INTERVIEW WITH SU’EDDIE VERSHIMA AGEMA - Telling his Perspective of Literary Tales by Anselm Ngutsav

Su’eddie Vershima Agema is a lot of things, an Editor and Publisher with the SEVHAGE imprint of VERSHAGE Enterprises; Team Leader at SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative (a registered charity); Vice Chairman Association of Nigerian Authors (Benue State Chapter); Council Member, National Teen Authorship Scheme of the Association of Nigerian Authors; Editor of Slyk and Distinct Magazine – to mention a few. More known for his poetry, he was featured as one of the Top 50 Contemporary Poets that rocked Nigeria (2013) by the EGC team, a Nigerian poetry movement. Su’eddie is the author of Bring our casket home: tales one shouldn’t tell (SEVHAGE 2012) which has been on some award lists already. We had an interview with him and here are the excerpts...

1.       You interview people yourself so assuming you were to ask you a question; what would be the first question you would ask? And what is the answer?

That would be something towards the light of meeting the writer or person. Who am I? Well, some scribbler hoping to make a mark wherever I find myself, inspiring while being inspired by everyone and everything around me.

2.       What is it would you say you do?

Wow! That’s somewhat difficult to answer, really. I do a lot of things – and I think you mean profession here, right? Among lots of things, here are a few: I write, edit professionally and publish. I conduct workshops for students and youths on literature and writing; and I edit a magazine, Slyk and Distinct Magazine which is online, in Lagos and other parts of the South-West, Nigeria.

3.       You have a published collection of poems ‘Bring our Casket Home: Tales one shouldn’t Tell’. What inspired you towards this? And what do you have to say about the book? Any awards yet?

Bring our casket home is a product of some six years of writing and serious refining. The collection is made up of several poems that came at different times. Most have been refined over the six year period and are really lucky to have come when they did. Ultimately, I think I can say the inspiration in summary would be life, love, living and death inspired the collection. You would find a bit of these on every page.

The book is something that I smile about. There are a few things I’d change if I was to do it all over but as they stand, I give Aôndo the praise for His grace. Every time I pick that book up, I find something new. The poems speak to me differently and I always find it fascinating when I discuss a poem there or two with someone. Poetry sure has its ways!

Awards... Hmmm. Okay, the book as a whole was longlisted for the Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Poetry (2013). One of the key poems, ‘Tales one shouldn’t tell often’ was shortlisted for the PEN Nigeria/Saraba Prize for Poetry (2013). More than these though, I have had that award most writers long for: testimonies that the book has touched someone in one way or the other. Trust me, there’s no better award than that.

4.       We understand the ring of the SEVHAGE and VERSHAGE as all connected to you, what can you tell us about them?

SEVHAGE has two faces. On the one hand, it is a publishing imprint of VERSHAGE enterprises and on the other, it is a registered charity, SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative with a great board of directors comprising writers, academics, lawyers and development enthusiasts. SEVHAGE in summary has the vision of promoting literature generally and to use that now popular phrase – taking it to the next level. At VERSHAGE, we have a full enterprise catering to publishing demands from independent editorial services, workshops, publishing to consultancies.

5.       Is the journey of running a literary Non Governmental Organisation worth the time to you?

It isn’t easy especially when you are running most of it from your pocket and all but the truth is, there’s so much joy and fulfilment when dreams come alive. When you look at other such organisations as Write House in Ibadan, Abuja Literary Society and Abuja Writers’ Forum in Abuja, your Purple Silver here and those great other people doing one thing or the other in the promotion of literature, it makes you know you aren’t mad... or that if you are, you aren’t the only one. Hee hee hee. So, yes, even when the moment brings the headache, the aftermath makes every second, every sweat of it worth the time.

6.       Describe the reception and public appreciation of work by your organization.

Well, I can’t say what the public appreciation is. People should say how they feel. So far though, people have been kind and appreciative. I guess that’s that.

