Poet-Performers in Contemporary African Poetry

Abstract

African Literature, especially, African poetry has been passing through a transitional period, trying to assert its own identity. African poetry is a vast ocean comprising two genres: one is based on rich ethnic cultures and oral literatures (now called oratures) handed down orally-for many generations with additions and re-creations and after colonization written down in hundreds of African languages. The other is influenced by western traditions and written down in European languages; and is called by some writers as "Euro-African poetry". The poets of the former category freely borrowed themes, techniques and ways of expression from oratures and ethnic cultures in their attempt to make themselves more communicative to their compatriots. This newly transfused blood has given new vigor and vitality to African poetry. Over the last four decades there have been serious attempts at collecting, translating and publishing these orally transmitted narratives, songs, proverbs, riddles, tales, lyrics, heroic and epic poetry. Oral literature is both a reservoir and a creative expression of cultural values, hence a vehicle for propelling a society along its moral path. Poetic recitation is common at gatherings of ethnic groups. There are still many prominent genres of this popular poetry especially in rural areas; and it is an expression of life and a means of social communication.