Poetry in Nigeria is more than just words—it’s a heartbeat, a call to action, and a mirror reflecting society’s joys and struggles. From the ancient oral traditions of the Yoruba “Ewi” to the modern slam poetry scenes in Lagos, Nigerian poetry has always been a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural preservation. At Orchid Carnival, poetry takes center stage, offering a platform for voices that inspire, challenge, and unite.
From Griots to Slam Poets:
Nigerian poetry is as diverse as its people. The Hausa “Wakoki” tradition, with its rhythmic praise songs, and the Igbo “Abu” chants, used to celebrate milestones, are just a few examples of how poetry has been woven into Nigeria’s cultural fabric. Today, spoken word poetry has become a vibrant medium for young Nigerians to express their thoughts on love, politics, and identity.
Orchid Carnival’s Poetry Stage:
In 2024, the poetry stage was a sanctuary of words and emotions, where poets delivered verses that resonated deeply with the audience. For 2025, we’re expanding the stage to include youth slams, collaborative poetry-art performances, and a latenight open mic session that’ll give everyone a chance to share their voice