Commonword Blogs

It can be challenging to write a poem (or indeed anything!) on the lives of ‘big men’ like Fela who lived life in full view of their adoring millions: How to get that original angle that hasn’t been dissected in the media? How to perhaps reveal a lesser known side to the man? How to project a re-experiencing or re-interpretation of the man’s life/work?

This poem draws inspiration from a painting, and illustrates aspects of Fela’s life quite well; in the process it highlights the dichotomies (‘flawed arrogance’) in Fela’s life, which is perhaps emblematic of the contradictions in the wider society in which he lived (e.g., stealing and corruption in the midst of heavy church-going; famed African hospitality marred by brutal dictatorships). The poem also presents some ‘smoking’ lines (‘ancestors hang around your shoulders like smoke’; ‘no animal wears that skin’) - language which is very evocative of the folkloric socio-cultural heritage.

It does seem though like the strictures of the painting which inspired the poem may have wormed their way into the words and structure of the poem itself. At times, it reads like the poet is describing a painting (here’s the leg, here’s the head, etc.); which is fine, though this could be limiting the ‘expressiveness’ of the poem and hence the opportunity to enhance the reader’s emotional experience/connection. Also, the animal and skin metaphor seems a bit overdone, though again one suspects this might be a relic from the original painting.

Having been inspired by the painting and its vivid images, the poem could further unleash its latent power by stepping outside the frame. That is, let the poetry shake up the rigid painting, and make it sing/yab like Fela would. The poem takes on a challenging task, with obvious ambition, strong images, great verve and clear mastery of Fela-ism. Let’s have more!