INTALK CONVERSATION: Mercy Fasolojo Delineates The Nuances Distinguishing Poetry From Spoken Word

Mercy Fasalojo's poem and spoken word, "Immersion" and "Reminiscence" respectively were shortlisted for the Pawners Paper's Spoken Word and Poetry.

Mercy Fasolojo Delineates The Nuances Distinguishing Poetry From Spoken Word 

Mercy Fasalojo's poem and spoken word, "Immersion" and "Reminiscence" respectively were shortlisted for the Pawners Paper's Spoken Word and Poetry Contest.

Mercy Fasalojo is a prospective Theatre Art student at the University of Ibadan with the pseudonym "AdéElédùà.

She sees the beauty of art and tends to perceive herself as an artist, not only with words but also with her voice and lifestyle. She believes poetry could be an altar where people get to converse with their creator's and listeners's hearts.

She says, "If poetry is slowly fading off my skin, I sing, I chant, and I play with colors."

 

In this short interview, Mercy gracefully delineates the nuances distinguishing poetry from spoken word after having both of her entries shortlisted for each category of the contest.

 

How does it feel to make the shortlist for both categories? Did you anticipate it?

My grandma would say, "A man with God is a majority." I never stopped calling God's name during the process of writing and recording. I knew he could be trusted, so I anticipated it. When I saw my name in the two categories, I felt like victory was walking through my body because coming out of my shell was not so easy.

 

What is your view of contemporary poetry and spoken word performances? A deviation from the standard or a necessary rejuvenation to reignite the fire of relativeness for both forms of art?

It is a necessary rejuvenation to reignite the fire of relativeness for both forms of art. Truly, contemporary poets and performers have broken the rule of poetry to birth another. At first, I did not see any beauty in it, but as the world is advancing, so should we.

 

It is believed that every writer, poet, and spoken word artist has their own style, and that is the generic thing that sets each one apart from the rest. Do you subscribe to this view?

 

Of course, I do. Your style is your unique identity,just like our cultures and languages set us apart from one another. I love it when I read or listen to a particular piece and I can hear the artist's voice in it without being told.

 

What do you think is that ingenious feature that sets poetry apart from the spoken word?

The style and rules. I write my poems and spoken words differently. In poetry, I do not take rhymes seriously. I love to bend into anything, but I always see the need to rhyme when it is a spoken word. It is the honey.

Speaking of the rules, there are some rules you can break in spoken word but will not be advisable to break in poetry.

 

What do you think are the most interesting ways to spur the interest of readers and listeners?

Every poet and artist must study their audience well. They should explore themes they would love to hear or read about so much that their attention will be captured. Also, surprises—coming up with something unusual, such as switching voices and languages during performances.

 

What adventures do you think the future holds for creatives?

Adventures are full of surprises. If I look into the future, many things will be masked, but as a creative, I know I need to keep my intentionality, commitment, and consistency burning. This is a subtle way of preparing for the future.