worth.
POEMIFY
Ouch, that’s not so good. Sorry about that. Let’s get to the interesting parts. How do you interact with your audience and measure the effect of your work on listeners? Do you intentionally try to elicit any particular feelings or reactions?
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KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
Oh yes. Sometimes, when I’m about to perform a sad piece, I tell them before starting. I perform with very calm expressions and try to paint a picture with every word used. I feel that delivery is a very important aspect of how the audience reacts.
POEMIFY
It is! Wrapping up, we’d like to know What, specifically in the Nigerian context, do you think spoken word poetry means as a means for self-expression and narrative?
KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
Spoken word is a platform to voice one’s thoughts. I once attended a poetry event, and an opportunity was given to random people to write down their thoughts. Beautiful works were born from that moment. There’s so much in the well of one’s thoughts that cries out to be spoken. That’s where poetry comes in. Poetry can be used for different reasons, especially for creating expressions, conveying emotions, and promoting social change.
POEMIFY
Okay, so lastly, we would like you to tell us What future performances or publications can we look forward to from you? Can you tell us about any new projects or collaborations you are currently working on?
KIYANI MERCY AYINPO
Thank you for that question. Currently, I’m working on a book project to compile my poems and writings. That’s the project I have right now. For the second part of the year, I might work on other projects, but for now, I’m not certain. I’m having to settle down and work on my school projects first or find a balance. I’ll figure it out as time goes on.
POEMIFY
I’m sure many would love your creativity in the book. It’s been a wonderful time with you. Thank you for honouring our invitation.
