Wole Adedoying interviews Adisa Fathia Asabi: Performing My Poetry Adds a Depth of Authenticity and Emotional Resonance that the Written Word Alone Can’t Fully Capture.
WA: WHAT DREW YOU TO SPOKEN WORD POETRY AS A MEDIUM FOR EXPRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS?
ASABI: I’m drawn to spoken word poetry because of its raw emotional power and its ability to connect with people on a deeper, more personal level. It gives me the space to express complex issues in a way that’s both heartfelt and relatable.
WA: HOW DOES PERFORMING YOUR POETRY AMPLIFY ITS MESSAGE COMPARED TO SIMPLY READING IT ON THE PAGE?
ASABI: Performing adds a powerful layer of authenticity and emotional depth that’s often hard to capture on the page. The energy in the room, the audience’s reactions—all of it enhances the message and makes it more impactful and memorable.
WA: WHICH HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES RESONATE MOST DEEPLY WITH YOU, AND HOW DO YOU BRING THEM TO LIFE IN YOUR PERFORMANCES?
ASABI: Issues like inequality, justice, and freedom are especially important to me. I bring them to life through vivid storytelling, strong imagery, and emotional expression—using my voice, body language, and tone to communicate the urgency and weight of these themes.
WA: DO YOU WRITE FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, COLLECTIVE STORIES, OR BOTH WHEN ADDRESSING INJUSTICE IN YOUR WORK?
ASABI: I write from both. Personal experiences help humanize the issues I address, while collective stories offer a wider perspective and a sense of solidarity. Together, they allow me to create poetry that is both intimate and inclusive.
WA: CAN YOU RECALL A MOMENT WHEN YOUR PERFORMANCE MOVED AN AUDIENCE TO ACT OR RESPOND MEANINGFULLY?
ASABI: Yes, I once performed a poem about police brutality that deeply resonated with the audience. After the performance, several people approached me to share their own experiences and expressed a genuine desire to get involved in activism and advocacy. That moment affirmed the power of spoken word to inspire action.
WA: HOW DO YOU PREPARE EMOTIONALLY TO PERFORM POEMS THAT DEAL WITH PAIN, TRAUMA, OR OPPRESSION?
ASABI: I take time to reflect on both my personal experiences and the stories of others. Emotional preparation often involves moments of silence, journaling, and grounding exercises. I also prioritize self-care and lean on the support of loved ones and fellow artists to stay balanced and focused.
WA: WHAT ROLE DOES RHYTHM, VOICE MODULATION, AND BODY LANGUAGE PLAY IN DELIVERING YOUR HUMAN RIGHTS MESSAGES?
ASABI: They play a vital role. Rhythm builds tension and flow, voice modulation adds emotional layers, and body language reinforces the message visually. Together, they help create a performance that not only speaks but feels the truth of the issues I’m addressing.
WA: HAVE YOU EVER PERFORMED IN SPACES WHERE YOUR POETRY WAS CONSIDERED CONTROVERSIAL OR PROVOCATIVE? HOW DID YOU HANDLE IT?
ASABI: Yes, I’ve had performances where my poetry was seen as provocative. I handled those moments by staying grounded in my message and values. I aim to challenge without disrespect, and I try to create a space for dialogue, even when the content is uncomfortable.
WA: DO YOU FEEL THAT SPOKEN WORD HAS MORE URGENCY OR EMOTIONAL IMPACT THAN WRITTEN POETRY WHEN ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS?
ASABI: Absolutely. Spoken word brings urgency through voice, pace, and presence. It allows the audience to feel the weight of the words in real time, which can lead to a deeper emotional connection and quicker engagement with the message.
WA: WHAT KIND OF FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM PEOPLE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE ISSUES YOU HIGHLIGHT?
ASABI: The feedback has been humbling. Many have shared their stories with me after performances, often thanking me for voicing what they’ve lived but couldn’t express. Those responses remind me why I write and perform—to be a vessel for stories that need to be heard.
WA: HOW DO YOU USE YOUR PLATFORM TO EDUCATE OR RAISE AWARENESS BEYOND THE STAGE?
ASABI: Beyond performances, I use my platform to share educational resources, collaborate with advocacy groups, and spark conversations both online and offline. I believe it’s important to continue the work offstage by engaging with the community and amplifying underrepresented voices.
WA: ARE THERE PARTICULAR SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS OR ACTIVISTS WHO’VE INSPIRED YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY?
ASABI: Yes, many artists and activists have influenced me—especially those who use their platforms to advocate for social justice and spark meaningful change. Their courage and commitment continue to inspire my own work.
WA: HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOU REPRESENT MARGINALIZED VOICES AUTHENTICALLY AND RESPECTFULLY IN YOUR WORK?
ASABI: I strive to listen deeply and amplify the stories of marginalized communities rather than speak for them. I prioritize collaboration, research, and feedback to ensure authenticity and respect in how their narratives are presented.
WA: HAS YOUR SPOKEN WORD POETRY LED TO COLLABORATIONS WITH HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS OR MOVEMENTS?
ASABI: Yes, it has. My poetry has opened doors to collaborate with human rights organizations and social movements. These partnerships have helped extend the reach of my message and connect me with like-minded changemakers.
WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE IN GETTING YOUR WORK SEEN OR HEARD ON LARGER PLATFORMS?
ASABI: Some of the main challenges include limited resources, visibility, and the highly competitive nature of creative spaces. But I continue to grow my network, pursue new opportunities, and stay consistent with my vision and values.
WA: HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THOSE WHO SAY ART SHOULD REMAIN APOLITICAL OR NEUTRAL?
ASABI: I believe that silence in the face of injustice is itself a form of complicity. Art has always been a reflection of society, and I see it as a powerful tool for truth and transformation. I respectfully share my perspective while remaining open to dialogue.
WA: DO YOU SEE A GROWING MOVEMENT OF SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS SPOKEN WORD POETS AROUND YOU?
ASABI: Absolutely. There’s a rising wave of spoken word poets using their craft to highlight issues of injustice and inequality. It's encouraging to witness how art is becoming a strong force for advocacy and awareness.
WA: WHAT’S ONE PIECE YOU’VE PERFORMED THAT YOU FEEL CAPTURES YOUR MISSION AS A POET AND ACTIVIST?
ASABI: One standout piece is a poem I wrote about systemic racism and police brutality. Performing it was deeply emotional, and the way the audience connected with it reaffirmed my purpose as both a poet and an activist.
WA: HOW DO YOU KEEP HOPE ALIVE IN YOUR WORK WHEN DEALING WITH HEAVY OR HEARTBREAKING THEMES?
ASABI: I keep hope alive by focusing on the resilience, courage, and strength of the communities I write about. I also find inspiration in the collective efforts people make every day to drive meaningful, positive change.
WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EMERGING SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS WHO WANT TO USE THEIR VOICE FOR JUSTICE?
ASABI: Stay true to your message and never be afraid to speak uncomfortable truths. Use your art to challenge injustice, but also remember to care for yourself along the way. Surround yourself with a supportive community that uplifts and encourages your growth.
Adisa Fathia Asabi is a 200-level student of English and Literary Studies at Kwara State University, Malete, with a profound passion for poetry. She excels in crafting verses that follow structured rhyme schemes and iambic pentameter, blending technical mastery with artistic expression. As a committed spoken word performer, Fathia channels her creativity into powerful performances that advocate for social justice, with a strong focus on ending police brutality. Through both literature and performance, she uses her voice to inspire change and give meaning to her art. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she shares insights into her journey, her passion for spoken word, and the impact of her work.