7.       That brings us to the issue of your programs for 2014. Can you please share your planned programs?

We have several projects on hand, the charity partnering with the registered charity. We have two flood anthologies, one for short stories and another for poems coming out this first quarter. It was meant to have been published last year but the editorial board decided that it should be done more properly. We had to get permissions from individual authors for works used and do a more thorough editorial job. We also have the ONE HUNDRED YEARS AND A DAY project which celebrates the Nigerian project. It comes in two phases. The first comes up on 8^th February 2014 and we would be having an evening of spoken word poetry, songs, poetry, short fiction and talks at the Aper Aku House opposite the Benue State University, Makurdi. The project continues later with an anthology of two, a competition and a few other things that would be put up online. There’s meant to be something of a festival at some point. We would have workshops, and continue to partner with literary organisations nationwide to promote literature. That is on the charity front.

On the publishing front, we are looking to more e-publishing platforms to serve our clients, doing a lot more publicity, and having more events so that there is value for every kobo spent with us.

8.       Your organization is based in Makurdi, how does the literary front of Benue state and Makurdi in particular look like?

Correction: our organization is not based in Makurdi alone. We have an agency in New Karu, Nassarawa state, Abuja and Ibadan. We have our head office here. That said, the literary front in Makurdi and Benue is quite healthy. We have a crazy mixture of really talented writers and just people who have raw talents that need to be fine tuned. We have an emerging generation of fabulous writers who are set to make a name where certain limitations held back our immediate elders. People like Joshua Agbo, Maik Ortserga, Pever X, Ada Agada, Kurannen Baaki, Alex Hembaor, Sewe Leah Anyo, Debbie Iorliam, Aôndosoo Labe, Samuel Okopi, Ene Odaba, Anselm Ngutsav, Hilary Oklobia and the like. We have adopted sons like Hymar David and Sibbyl Whyte (laughs). There’s much to smile at but these writers need lots of things. They need support from organisations that would promote them as most of them are not really endowed to take their writings to the top levels. Fortunately, with more support from friends like Unoma Azuah, Chuma Nwokolo, Sam Ogabidu, Omadachi Oklobia and the elderly counsel of Maria Ajima, Moses Tsenôngu, and the like, there’s hope. Much more is needed though for there are several voices that need encouragement.

9.       Do you think there is anything for writers and those in the literary arena in Benue?

Of course, there is so much! We are going to witness much in the year, by Aôndo’s special grace. I am seeing competitions, workshops, a festival and so. Maybe, there would be more organisational appeal, the hand of the Benue Association of Nigerian Authors (which has been doing much but not near enough), more events. If those here don’t lose faith, if they come together and join forces to move our literature forward, there would be just so much for writers and other artists. The first concentration would be in Makurdi, of course. Subsequently, I believe things would move to the other parts but I have great hope. More than just hope, I have faith and there’s work added. Our combined work is already showing.

10.   What needs to be done to move the literary front in Nigeria?

This question has been asked too many times to different writers and it becomes somewhat redundant. What does one say? More sponsorship? More commitment? Well, we need to get our acts together and be more committed to the project of writing and writers generally. We don’t need to rely on government or associations alone to promote literature. What can we do on our own? Can we donate books? Can we come together and do projects? Recently, we went into partnership with Words, Rhymes and Rhythms - WRR (whose curator is Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, the author of What words can do?) to do a book. Different writers coming together to contribute and publish with some support from SEVHAGE and WRR. There are people like Lola Shoneyin (with her Ake festival), Abubakar Adam Ibrahim interviewing and promoting different writers, Dike Chukwumerije mentoring little children in spoken word and organising events for the Abuja Literary Society; Toni Kan in his Sunday Sun Revue; Ken Azahan and Paul Ugah doing their media share; and many others. We have to move from just making words alone to putting action together. In that way, and only through that way, would we move to the next level because let’s face it: no one would take you serious if you don’t take yourself serious.

11.   Is Benue’s case different or she shares in the separate ideal of efforts necessary to project it?

Well, Benue’s case is no different. It is something we all must do, anywhere and everywhere.

12.   What do you think the government can do to develop the literary industry?

There are always lots of projects that the government can sponsor – workshops; support literary festivals; create residencies; support writer causes; anthologies that get writers in print; making legislations to curb piracy; making a legislation to create a proper milling industry (we don’t make paper in the country, we import!); do programmes to support reading and writing that are practical and not just for show; we can have poet laureates, you know; make writers more visible. The list is endless sha.

