By Prisca Sam-Duru

Writer and Performance poet, Iquo DianaAbasi is set to present her poetry album titled, “Beyond the Staccato”, to the world.

“Beyond the Staccato” will be launched on April 23, 2022 at Didi Museum, Lagos, following which it will be available in physical and online stores.

The album, Iquo’s debut audio poetry project, explores national issues, girl child subjugation, environmental despoliation and love.

 In ‘Beyond the Staccato’, the poet bemoans diverse negative issues plaguing the country while at the same time, indicating that beyond the staccato of herder crisis, #EndSARS, insurgency, and many more, Nigerians as a people are shaken but not broken.

In this offering, we see the poet as both victim and survivor. Through tough questions and unmistakable anecdotes, the album dares the listener to introspect, empathise and take steps towards better choices.

Fans have already enjoyed a teaser in the form of three varied and equally engaging singles from this album, on online streaming platforms.The full album promises a lush mix of evocative singing, contemplative, gripping melodies and sonorous folklore – all employed as perfect vehicle for unforgettable poetry.

Iquo DianaAbasi is the author of “Symphony of Becoming”, her first poetry collection which was shortlisted for the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature, the Association of Nigerian Authors Poetry Prize and the Soyinka Prize for Literature. She is also the author of the widely acclaimed fiction collection: EfoRiro and Other Stories.