'Segun Akinlolu

'Segun Akinlolu, veterinary surgeon,poet and musician, is the author of two volumes of poetry, Waiting forthe Bones (1997) and Thinking Big (2000), the latter of which is a standard, recommended text for high schools in Lagos, Nigeria. His work has also been published in several anthologies, including 25 New Nigerian Poets, Ishmael Reed Publishing Inc., Berkeley, California, U.S.A. (2000) and Ashes and Diamonds, Association of Nigerian Authors (2001) and in literary journals both in Nigeria and Canada.

'Segun is one of Nigeria's pre-eminent performance poets leading a revival of the oral traditions. He recorded a live performance-poetry CD, On A Cold Evening, in Lagos, Nigeria in 2001. He performs his poetry with an acoustic guitar and African percussion and has performed at many literary festivals and book fairs, including the prestigious Zimbabwe International Book Fair 2001 (on sponsorship by the Ford Foundation) and Afrikadey! 2002 in Calgary, AB.

'Segun is also a songwriter/musician who records his music under the name of Beautiful Nubia with his 14-member group, the Roots Renaissance Band. He has three albums to his credit. He was nominated at the KORA ALL-AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS in South Africa in 2000 for the BEST ARTIST FROM WEST AFRICA category and in 2001 his group was nominated in the BEST AFRICAN GROUP category.

He trained as a veterinary doctor at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1992) and also holds a post-graduate diploma in Public Relations (Nigerian Institute of Journalism, 1996).

Both as a songwriter and poet, 'Segun Akinlolu's work delves into the universal struggle for a better society, working towards justice for the common people, global unity, and peace. His subject is often his native Nigeria and his travels, but the reach of his message is the world.

Selected Publications
Waiting for the Bones. (EniObanke, Lagos, Nigeria,1997) ISBN 978-027-343-3
Thinking Big. (Oracle Books, Lagos, Nigeria, 2000) ISBN 978-80119-8-5.
On a Cold Evening. (EniObanke, Lagos, Nigeria, 2001) CD Recording.

Selected Anthologies
25 New Nigerian Poets. (Ishmael Reed Publishing Co, Berkeley, USA, 2000) ISBN 0-918408-34-2
Ashes and Diamonds. (Association Of Nigerian Authors, Lagos, 2001)
 
Books in Print
Akinlolu, 'Segun
Waiting for the Bones. Poetry (EniObanke, Lagos, Nigeria,1997) ISBN 978-027-343-3, $10.00
Thinking Big. Poetry (Oracle Books, Lagos, Nigeria, 2000) ISBN 978-80119-8-5, $12.00
 
'Segun Akinlolu, Ottawa, Ontario CANADA, (613)565-1473.
segunakinlolu@yahoo.com
http://www.beautifulnubia.com