13.   Do you see the Nigerian literary system moving forward without government’s support?

That’s a funny question. The Nigerian literary system – if we can call it that – is moving and far. You see lots of our writers gaining recognition and awards more and more, nationally and internationally. You have more individuals and organisations supporting literature. See what is happening with the current Remi-Raji national leadership of the Association of Nigerian Authors. See WriteHouse collective, Pulp Faction, EGC group; see even the Word, Rhymes and Rhythm group... What about Naija Stories, Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries (ZODML), Saraba Magazine, Paressia, Farafina and Cassava Republic and those other publishers trying to move things out of nothing. See what is happening in Abuja – the Abuja Writers’ Forum; Association of Nigerian Authors (Abuja Chapter) and Abuja Literary Society are taking literature to great heights. The events they are putting up are phenomenal and the interest in literature, our literature is picking. Did I mention the effort of government anywhere here? No. The government’s support is little or not there. So, what are we saying? Government support would help a lot, whether in terms of grants, recognition or any legislation that would aid writers. None is being got at the moment but hey, we still are moving. Yiiiihaaa!

14.   Finally, what do you think awaits the entire planet of writers in Benue state?

A whole lot. Publishing opportunities, competitions, events, lots of authors coming over... exposure... There’s much coming writers’ way in Benue state but they are going to have to play their part. There’s lots of sowing to do at the moment and we must all put our hands together to work hard and get our best.

15.   Looking at how we started perhaps you may ask yourself and answer a question you may have wished to be asked as a close. Let’s call these the colleague privileges.

Privilege. Hee hee hee. Not sure there’s much of any other question to add. I would simply say ‘Thank you’ to everyone who has supported us in our writing and activities. To every writer who’s taking time off your normal job and schedule, well done. Don’t give up, there’s a reward. Keep the faith and let’s see how we would take ourselves, writing and the literary process to a higher level.

16.   Thank you very much for your time and we would hopefully be around to have covered your activities and programmes.

Amen. It would be great. Thank you.

NOTE:

Aôndo - 'God' in Tiv language.

Non formal English expressions italicised except laughter indications. 

(c) PurpleSilver 2014.

 

 

PurpleSilver Session: Saturday, January 25, 2014 by Kurannen

Saturday, January 25, 2014
Aper Aku House,
Makurdi.

I have struggled to attend any of the reading sessions in Makurdi, hosted either by BENUE ANA or the new kid on the block Purple Silver. Out of great desire and the fear of having to rue missing the best opportunity I'd have in a long time to gather among the amazing literary community in Benue, I left Kaduna on Jan. 25, 2014 and arrived Makurdi just in time for Purple Silver.
I thought the program started late, but I guess I had been misinformed about the time. Anselm Ngutsav, a well informed and interesting fellow, the same fellow who had ushered me in, ran the show. I can tell Anselm is energetic too.
But before it all began, I and Anselm spoke about life generally, about the Nigerian state, how we are still struggling with the basics, and about careers (whether there was a relevance for most of them in the Nigerian setting).

Anselm carried about what I reasoned to be a sophisticated camera (the type a professional photographer would carry). He loves photography. I do too, only that he is on another level.
It was a day for poems. That forced me to read one of my short stories, CEMETERY ROAD, out in the just released NaijaStories short story collection LAGOS HANKY PANKY and Other Stories -www.ns-publishing.com. My memory holds very little of the poems. The poets either read their poems from memory or their electronic devices, and without hard copy references among us, little distractions were all it took. Love and heartbreak, hopelessness and despair dominated the themes. Maik Ortserga thought writers should be more optimistic when he commented on one of the poems Suicide Note. After the rain would come sunshine. Night could last only as long.

