INTERVIEW: The arts are not well funded in Nigeria, says Badmus

Jide Badmus is a literary icon whose works have been profiled in Nigeria and outside the country. He spoke to Adeola Ogunrinde on the challenges of the arts in Nigeria and what can be done to change that narrative…

You are into the arts, why the arts?

I think it came naturally, because I can’t really say what my attraction was. I know from childhood, my parents always got me books, and I have been a reader since then. I also loved writing for my younger ones to read.

You are more into poetry, why poetry?

I think poetry comes easier to me. I think it’s a form of art that seems to compress so many things—emotions, energy, language… It favours my style. Compresses so much information into few words. It reflects my conversation style. I think and speak in images. I write in images.

What are the works you have published?

My first work, There is a Storm in my Head, published by WRR. There is Scripture published by Sevhage. I had two books in 2022: Obaluaye by an American publisher, FlowerSong Press. What Do I Call My Love for Your Body? by The Roaring Lion Newcastle, UK. I have several chapbooks. There is the Paradox of Little Fires, Paper Planes in the Rain with Pamilerin Jacob, Lust Alphabets, Silk Psalms, and Blood Currency.

What do you think are the challenges of artists in Nigeria?

The challenges are numerous. The major thing is finance. The arts are not well funded. I also think one of the major issues is the distribution of our works… The economy is in such a state that people think of sustenance rather than buy artworks or go for exhibitions or literary events. Yes, funding is one, and distribution is two. When I say funding, I also mean publishers are not able to take up the projects they are interested in, and that is why you see many writers finding ways to fund their own projects.

Have you done collaborations as a poet?

Yes, I love collaborations so much; I have had a few. Like I mentioned earlier, I co-wrote a chapbook with Pamilerin Jacob; also, Michael Alozor, Tukur Ridwan, and a mixed-genre chapbook, In The Realm of Dreams, with Abubakar Ibrahim (The Imam of Poets). I am working on one presently with Aremo Gemini; it’s a chapbook called Love and Antidotes. I wrote the poems in English, and he translated them into Yoruba.

Concerning your poetry, what is it that you focus on?

I see art as an adventure. I see art as life itself. I approach it in whatever form it comes to me at a particular time. When we talk about politics, most times, we think of the government; we think of elections… But humans are political beings. I see art as documenting life in beautiful languages and images.

For many artists, one of their challenges is not just getting published but also going to events to showcase their work. Is that a problem for you too?

Because you have so many artists out there, and to organise events entails lots of funds. Though, I won’t say that is much of an issue for me any longer. I believe when you have issues in the industry you belong to, you also try to create your own solutions. Last year, in November (2024), I hosted the second edition of INKterlude. For me, I think that is part of the solution: to do the little I can going to the grassroots. The event was hosted in Ibadan. The choice of Ibadan is due to the many literary events hosted in Lagos between October and December every year. The chances of younger writers and artists getting into these big events are slim. That was why we thought of Ibadan. Other areas need to feel some of the energy too.

What is the concept behind INKterlude?

INKterlude started November 2023. It was born from INKspired WhatsApp group, a forum for poets and writers to share their thoughts. We had been together in the group for two to three years, and we felt it would be good that people in the group get to meet each other. At a point during our planning, we decided to extend the opportunity to relax to other creatives. Then last year, a few friends reached out to me saying, Jide, this can be bigger. And I thought we could make it a mini festival. INKterlude is just a one-day festival for now. I’m thinking of making it something of a literary fellowship in the future. Last year, we had a short-let apartment to accommodate those who couldn’t travel back after the event. It was like an after-party. We dined, had drinks, and shared more poetry and conversations. We even went to eat Amala the following morning.

What are your future plans in the arts?

Presently, I have been endorsed by the Arts Council England, and one of the things I have been looking forward to is having my writing engage themes and cultures outside Nigeria. Writing is an exchange of culture. I also have five manuscripts, and I’m looking for publishers, but beyond that, I am looking to see how I can take some of my events and forums to England and Europe (and probably America), so as to give non-Nigerians a taste of Jide Badmus’ poetry.

What advice do you have for upcoming writers and poets?

My advice is that they should continue in this journey. If you believe in something, you should hold on to it. At times the struggles of life will want to make you take a break; please don’t. For me, writing is like breathing; you don’t take a break from breathing. It could be rough combining poetry with making a living or studying… but don’t stop. Read, write…do this over every single opportunity you have. Breathe…