Poetry is the foundation of literature – Jumoke Verisimo

 

Jumoke Verisimo is a writer who has published two collections of poetry, I am Memory and The Birth of Illusion. In a gorgeously green garden at her workplace in Lagos, we uncover her writing process, learn about other creative collaborations she has been a part of, and meet her young daughter Jolaade.

 

On choosing to write poetry and why she writes:

You find out that certain things happen to you and it becomes a big deal. Poetry is something that I enjoy doing. I do other forms of writing and it captures the essence of several things. It is my way of understanding the world and how it works. It is a set of questions being answered and maybe never answered. That is why I get uncomfortable when I am given accolades. People are giving me awards for trying to understand the world. Isn’t that what we all try to do?

On writing awards;

Awards are important. I do not think that they typify the essence or the reason for the poetry being done. It is an honor. Still, the greatest award is being read. For my first book, I am still humbled by the readers I got and the places it went. When organizations and people come together to recognize a work, it is because they understand how difficult the journey is. Writing itself is a journey and it can be very difficult in its process. So, awards are very good because they give credence to the writer and make you feel much honored.

On the time interval in between her two published books;

The growth itself was not physical as in the sense of childhood to adulthood. Seven years is really not a long time if you look at it. One of my mentors told me it will be good to have a collection of poetry every two years, but there are several factors that make this impossible. I write poetry but I also collaborate with others to do several things. In the course of trying to function in other capacities, I did not publish a collection, but I was writing. There is this ongoing book I was working on which was to come out before The Birth of Illusion. Also, for some years now, I was working on a novel. A publisher has shown interest and we are in the final stages of discussion. Things were going on during those years but it was not concrete for the world to see.

When I was writing Birth of Illusion, there were so many things happening in the world. In the midst of these are your personal concerns. So, there are more questions than answers. Anyone who thinks averagely asks questions. Sadly, Nigeria is a country where we are taught not to ask questions. Our social structure leaves no room for questions. Whereas, a society that wants to grow should have people that ask questions. If things are not clear today in Nigeria, it is because we are not allowed to ask questions. I am raising my own child now and I know she will grow into a young woman, so I want her to ask questions.

On navigating the uncharted waters of poetry in Nigeria;

It is not that poetry is not popular. Poetry is simply not commercially viable here in Nigeria and across the world it is the same story. US Publisher, Graywolf mentioned that they get several submissions for poetry but publish only one at the end of the day. The competition is rife. The world is afraid to read poetry, but the world is full of poetry.  Getting a publisher in Nigeria is difficult understanding the circumstances of our industry and market. So, if you have to be published, it has to be something people will buy. Any publisher who genuinely understands the purpose of art would find a good poet to publish. Big publishing companies find a way to inject poetry in their portfolio. In a matter of years, you will either become irrelevant or relevant enough but not taking seriously. I strongly believe that poetry is the foundation of literature.

On publishing her first book;

Ayo of Dada Books who published my first collection is a friend. So, it was based on friendship first. I placed some funds into the business because I was passionate about it. After he got stable, he paid me my money back. He understood that I wanted to do something more than poetry and other collaborative art forms. I have done poetry and photography as well as performance poetry with sculptors and painters.

On endearing changes in the Nigerian poetry scene;

In recent years, we have seen spoken word come up as a platform itself. Sometimes, I wonder if people really listen to the words or just whistle along. Poetry is a journey and you take it as a listener, writer, or reader.

On making a livelihood out of writing as against a 9-5;

In a sense, I think it is important for a writer to work. A writer should have a skeletal idea about work.  Work builds character. Although, writing is work too. When I was doing full time writing, I followed a routine from 8am resuming like I was in an office. It all depends on how you drive your passion. The next step is what approach have you developed to this process that people do not view as work. You may work on a project for 11 years as creativity is very unfair. You are doing a lot of work and people think you are idle. When your work comes out you are able to defend the process. Thinking is a process. A 9-5 is also important to socialize with people and write in that context.

As a published poet, you may sell 1,000 or 5,000 copies but poetry and writing in general will not make you commercially viable. You do not go into the writing profession with the mindset of becoming a millionaire. It is much work than money. Other benefits may come along that may bring money. The writing itself is a foundation that holds several things together for the writer and people reading it.

On putting a price tag on a thought/idea/work;

Ideally that should not be the business of any author. There should be an agent. Most times, when you have to price your work, you are at a crossroads. Since we do not live in an ideal society, think about the purpose of the work. As a beginning writer, you may have to write a lot of free work to get people to get acquainted with your writing style. If you are being commissioned to write a piece, you can negotiate based on the number of hours you will spend on the work. Most people bill their clients based on their immediate problems such as I need a new laptop.  Rather than doing that, think about the resources you are putting in. How many hours will be needed? Would you need to outsource help? The goal is not to undermine your professionalism.

On working full time and writing;

Yes. I write full time and work for the Quadrant Company. I don’t see creative writing as something that was given to me, I see it as part of me. Continuous writing helps you to discipline yourself into a system that makes you work. I have found a way to create that mental balance.

On her favourite city to write from;

Lagos naw. I have had the most harrowing and the best of my writing moments in this city. Wherever I go to, Lagos is still in my head. Anywhere I am, I would always find Lagos. This is where it happens. This is where it belongs.

 

 

Visit www.businessdayonline.com to watch this interview in full with Jumoke Verrasimo as she discusses praise names in the Yoruba culture and reads out from one of her poems.