Two hours of engaging presentations and conversations. It was a lively moment, one that was capped with juice and red wine courtesy of an adorable lady among the crowd (you ask me what I had and that is obvious, but don't go there. Don't tell me Soyinka said something about alcohol enhancing creativity. I take red wine because I like it). She did not only that but rendered a lovely poem that X observed was coming from a trademark theme (X is mischievous, I could tell). She earned The Quest from me. Another fine, rather small lady, who, in a satisfyingly expressive manner, told a beautiful poem also went away with The Quest. And I won S's collection Bring Our Casket Home (for being a ten-second genius).
I had announced my coming and if I had announced it earlier, I'd have managed to have the African Original, Ada Agada attend. S did not wait for me to get on the road this time. He was already in Abuja.
The program started before X breezed in, in a rather dazzling fashion looking like he'd been wandering Makurdi that day for fun.
Having been one among the first to arrive, the first, of course, to my knowledge, being Anselm, I took a vantage point, where I could see Sewe Leah, Debbie, Mercy...every other person else, before they saw me. This was not a mischievous tactic, as maybe Ada might want you guys to believe, but so much had been said already. I would meet the pretty ladies.
I guess Sewe Leah has mastered the act of sneaking into lectures when late. It was a fluid walk, one that was rather slippery. If 'hips lied', I'd have had to look closely.
Later I told Sewe Leah she looked slimmer. X said pictures made people look big. I squinted but did not argue. Debbie has not employ me to shoot her photos.
After Purple Silver was the round table, somewhere around Gyado Villa, that place university students have hijacked. It was my idea. I refused to leave without taking Sewe Leah out. X would come as well. X did not drink beer and opted for an energy drink. And what he said was Soyinka's direct opposite. I do not drink beer. I don't like it.

Sewe Leah said I had a great smile and X tore out of his skin. X had been fighting over Sewe Leah, in what battle and enemy I am yet to comprehend. I agree that should be his complement. I have only been learning how to smile recently after intense reproach and had no idea I was learning fast.
We all said adios some two hours later.
I returned home, where I would lay my head for the night before proceeding to Gboko, knowing that though the friends were not complete, I could gladly go, for that long, and would not have to kick myself the whole time.

The Session That Ended 2013!

Marking the last session of the year 2013 was rather an event than a weekly session. People showed up in high-spirits and non was disappointed with the entire show and presentations.

When you come for the session you get prepared to ‘think’. The entire room attempted composing a poem with one line contributions from any who desired and if your muse is not in touch with you, just place your hand against your chest to be skipped. Exciting lines reeled out, then the discussion began with the topic: ‘You don’t teach a person in love with you how to love you’. Usual of the discussions is a trashing of the topic to a rational end. However the conclusion was both satisfying and encouraging.

The topic was one out of three suggested and after being most voted for. The other topics were ‘talent is not enough’ and the third which was later stated by the person who asked to have no actual conclusion was ‘what is the purpose of meaning’?

The major guest was a spoken word poet all the way from Abuja; Bashiru ‘Bash’ Amuneni. Bash opened the evening with a thunderous presentation that set the evening’s pace. There was surely going to be no dull moment. Su’eddie Agema author of the poetry collection Bring Our Casket Home: tales one shouldn’t tell’ did a short story smoothly. The story; engaging and vividly easy-to-connect piece was a great piece to listen to in a beautiful narrative he did.

PurpleSilver’s spoken word poet and rapper Orgem ‘Urge’ Abanyi did one his hiphop like presentations that bound all to their seats to see the end of the show by all means.

Urge has a unique way of delivery; we should have a video of his presentations online soon.

Bash came up again to give a thrill of spoken word, the popular ‘Don’t Ask Me Why’ but not before enticing everyone with ‘Isi-ewu’; a spoken-word product of experience.

Bash had about five presentations and each was both welcome and ones never to forget.

The final presentation for the evening was PurpleSilver’s rock artiste and Thirdlead band leader Robert Gar who presented two great songs.

Unwillingly it was ‘time to let go’; of the evening’s session like the title of one Robert’s songs that he did wonderfully on the guitar and we left to convene to a greater session marking the first in the year 2014 which would hold at the same venue on KM 3 Gboko Road, opposite BSU Teaching Hospital, Aper aku House at 4:30pm. Don’t miss this next!!

