My path into spoken word poetry began with my family’s tragic experiences, including seeing my aunt Safiya’s assault by her husband. Another aunt, Halima, too experienced violence, which had a lasting influence on me. These incidents spurred my determination to speak out against domestic abuse.

Inspired by my late mother, Hauwa Maina, who advocated for justice, I began writing as a method to express my feelings. At the age of 16, I performed my first piece in a video called Violence Has No Religion, which had a strong emotional impact on the audience. The comments, particularly from someone who altered their conduct after reading my poetry, indicated that my words might have an impact.

Spoken word became my platform for speaking against domestic abuse and supporting justice, and I used poetry to inspire people and create social change.

My distinct style and voice evolved as a result of my personal experiences, cultural background, and observations of societal difficulties. Growing up in Northern Nigeria, I was exposed to rich storytelling traditions, which had a significant impact on how I wrote my stories.

I experimented with combining genuine emotions, vivid images, and rhythm to make my poems more dramatic and approachable. Over time, I let my activism for justice, gender equality, and peace define the subjects of my writing. Performing on multiple platforms allowed me to fine-tune my performance and ensure that my voice connected with the audience.

Finally, my style is a mirror of my path, personally personal yet globally relevant to the hardships and victories of others I hope to inspire.

The spoken word has transformed my life. It began as a form of self-expression but swiftly evolved into an effective instrument for advocacy and healing. Poetry has allowed me to face personal and societal concerns, utilizing my voice to raise awareness about issues such as domestic abuse, gender inequality, and injustice.

Personally, the spoken word has given me a feeling of purpose and empowerment. It has enabled me to connect with a variety of audiences, express my truth, and inspire others to do the same. It has been a source of healing for me, transforming suffering and obstacles into work that promotes hope and transformation. The spoken word has formed who I am, anchoring me in resilience and reminding me of the boundless power of words to affect.

My work is inspired by the world around me, including its hardships, beauty, and injustice. Personal experiences, particularly those related to my family’s journey, are a valuable source of inspiration. The grief, perseverance, and fortitude I’ve seen in my loved ones inspires me to write. Domestic abuse, gender inequity, and the battle for justice all inspire my creation.

When it comes to producing fresh ideas, I frequently begin by reflecting on my feelings or current events. I watch the world, listen to people’s tales, and then translate those experiences into poems. Conversations, literature, daily hardships, and achievements all provide me with motivation. Poetry is my method of digesting the world and transforming it into something others can understand.

My writing process is highly personal, frequently beginning with a moment of contemplation. Before I begin writing, I do a ritual that roots me: I recite the Qur’an. This technique helps to relax my mind, center my thoughts, and clear away mental clutter. Once I’m centered, I start writing by letting my emotions and thoughts to flow freely. I don’t rush the process; I take the time to consider the message I want to send and the effect I hope it will have.

I also get inspiration from my experiences and the world around me, whether it’s a personal challenge or something I see in the community. The words come to me gradually, and I frequently review what I’ve written, altering it until it seems perfect. I rely on my instincts and enthusiasm for the subject matter to lead me through the process, and each new poem seems like a step forward in my continual path of self-expression.

When picking which poetry to play, I examine the message I want to convey and how it fits with the event’s topic or the requirements of the audience. I search for poems that touch me profoundly and are emotionally charged, since they are the ones that connect most truly with an audience. I also consider the impact I want to make, whether it’s raising awareness about a societal issue, encouraging change, or prompting contemplation.

Preparing for a show entails preparing the presentation as well as the poem itself. I practice in front of a mirror or record myself to improve my delivery, concentrating on tone, pace, and body language. It is critical for me to connect with the audience, so I spend time thinking about the feelings I want to elicit and the energy I need to bring to the stage. I also keep myself psychologically anchored, frequently by reciting the Qur’an or engaged in profound meditation, so that I may act with honesty and strength.