POETRY EDITING SERVICES: SUBSIDIZED FOR AFRICAN POETS

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You probably know someone who has written a poem and kept it locked up for ages; a secret like a belch, (for them and them alone). Maybe you are that person who’s written a poem, about a moment that was too terrifying or magical, not to be locked in the confines of pen and paper.

The BN Poetry Award began for that reason; to tell you that some secrets are okay to share. We began this journey of splendor, sin and secrets so that unrecognised poets, especially, would have their space to shine. Since 2009, about 5,200 poets have passed through the BN Poetry corridors, through both the annual poetry contests and annual publications.

Turning this service up a notch, we want to not only spread the word of African poetry through annual contests, but also to read, reread, proof read, edit and give advice on poetry and haikus, from Africans. With every contest, we often receive such requests. Before we announce our 2019 annual haiku award, kindly indulge:-

BABISHAI NIWE POETRY FOUNDATION POETRY EDITING SERVICES

After receiving our umpteenth request to read, edit and assess poetry and haiku from both emerging and established poets, we have decided to create an official space for this highly sought after service. We have decided to fill a much needed gap.

SUBMIT YOUR AFRICAN POETRY FOR EDITING

The Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation is officially opening up a professional editing space for African poetry. To all emerging and established poets of African descent, kindly submit your work. We have subsidized the rates for African poets.

Details:

  1. All submissions must be sent as a Microsoft word attachment, using Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri, font size 12, single-spacing.
  2. Kindly use a header at the top right corner and include your name, draft title of your submission (not compulsory), city and country of residence, city and country of origin (if different from above).
  3. This is a professional service, and depending on the amount of work submitted, there will be a fee.

The Subsidized Poetry Editing Rates are as Below:-

10-20 Poems  –   Two Hundred US Dollars ($500)

21-50 poems-     Five Hundred US Dollars ($800)

  1. If you’re interested in the Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation going further to publish your work, that can be followed by a formal discussion on preferences, design, time-lines, quantity, and other essential criteria.
  2. You own the copyright.
  3. Kindly submit work to babishainiwe@babishainiwe.com. You may also call +256 751 703226

Thanks for being such a support towards African poetry.

Towards the end of the year, we shall be calling for submissions for our 2019 African haiku contest.

Here above are poets gathered for an evening reading at the Babishai tenth anniversary celebrations.

The BN Poetry Award’s Esteemed MC, Sophia Aniku

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A starless night, a breeze and a poetry home, brimming with minds agog with excitement. In August 2009, we launched the BN Poetry Award, at a lavish dinner in Kampala City. This award, an annual celebration of Ugandan women’s poetry, soared into the constellation, a new belief in poetry by Ugandan women. Like any event, Mcs, hosts and Chief guests, are often the cement of any occasion.

Sophia Aniku: (All photos by Buyondo)

Sophia Aniku with guests.

Cross section of guests from the arts, corporate and academic sector.

Sophia, a radio and television and radio personality who also manages a fashion house of Ankara and other well-sought after African clothing, was there to witness the first award-giving dinner of the BN poetry Award. She not only participated as a witness but she indulged us in her enviable gift of MC-ing. With Sophia, she emits charisma, confidence and elegance effortlessly. Always one to hold herself to high standards and employ admirable work ethics to her tasks, the BN Poetry Team, was highly blest to have her.

During a recent interview with her in celebration of ten years, Sophia reflected with alacrity and humor.

 

Interviewer:  Sophia, what stood out on that evening of August 2009, during the launch of the BN Poetry

Award?

 

Sophia:          For me, it felt like when you’re building a fire and you start with that first spark, and you    know that there will be additional wood. It was definitely something that would grow over time. It was our little secret. People’s minds and spirits were tuned to that moment. It was intimate, quiet and special. People took it all in.

 

Interviewer:      You have emceed at three of our BN Poetry award-giving dinners. For each of those times, what was a constant factor?

 

Sophia:                 The participants wanted to take ownership of it. They brought their families, interns fully participated and I do recall telling Stella Nyanzi to be quiet at one of those memorable evenings. There was such rich diverse members of the audiences, in age as well. The momentum kept building.

Dr. Stella Nyanzi at the 2009 BN Poetry Award.

Interviewer:      You’ve worked and lived around Africa, Is there any insight into the poetry scene?

Sophia:                 In Abuja, House 33, there is a space owned by a playwright and screen play writer of Blood Diamond. This house provided opportunity for artists to come and express their work. He encouraged hard-core exchanges with passionate artists. Those kind of people should work with Babishai across the continent.

 

Interviewer:      Whom do you think should read our children’s books?

Sophia:                 The children’s books are fabulous. Children need this very type of stimulation. The orgnic experience can be found in books.

Congratulations, Babishai. We are reaping the depth of the galaxy of poetry. We are our own sonnets. Babishai is the sonnet. The song to the word.

 

 

 

Thank you Sophia