Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún is set to captivate audiences with a reading from his latest poetry collection, “Èṣù at the Library,” at the University of Oxford’s St. Anne’s College in November 2024. The eagerly anticipated event comes on the heels of the book’s release, slated for late October 2024, according to a statement.
Túbọ̀sún’s third book and second poetry collection promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of language, culture and identity. The author will not only share excerpts from his work but also engage in discussions on a range of topics, including the representation of Yorùbá and other African languages in AI translation tools, travel writing and the future of language in translation.
“Èṣù at the Library” draws its inspiration from a historical linguistic misstep. In 1843, Samuel Ajayi Crowther mistranslated “Èṣù,” a significant deity in the Yorùbá pantheon, setting the stage for Túbọ̀sún’s poetic journey. The collection delves into the complex legacy of British colonialism on Nigerian cultural and linguistic identity, intertwining these themes with the author’s personal experiences as a Chevening Research Fellow in London from 2019 to 2020.
The backdrop of Túbọ̀sún’s London sojourn provides a rich tapestry for his poetry. Against the tumultuous events of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the #EndSARS protests in Lagos, the author crafts verses that engage with the dialectics of Èṣù, whom he portrays as a permanent resident of the British Library. This unique perspective allows Túbọ̀sún to explore themes of displacement, cultural misunderstanding and the enduring impact of colonialism on language and perception.
Túbọ̀sún’s literary pedigree is impressive. A Fulbright scholar (2009) and Miles Morland Writing Fellow (2018), he has garnered international recognition for his work in language advocacy, earning him the Premio Ostana Special Prize in Cuneo, Italy, in 2016. His contributions to literature extend beyond his own writing; Túbọ̀sún has translated works by literary giants such as Chimamanda Adichie, Haruki Murakami, and Wole Soyinka between English and Yorùbá.
The upcoming event at Oxford University represents more than just a book reading. It offers a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with a voice at the forefront of African literature and linguistics. Túbọ̀sún’s exploration of language as both a unifying and divisive force promises to spark important conversations about cultural identity in an increasingly globalised world.
“Èṣù at the Library” is being published by Masobe Books, Lagos. The collection is expected to resonate with readers interested in the intersection of traditional African spirituality, contemporary global issues, and the power of language to shape our understanding of the world.
As the co-editor for Africa of Best Literary Translations, an annual anthology published by Deep Vellum in Texas, Túbọ̀sún continues to bridge cultural and linguistic divides through literature.
