Efe Paul Azino: Not A Political Poem

A poem about life, brothers, sisters, peace, and strife

Palmwine & Poetry Evening at Ake Arts & Book Festival 2015 (2015) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Efe Paul Azino (Nigeria)

Azino is a prolific poet, spoken word artist, and writer. His poetry often addresses themes related to identity, culture, social issues, and personal experiences. He is known for his powerful and engaging performances. He has contributed a lot to the poetry scene in Nigeria.

Palmwine & Poetry Evening at Ake Arts & Book Festival 2015 (2015) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Efe Paul Azino 1
00:00

This is not a political poem
It’s a poem about life
About brothers, about sisters
About peace, about strife
This is not a political poem
I repeat, this is not a political poem

It’s a poem that speaks about what we go through as a people

The Poetry Panel with Efe Paul-Azino, Inua Ellams, Jumoke Verissimo, Dami Ajayi, Chijoke Amu Nnadi, Titilope Sonuga and Wana Udobang at Ake Arts & Book Festival 2015 (2015) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Efe Paul Azino 2
00:00

It’s a poem that seeks to express the fact that all men were created equal

But some men have become more equal than others
so they loot and plunder into our collective purses
Fill their bellies and sheets than the rest of us
but this is not a political poem
It’s a poem about life

The Poetry Panel with Efe Paul-Azino, Inua Ellams, Jumoke Verissimo, Dami Ajayi, Chijoke Amu Nnadi, Titilope Sonuga and Wana Udobang at Ake Arts & Book Festival 2015 (2015) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Efe Paul Azino 3
00:00

About brothers, about sisters
About peace, about strife

It's a poem about outrageous fictitious budgets and the legislators who approve them

It's a poem about power, the interest of the people and the politicians who confuse them

Palmwine & Poetry Evening at Ake Arts & Book Festival 2015 (2015) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Efe Paul Azino 4
00:00

It's a poem I wrote in the grips of emotion 
tears mingling with ink upon my hopes

will inspire my listeners to think they ---------
my prayer to drive my listeners the masses to rage
and mobilize them to match against men living in rocks against unhallow chambers

Palmwine & Poetry Evening at Ake Arts & Book Festival 2015 (2015) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Efe Paul Azino 5
00:00

where politicians meet, pretend to make laws, greet, eat and pick their teeth with our collective destinies

but this is not a political poem
it's a revolution
it's the evolution of a people refusing to suffer and smile no more

Welcome Ceremony at The 2019 Edition of Ake Arts & Book Festival (2019) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Efe Paul Azino 6
00:00

of people determined to stand down the façade of a government and its sham, democracy
of people willing to spill blood if need be
but this is not a political poem

It’s a poem about life
About brothers, about sisters
About peace, about strife

Welcome Ceremony at The 2019 Edition of Ake Arts & Book Festival (2019) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Efe Paul Azino 7
00:00

but if peace will cost us truth and justice then let it be known that I rather have strife.
I rather wage war these folks in Abuja not my brothers nor my sisters
and as for the bonds that bind us together, I trust it no more

so meet me outside after the recital

Welcome Ceremony at The 2019 Edition of Ake Arts & Book Festival (2019) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Efe Paul Azino 8
00:00

if you're ready to fight get my number
give me your call
if you're sick of blocking and now you're ready to bite
but if they come looking for me
asking about what I said here sniffing around which reasonable felony

tell on my wave that I ranted, I sang then I chanted

Palmwine & Poetry Evening at Ake Arts & Book Festival 2015 (2015) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Efe Paul Azino 9
00:00

but I did not recite a political poem because this is not a political poem

It’s a poem about life
About brothers, about sisters
About peace, about strife

Palmwine & Poetry Evening at Ake Arts & Book Festival 2015 (2015) by Ake FestivalBook Buzz Foundation

Azino's Impact

Efe Paul Azino's contributions to the spoken word and poetry scenes in Nigeria have played a significant role in elevating the art form and providing a platform for poets and writers to express themselves.

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