In Yoruba, language lifts rocks and holds down birds; offers shelter to feelings, so wide that it becomes scary to stay in.
For Fathers Who Went Like This: A Poetic Journey Through Pain, History, and Hope | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ review of Adedayo Agarau’s ‘For Boys Who Went’ by Tola Ijalusi
For Boys Who Went may challenge readers with its coarse literary style, which lends the poems a rich and raw intensity. While its expression can feel unrefined at times, the profound impact of its message on the reader’s mind makes it a collection worth revisiting—an offering both thought-provoking and unforgettable.
“The Future of African Poetry Fills Me With So Much Urgency…“ | A CỌ́N-SCÌÒ Magazine Interview with Adedayo Agarau
The future of African poetry fills me with so much urgency. My vision for the future is practical: more African-led publishing houses, more translation projects between African languages, and more platforms for critical dialogue.
Childhood Trauma & Creativity: Navigating The Ethical Tightrope of Personal Writing | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ essay by Kukogho Samson
Self-censorship is painful, excruciating, debilitating… It feels like a betrayal of self, an abuse of my creative impulse, and self-entrapment in a cycle of doubt and frustration.
BEHIND THE PODIUM | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ short story by Aminata Talawally
“My voice is pleading to be heard by a room crowded with people. It doesn’t care if their faces are frightening or happy. It just wants to engulf the room and be listened to.”
A LETTER TO AUGUST | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ short story by Jola Praise Ademola
The letter was addressed to her. Written simply on the cover, in a bold script, was: ‘A letter to August’ and on the inside: ‘I know what you did’. She lifted off the lid from the box. Lying there was a bloodied finger wearing a wedding band.
SERENDIPITY | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ short story by Popoola Ololade Aderemi
You see the barely noticeable smile on her face. Her face. In a split second, you sweep your gaze over it and rest your eyes on the birthmark above her eyebrow. You wonder if this is what love feels like.
THE DOLL | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ short story by Brigitte Poirson
If this was what was lurking at the back of his mind, what was the point of taking the time to reflect on the situation? If you trust someone, empower this person with your loving care, accompany him/her along toil and dreams, and (s)he still looks askance in a quest for ‘other loves’, why should you stick to that person at all?
F/R/A/C/T/I/O/N/S | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ poem by Chidera Udochukwu
The Ogas at the top just like Big Brother have an all-seeing eye,
If you dare say a word they will flip the switch, plunge us into darkness.
Esperance | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ poem by Grace Orobosa
Am I a poetaster, finding solace in the sanctuary of poetry?
Or am I a poet, eccentric in style and yearning for peace?