Biography

Shola Balogun,playwright,poet and writer with the Theory of the Mystic Ladder in The Yoruba World and Judeo-Christian Thoughts,considered an important voice in African — and world — poetry,is from Yoruba South-Western part of Nigeria,West Africa. He was the winner of the First Educare Trust's OLAUDAH EQUIANO POETRY PRIZE(2002)and the FESTIVAL OF PEACE POETRY AWARD(2OO5)organized by the Institute of African Studies,University of Ibadan. Published Books He is the author of a collection of Poetry,THE CORNWOMAN OF JURARE & OTHER POEMS(2007). His other published books are: THE WRESTLING OF JACOB, DEATH AND SUICIDE IN SELECTED AFRICAN PLAYS, PRAYING DANGEROUSLY:THE CRY OF BLIND BARTIMAEUS (available as e-book and paperback formats) His play,EGUE EGHAE,is ready for the stage. Balogun is also an art collector,screenwriter,film maker,story analyst and Producer. Literary Contributions He has featured as a guest writer and contributor,especially in the areas of poetry and Postcolonial studies/dramatic criticism to Magazines,Anthologies and Journals,including: International Journal of Research(Edupedia Publication Scholar Support Scheme), The Creative Launcher:An International,Open Access,Peer Reviewed & Refereed E-Journal in English Vol.II & Issue III(August 2017 Issue), The Tau Literary and Visual Art Journal of Lourdes University, The Invisible Bear, a Journal affiliated with Duke University's English Department Graduate Poetry Working Group, Creative Talents Unleashed:Cupid's Arrow Anthology 60 Years of The Muse At U.I(edited by Professor Femi Osofisan), Poetic Passions:An Indo-Nigerian Anthology of Poetry(edited by Mutiu Olawuyi and Jernail S Aanand), Whispers in the wind:a Poetry Anthology Edited by Lena Kovadlo, Adelaide Literary Magazine, Poem Hunter,Bewildering Stories,Tuck Magazine,The Bitchin' Kitsch,Ovi Magazine, Parousia Magazine,Arcs Magazine,Tajdeed Literature,VerbumlandiArt-Planet di Regina Resta,Spirit Fire Review,Piker Press,Potomac Journal,Peeking cat, The Podcast:Coffee with Underhill,Inventives,Ariel Chart,Poetry Nation, Poem List-Famous poems,famous poets, Trendiee.com,and others. Published Scholarly Articles His published scholarly articles include: "Mystic Ladder In The Yoruba World And Judeo-Christian Thoughts" "Poetry:The Yoruba world and Judeo-Christian vision" "The Tragic Conventions In African Plays" "Tragedy in African Theatre" "Traditional Religious Festival as Theatre" "Theatre Aesthetics in Pre-Colonial Africa" "Satire and Comic Ribaldry in a Traditional African Theatre" "Women, Yoruba Festival Drama And The Theatrical" "The religious recluse of the Oro cult and Yoruba bardic tradition" "In Jerusalem"By the Mystic Poet SIAM:A Review" Film The Secret Place(2017,short film) Wrestling with Shadows(2017,short film) Deliverance from The Rod of the Wicked(2018,short film)

Samples

The Statue of Moremi- Poem by Shola Balogun Could this be the setter forth of Ethiop tongue! I thought the Aegean breakwaters, Beating at Aphrodite's tender limbs In wingbeats of storm Buried you deeper into my dark earth: Or was it in your circumcised eyes I beheld the image which fell from Jupiter: It was to hear the whispers of strange silence From unknown lips, and to drink from the ocean Of your untamed eyes I came to the ravine, And as some bird at flight Unfurled your shrewdness I know Earth will not stir at the homecoming of ravens.

All poems are copyright of the originating author. Permission must be obtained before using or performing others' poems.