Spoken word poetry can be defined as ‘poetry intended for performance’. The genre is rooted in oral traditions but has not gained much popularity in Nigeria. Many people are discouraged from enjoying poetry because they claim it’s too difficult. Increasingly today, poetry is becoming a striking method of self-expression. Spoken word poetry especially, reaches out to a wide audience base and builds a powerful platform for artists to speak on various social issues through their own identities and experiences.
Henry Ifeanyi otherwise known as Lyrical HI is a spoken thought Poet, a song writer, a scripts writer and also ministers the word of God through rap music. He’s one artist that goes beyond speaking the word, he illuminates it, set it on fire, and let it burn in your mind. This is what you feel when you listen to his piece, ‘Initiation’. It got my attention; it was deep with lots of meaning. His presence and authenticity onstage is something many performers aspire. “Am the first son of Mr. & Mrs. Tobias Mbachu from Ehime, Mbano Local Government Area in Imo state. Born in Zaria, Kaduna State in the early 90’s and raised in Abuja and a member of the Loveworld Music and Art Ministry Loveworld Nation a.k.a Christ Embassy. I am a graduate of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo State, where I studied mass communication and currently Studying History and Diplomatic Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State” he said.
Spoken words poetry is beyond reciting or rhyming the word. Performing it with facial expression, every part of you and using it to paint pictures or create images that dance and leap in your head is what make it intriguing and captivating. Spoken word is art. Spoken word is entertainment. Lyrical HI has been providing us with bold, hopeful, and vulnerable poetry for five years now. He has done some many beautifully constructed pieces addressing the current situation of the country, salvation layered with love and hope.
Finally THERESA MOSES had a chance to get in touch with the Port Harcourt based spoken word artist, Lyrical HI and he took the time to answer some questions via an online interview. Excerpt…
Describe for someone who has never heard of what spoken word poetry is?
Spoken word is a poetic performance art that is word-based. It is an oral art that focuses on the aesthetics of word play such as intonation and voice inflection.
How were you introduced to spoken word poetry?
I have been doing Rap music for a while, but in 2015 when I went to church for choir rehearsal, one of my church coordinators in BLW Campus ministry picked my jotter after he went through it, he asked for the owner of the jotter I indicated, he advised me to do spoken words, that he see me going far with it if I can give more attention to it.. I gave it a trial and the rest is history.
What does it take to be a spoken word poet?
You need to be blessed with the gift of thought, your ability to turn experiences of what you have encountered and the happening around you structure it for better understanding infusing some creativity in it, and also watch does who inspire you in that field, it will help you go a long way.
What were your best and worst moments in your career?
The best is yet to come, the worst I haven’t experienced any for now because every day comes with its own challenge.
Tell me about your first time performing.
It just happened, because I am already used to the stage as a rap artist.
Where you once a cultist or belong to any fraternity?
No, but while on campus in the Polytechnic in the hostel I stayed some of the folks where frate members and some of them lost their lives in cult clashes.
What is your favourite line of your own poem and your favourite poem you have written?
Every line of my spoken words piece is favourable and dear to me… I put premium on words but the Initiation is very significant because it took me three years to write.
What do you aspire to as a professional poet?
To change lives with my craft and the ideology of the world.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Alot of good things are happening to me as a result of the Initiation.
What have you found most challenging about spoken word poetry in Nigeria
The craft is not appreciated that much in this part of the world like music but by the grace of God and with folks like me there will be a change.
What would you say to someone wanting to get involved in spoken word poetry?
Be inspired to write about what you have experienced and encountered, because it will help people connect to your performance.
Where can we find you online?
Facebook page: Lyrical HI, Instagram: @lyrical_hi, YouTube: Lyrical HI,
Messages to our readers?
Whatever you want to do that will change the course of humanity positively get to the apex of it, let God be your first priority. Only do things that will bring glory to him.
Link to one of your works…
You can also subscribe to Lyrical HI YouTube channel for more videos.
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