The Poet & The Collection: Untitled Country by Mr. Poetivist
Dusty roads, the screech of rice straw brooms, and the peace of provinciality are what come to mind when we think about a village. Our modernized eyes frown upon the intimate intertwist of close-knit communities, allowing claustrophobia to encourage our insular bliss.
Our obsession with evolution and progression is understandable. Little joy and happiness blossom from reminiscing about our gut-wrenching past. In this installment of The Poet & The Collection, we review a poetry audio album by Mr. Poetivist. This latest addition to his already stellar discography is a blunt iteration of the shared history we are in a rush to erase from our genetic code. His love affair with his heritage takes a sour turn, mutating him into a paralyzed bystander trying to use his voice to save his people.
The Poet:
Mr. Poetivist: Poet | Writer
Born in Ghana, writer, poet, and theatre practitioner Mr. Poetivist is a country voice unearthing visuals of unsaid narratives. He has championed events like Poetic Justice, The Silhouette, and Earnest Silhouette, after which he aired his opinion about Ghana's creative space in a column by GUAP Magazine. Aside from performances at The Black Gala 2019 and debuting his radio playwright “The Village We Are” on Berlin-based radio-Refuge Worldwide, his poem “Ode to Afrika” was the lead poem for TEDx Accra, 2021.
His passion for storytelling and intense connection with his Ghanaian heritage is demonstrated through his affiliation with e-Ananse. This new public library model features a boundless collection of works by African writers. e-Ananse libraries, currently stationed in three locations across Accra, aim to improve literacy and provide access to contemporary literature in an effort to reinvigorate Ghana's storytelling culture.
The Collection:
Untitled Country
Untitled Country is a tender portrait of unspoken reflections, withdrawn from the uncomfortable unrest parading with the neighborhood. This body of work observes the inescapable loop of political-nasty-nifty-tricks in which we are all caught, and Mr. Poetivist uses his voice to take a stand. It is concisely and fearlessly written to relate to the heart of our struggle. Mr. Poetivist lends his voice to the inner turmoil that political and social trouble forces us into, with the hopes he can be heard just as he is.
"Mr. Poetivist leads us on a guided meditation through the nightmare that African civilization has become. Untitled Country is a plea for us to take care of and be concerned with one another, like a village community.
He is suggesting joining hands and having faith in ourselves since hoping for a transformed, servant government is futile. The roulette wheel worn as a neckpiece and the casino dice lying on the head symbolizes the game being played with the lives of his people.
A morality exchange took place when the world colonized Africa, and Mr. Poetivist's seven tracks are a witness to that tragedy. However, it was a gamble, and the house always wins."
Listen to Untitled Country by Mr. Poetivist on Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite music and poetry.
Watch Mr. Poetivist at our very own Notepad Poetry Dry Sessions - Youth Month Special.
Blessed be our spectators. Blessed be their silence - Mr. Poetivist