Joe Blaize Nnaemeka Akanazu Speaks to Umuaka Times.
3 min read
World class poet and international development expert, Mr Joe Blaize Nnaemeka Akanazu last week spoke with Umuaka Times correspondents in Germany on a wide range of issues concerning his collection of poems which will be launched on January 8, 2025.
Excerpts:
Why did you choose Soul and Spirit Poetry of the Heart Plus More as the name of your book?
Well My writing resonates with heartfelt emotions that touch the human soul, while vibrant tales of adventure and rhythmic rhymes add an extra layer of depth and excitement so the title tells what exists in the book.
Please tell us when you started writing?
I started writing 7 years ago as an every Sunday greeting and it later transcended into anthology for friends and since then no Sunday passed without a poem.
Do you mean you write every Sunday in the last few years and you still have not run out of ideas?
That’s correct.
Ok, what prompted you to start writing? What is the inspiration behind your poems?
To foster meaningful connections and deeper understanding with others, as reflected in the relatable themes and emotions expressed in many poems like; Angels take care of Angels, medium of my heart where I said “a cup of coffee is an excuse to share”
How do you produce your poems, is it weekly, daily or monthly?
Oh yes, I produce new poems every Sunday, so weekly there is always a new poem.
As someone who writes weekly, have you been able to publicize your poems or book on social media or how does it reach to the public far and near?
As a writer, I’ve employed various strategies to publicize my poems and book, ensuring they reach a wider audience.
Wider audiences like? Drive home the points please.
Wider audiences like the social media, Facebook, YouTube, Tiktok and WhatsApp status. I have also reached out to secondary Schools via competitions and weekly presentations by individuals, students and readers.
Can you tell us what prompted you to publish your poetry works?
Through poetic text messages, I sustained connections with friends, unwittingly captivating prominent readers, professors and lecturers. They recognized the depth and value of my words, urging me to compile them into a publication for posterity.
Did they show any form of enthusiasm? If yes, explain better.
Their enthusiasm proved irresistible, and I swiftly took action on their suggestions but first replied with a poem I titled WALK THE TALK which is a poem that brought together all my work”
Waooo. Honestly you are a sound and a highly intellectual poet. Now let us talk about your book launching, when is the date and where is the Venue?
The launching date is set for 8th of January, 2025, time is 12pm Nigerian time and the venue is at Jubilee Hall in Assumpta Cathedral Owerri, Imo state Nigeria.
Has the book reached some notable schools?
Yes indeed. Across various states in Nigeria, many schools have already adopted the book for spoken word competitions and morning assembly programs, integrating its content into their educational activities.
I guess the launching will be a sort of who is who in the state; who and who are expected to be at the book launch?
We anticipate the presence of distinguished guests, such as eminent intellectuals, commissioners, professors, ministers, deans and representatives from educational bodies.
What about the media?
Oh yes. Radio, TV and newspapers will be there including reporters from Umuaka Times.
What about your friends?
They will all be there, Friends and other esteemed individuals and families will be there including those in Diaspora.
Mr. Mr Joe Blaize Nnaemeka Akanazu, according to James Hardly Chase, the world is indeed in your pocket. Umuaka Times wishes you the best.
Thank you very much sir.
