By Babafemi Ojudu
Renowned Nigerian poet and academic, Professor Niyi Osundare, has been named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious “Golden Key of Smederevo” award.
This decision was made by the Awards Committee of the 56th International Poetry Festival “Smederevo Poets Autumn” at a meeting held on July 15, 2024.
The award will be presented at the festival, which will take place from October 15 to 17, 2024, in Smederevo, Serbia.
The festival, established in 1970 to preserve and promote poetry, has hosted over 2,000 poets from around the world and published more than 400 books.
The “Golden Key of Smederevo” is awarded annually to a distinguished poet and includes a gilded replica of the city’s key, the publication of a bilingual poetry book (in the laureate’s language and Serbian) and a monetary prize of €1,000.
In its decision, the Awards Committee praised Osundare as “one of the most prominent African poets, scholars, and intellectuals” of our time.
Osundare has authored over 20 poetry collections, four plays and numerous monographs and articles on literature, language, culture and society.
His works have been translated into multiple languages and his educational background spans three continents, with degrees from the University of Ibadan, University of Leeds and York University.
The committee highlighted Osundare’s deep connection to African culture. It noted how he uses poetry as a tool to “bridge the seas with verses,” telling stories that resonate with people across the globe while keeping Africa at the center of his creative imagination.
The committee also commended Osundare’s critique of contemporary global movements, such as postmodernism and posthumanism, and his advocacy for a more human-centered world, as powerfully expressed in his poem “I Sing of Change.”
Osundare, an Ekiti man from Ikere, has drawn deeply from his cultural roots to enrich his literary creativity, earning accolades, including the Noma Award, the Fonlon/Nichols Award, and induction into the Nigerian Order of Merit.
Osundare’s work not only celebrates the African tradition but also engages with global human concerns, reflecting his belief that poetry is “a value in itself and man meaning to man.”
Miljan Guberinić, the Director of the Festival, expressed his excitement at hosting Osundare and emphasised the festival’s deep commitment to celebrating poetry from diverse cultures.
The festival has requested a video of Osundare reading three of his poems for promotion on social media, and arrangements are being made for his travel and accommodation.
Osundare’s participation in this year’s festival promises to foster a rich international dialogue, celebrating his unique voice and the global legacy of poetry.
The Awards Committee included Professor (Dr.) Milena Vladić Jovanov, Chair and Professor Dr. Boško Suvajdžić, among others.
•Babafemi Ojudu reports.
