Write On! interviews author Amaka Felly Obioji

Amaka says: “Hello, my name is Amaka Felly Obioji and I’m a Nigerian writer and poet based in London. My poetry has been published in literary journals across West Africa, I enjoy spoken word and I have performed as a spoken word artist across Africa and the United Kingdom. Mother, Did You Call My Name? is my debut poetry collection.”

How would you describe your writing to someone new to it?

AFO: I write in a genre known as ‘Mindfulness Poetry’– short poems that advocate for mental health and self-development, exploring and delving into the depth of human emotions.

WO: Can you tell us a bit about your latest book, Mother, Did You Call My Name?

AFO: My collection is dedicated to womanhood and highlights the daily strength of women. It’s divided into four parts: Uproots, Goddess, Homecoming and Mother, Did You Call My Name? with different themes in different chapters. Uproots focuses on how humans overcome the overwhelming burden of living. There is a common saying that dying is easy but the act of living requires a lot of courage. We can see it clearly in this theme with the use of carefully crafted illustrations; a visual expression that captures the words in motion.

The next chapter flows into the theme of appreciation of women’s power. Here, the poems shift to motherhood, sisterhood and women in general. It recognises women who the poet refers to as goddesses. Each page comes with an illustration that captures intimacy, love and celebration of women who have gone the extra mile and put in the work. Homecoming explores the desire for good things, hope and experiencing something new, different and staying positive amidst it all. The last chapter is a feature of all the previous chapters but with a certainty that the good things are here to stay for everyone who desires them.

WO: What inspired you to write in the first place, and what inspires you now?

AFO: For me, writing is about feelings and emotions: what I see, how I feel, what I want others to see and feel. These are the things that have always motivated me and still motivate me today.

WO: A previous issue of Write On! explored the theme of ‘Beginnings And Endings.’ With that in mind, what do you find easier to write – the beginning or the end? And do you always write the beginning first and the ending last?

AFO: Beginnings are always easier for me to write. The endings are where it gets a bit difficult, but I always find the courage to finish.

WO: What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?

AFO: First, I would say believe in yourself, be authentic, read and explore, then create your own magic.

WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?

AFO: I’m currently working on my second poetry collection. I’m not sure how long that will take but am hoping to explore themes on migration, places and human mobility.

WO: Lastly, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?

AFO: A dragon, because of their peculiar strength and features. It will be such a delight to ride on a dragon’s back and take a tour of the world!

You can connect with Amaka Felly Obioji on Instagram: @amaka_felly, X: @Amakafelly and LinkedIn: Amaka Felly Obioji.

Mother, Did You Call My Name? is available on Amazon.

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Issue 22 is out now. You will find it in libraries and other outlets. Alternatively all current and previous editions can be found on our magazines page here.

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