Blessing
Kemi Ogundiran, popularly known as Bliss K, is a poet, songwriter,
singer, novelist and playwright. The Kwara State-born lady spoke with
TOYIN KOMOLAFE on the challenges writers face in Nigeria, her plans for
the future and sundry issues. Excerpts:
DO you have a routine for writing poetry?I
write anytime I am inspired. I do not have a routine for my writings. I
get into the act anytime I am inspired and/or motivated. Writings come
naturally to me.
Who are the poets that have influence on you?William Shakespeare, Wole Soyinka, Niyi Osundare and lots more.
What are your plans for the future?There
are strategic plans being acted upon for my works to be published in
the nearest future to positively impact the minds of people for better
living. A major move now is the approval and adoption of my
values-centered poems, plays and songs into the textbook, film and
musical versions of project national values (for schools, colleges,
organisations, homes, etc). Other plans are to write for newspapers,
magazines, as well as to publish my books and produce my plays on stage
or as movies. Another plan I have is to release a pictorial publication
on ABS exercises for flat tummy, weight loss and physical fitness. I
will soon release a Do-It-Yourself Manual on the production and
packaging of liquid soap, toilet cleaners and disinfectants
What challenges are Nigerian writers facing?I
do believe that poor reading culture and lack of freedom to express
your personal perspectives, beliefs and opinions are foremost challenges
that Nigerian writers face. Our poor reading culture as a nation has
consciously and unconsciously demoralised most Nigerian writers to see
and take writing as a non-lucrative venture or career. And with no
freedom of information, Nigerian writers feel insecured to write off
their treasured and personal opinions. Another major challenge is the
lack of facilities to help discover, develop and effectively deploy your
literary abilities. There is also the greatest enemy and challenge of
low self-esteem which waters down one’s writing talent and makes
non-relevant, the intellectual contributions that would have made this
world a better place.
Where do you source your inspiration from?I
am fully inspired by God. I also get motivated by circumstances
happening around me and my personal experiences. It is also noteworthy
that personal study into literary works has helped me a lot. You read a
line of great work, and unimaginable inspiration flow to you from
another dimension; your artistic mind is simply ignited and juiced up
and your hand spurred into creative writing.
Challenges?Isn’t
it odd to be a “writing” engineer? One of my greatest challenges was
the failure to discover my writing talent early in order to develop and
deploy it. I believe I would have been better off as an art student in
high school rather than being a science student. Like most Nigerian
youths, I lacked effective career guidance and counselling. Another
great challenge was when my laptop containing many years of literary
works was stolen. I felt empty; it was as if I was robbed of my life.
Thanks to God and loved ones; who encouraged me to bounce back.
Role models?William
Shakespeare, Chinua Achebe, Nelson Mandela, Niyi Osundare, Joyce
Meyers, Taffi L Dollar, Gloria Copeland, Mark Twain, Wole Soyinka,
Chimanda Adozie, Don Moen, Celine Dion, Westlife, Whitney Houston, and
ultimately, my parents and my sister, Tosin.
Have you ever felt like quitting?Yes,
I did! I felt like quitting when I lost all my works in the robbery
incident that got my laptop stolen. And there were times that I felt my
writings were useless and wouldn’t make it to limelight; but thank God
all that are things of the past now.
What advice do you have for those just starting out?Develop
good self-esteem and appreciate what you have. Work on your skills and
write with definite sense of purpose and vision. And please, never be
intimidated, be the best that you can be and always know you can always
get better. You won’t go far as a lone-ranger; always be open to
criticisms, comments and counsels.
Advice for Nigerian youths?Let
your career choice be based on your God-given gift and fascinations and
never be influenced by parental or peer pressure. Believe in yourself
and your God-given gifts and passions. And don’t be scared or
intimidated to develop and display your talents. Always know that you
and your gifts are solution to someone’s problem; you are a missing
piece in someone’s puzzle. Ultimately, never rest on your oars and
always give all the glory to God alone.
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