Okiriko Art Centre: Insight and the Photo Exhibition

 

Imagine you are taking a walk, driving or in a commercial vehicle, as you casually look on suddenly something makes you look back or stare again at that very place your gaze just shifted from. Now that moment that makes you want to see more is past but you may look on still after all it is free. On a related note some people have trained themselves and mastered the skill of capturing those spectacular moments that you would never get a second chance at, in places you have never been to; ‘through the eye of a mechanical lens’.

A good look at a photo will let you understand that the saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ is both an understatement and a lack of knowledge about a captured image. Pictures and art can be unending stories that keep giving soothing suspense to the eye that connects these stories to the heart. 

The Okiriko Art Centre photo exhibition is an event an update like this won't be enough to express. This exhibition was carried out by six esteemed photographers: Bamzi Stevens, Onochie Osumuo, Tersoo Gundu, Ijabila Mada, Bolu Adelabu and Azuka Chukwumerije. PurpleSilver however got an interview with the Director of Okiriko Art Centre: Azuka Chuwumerije and an exhibiting photographer Tersoo Gundu: a seasoned photographer who is crazy about photography, reasonably speaking this kind of craze is good as the results are a reflection of committed work and dedication to the sacred art of photography. 

The Okiriko Art Center located on No. 28 Joseph Wayas Street, Zone B, Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja was packed with all sorts of people who had come on account of the photo exhibition. You can now imagine how getting the time of an elegant, well informed Director of this Art gallery would look like but hear her yourself in this interview:

PS - Why did you take on this line of business?

Azuka - I am an artist, studied Fine and Applied Arts in UNN and went on to study and practice other forms of art including photography. I love art. I have always wanted to own a business that would directly address the needs of artists and not just fine artists but creative people in general.

PS -What is the purpose of this art gallery?

Azuka - Okiriko Art Center, is a creative art center offering various services like arts and crafts for children, creative workshops, opportunities for artists to interact, a drawing club and also the gallery. The purpose of the gallery is to serve as a showcasing platform for various art/creative products. Our exhibitions again, aren't just for paintings and sculptures, we exhibit jewelry, clothing, crafts, children's arts and crafts, photography and of course the conventional paintings and drawings.

PS - What do you see as the future of art in Nigeria?

Azuka - Personally, and I don't necessarily speak with authority as I have, up till recent years, lived outside of Nigeria, but I do see a strong future in terms of Arts in Nigeria. Art like all else has been influenced a lot by international trends. You see the evidence of this mostly is in Lagos though, here in Abuja it's still dragging quite a bit. But I do believe that with time, more artists will be affected by this movement. This is not to say that our Art should lose identity but on the contrary should push beyond its present constrain and find ever new forms of content delivery, which is basically what art has evolved to over time.

PS - What do you hope to achieve with this photo exhibition?

Azuka - We hope to sell haha!! and of course our long term goal is to promote photography as an art form. Like I said earlier, Abuja is still quite behind where it concerns art. Photography is considered just a way to document a special occasion like a wedding or anniversary, capture special moments shared with friends and family or get a family portrait. This is all good, but we need to step it up a notch. Photography is a valid art form, which requires just as much creative energy as a painting or sculptural piece. In fact the word photography is derived from the Greek photos- for "light" and graphos - for "drawing", meaning drawing with light.  Photography, like other art forms cannot be for everyone, we all know the saying it's not the camera but the person taking the shot, as we've heard reference been made to the "eye of the photographer". We encourage people to eagerly add photography to their art collection.

PS - When would you give people another event?

Azuka - We are planning an Arts and Crafts Tea Party for children for the 2nd week of December. We will have loads of fun creative activities for the children. Any child 6 - 12 is welcome.

PS - Where do you see this art gallery taking art or Nigerian artists?

Azuka - Our vision for the gallery is to become a well-grounded (nationally and internationally) center for the production, promotion and exhibition of art. Thereby bringing together diverse art and artists, this can only lead to the kind of exchange that exposes and betters us as artists. Naturally our audience is also constantly being educated on new and diverse art.

PS - How is art related to the daily life of an average Nigerian?

