Did you know that poetry can be both soft and shattering at the same time? That's the magic of Titilope Sonuga — the Nigerian poet, performer, and voice of a generation navigating love, womanhood, and the quiet strength of survival.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised between Nigeria and Canada, Titilope bridges worlds in her writing. She speaks in verses that are intimate yet universal, drawing from everyday Nigerian life, feminism, cultural pride, and vulnerability.
Whether on paper or stage, Sonuga's delivery is soulful. She was the first poet to perform at a Nigerian presidential inauguration (2015), yet her work often returns to the small, private places where women live, love, and grieve.
Her poetry collections — including This Is How We Disappear and Down to Earth — explore themes of memory, trauma, resilience, and identity, often from a distinctly African female lens.
Here's an excerpt from her powerful poem:
Excerpt – "This Is How We Disappear"
we do not vanish
into thin air
we are not magic
we do not disintegrate
we do not go quietly...
we carry our names
like prayers on our tongues
we are here
we are here
we are here.
Titilope is more than a poet — she's a builder of spaces for others. Through workshops, performances, and public speaking, she's mentoring young African women to own their stories and speak their truths.
In a world that often tries to silence or shrink women, Titilope Sonuga is a necessary thunder — graceful, grounded, and unforgettable.
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