The collection of poems, Blacker Berries by Olatunbosun Ayomide Samuel, is a collection of thoughtful and expressive poems by a young man yearning to comprehend himself in a context of overwhelming ambivalence. At a time when many of his peers are obsessed with making money, Olatunbosun Ayomide Samuel has preoccupied himself with using poetry to help members of his generation discover themselves and ultimately find their bearing in the new global labyrinth.
Aside from enriching one’s imagination, good poetry nourishes the soul. Blacker Berries is indeed a heartwarming follow-up to George Floyd’s unforgettable cry, “I can’t breathe”. The collection is remarkably inspirational, especially that it is coming from a relatively young author. Not only do the poems look inward, but they also call on Africans to see the beauty and potential in their native land.
Olatunbosun’s poetry contains hard truth, express raw talent, exhibit vivid imagination, and fictionalize African sensibilities. The collection is remarkably nostalgic in that it is truly Nigerian and it cuts across geographical boundaries. I am sure readers across gender and generational divides will appreciate the African heritage and profound values that the poems promote. For these and many more reasons, I recommend the work very highly.
Dr. Kehinde A. Ayoola
Senior Lecturer, Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
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