Azuka - The history of art is the very history of humanity.  The appreciation and need for art is primeval and fundamental, the value it adds is immediately apparent and we very willingly pay more for something creatively done as opposed to one thoughtlessly put together. As Nigerians we are just as human as everyone else. Granted economic down-turn does inhibit one's ability to buy and with time even appreciate "artworks", but we should never lose sight of the fact that art is not just about buying a big expensive painting and hanging on your wall, it goes much further. Its appreciation should show in how we create, appreciate and maintain the environment around us, from the smallest to the biggest things. It's not about money; it's really about your level of consciousness as you interact with your environment. Let's keep in mind that your environment can only be a reflection of you, your will.. as the exquisitely beautiful creation is a reflection of the Will of the Creator.

PS - Why should people especially Nigerians patronise art galleries?

Azuka - Why not?

PS –Hahaha… Any other thing people need to know, be it about you, your work or what to do or expect from your art gallery?

 Azuka - We especially want to use this forum to highlight our work with kids. The difference between a developed society and a 3rd-world is creative thinking. As the future generation, one of the ways we should invest in our children, in addition to school, sports and right diet is by putting them in creatively challenging art and music programmes - food for the creative left brain. No, this is not to make them grow up and become artists, but to provide the necessary counter-balance to dry erudition by stimulating creative thinking - the need to constantly improve quality of life, develop life-long intuitive problem solving skills and an enthusiastic appreciation of beauty!

Azuka - Thank you.

PS – Thank you so much for your time and insight, hopeful; we should be around to capture your December programme with the kids.

In the art displayed space demonstrating to collectors, friends and visitors is a gentleman in a light coat. Obviously he knows his job and is very comfortable relating to people about it like a fish mingles in its waters. It will be a sin not to peek into Tersoo Gundu’s world to understand phography and his interest in exhibiting:  

PS - What is the photo exhibition all about?
Tersoo G - It's an exhibition titled "through the eye of a mechanical lens", basically it is an appreciation of the medium of storytelling called "photography”, a collection of works by 6 photographers from around Nigeria
 

PS  - Has your work a particular artistic rhythm or it is a random collection of creativity?
Tersoo G - My collection is a body of work showing men on construction site working. Showing how houses are been built in Abuja, with bare hands and basic equipment like shovels, wheelbarrows.

PS - Being an exhibiting artist, what would you say this exhibition promises the interested public?
Tersoo G - I would say an understanding of the world around us through the medium of photography.

              
                                             

PS - Where do you see photography years from now?
Tersoo G - I think there a growing curiosity towards the power of photography and how it can change the world around, photography has always been thought provoking, helping us look inward and think about of world in different ways.

PS - Do you think Nigerian photographers are living up to expectation compared to their global counterparts?
Tersoo G - We have wonderful photographers in Nigeria some have been praised by the world but on a general level we majorly have commercial photographers, but yes a good number of photographers are changing the way they approach photography and understanding that it is a tool that can be used for more good than Aesthetics.

PS - Is this exhibition about the only way photography can gain public admiration or patronage or there are others?
Tersoo G - No. Buts it's good start point. The beautiful thing about an exhibition and it's opening, is that the artist interacts with its audience and there is instant feedback, somewhat of an exchange program.

PS - Is the appreciation of photography by the Nigerian market worth the time and effort?
Tersoo G - Everywhere in the world photography is challenging but what drives us is passion and a course. With that it's worth everything.
  
                                         

PS - What do you think would improve the lot of photographers and photography in Nigeria?
Tersoo G - I think more interactions with photographers, workshops, seminars and exhibitions. That's how we can grow.

PS - Any other thing you wish to share on the creative purpose of photography and use of an exhibition?

Tersoo G - A quote from Susan Sontag’s book "On photography” explains it: She says (talking about photography) "... The more you know about something the more complex it becomes"

It doesn't matter if you’re looking through a microscope or a telescope it all leads to infinity. And to me those are the possibilities in photography. Infinity!


PS – Thank you so much Tersoo Gundu for your time, we hope to talk to you soon.

Tersoo G – You are welcome anytime.