29/01/2026
. “Homeward” — Bassey Ikpi
Bassey Ikpi, a Nigerian-born but America-raised poet, captures audiences with her spoken word ode to her grandmother in Homeward. Visiting her unfamiliar family, she laments, “It breaks my heart to realise that I can only love her clearly in English.” Ipki lets us into her uncertainty and struggles to find somewhere she can call home.
2. “Do not fear the past” — Zuhura Seng’enge
“Do not fear the past.
It is painful
but it is real
Blood was spilt and people died
but love and unity had survived.”
– Do not fear the past
This poem is not only a reflection on history, but also a call to action for young Africans to reclaim it. Tanzanian poet Zuhura Seng’enge acknowledges the complicated past experiences of African countries, but maintains hope for the future.
3. “Bottoms Up!” — Ama Nuamah
“To the children we call our future
Who have no shoes to put on their feet
Who have barely any food to eat
Who believe in some unreal hope
But still dare to dream
Wild and free.”