Yewande Adenike Akinse has once again graced the literary world with her profound insights, announcing the May 2025 release of her third poetry collection, “The Rise and Fall of Rhymes and Rhythms,” per booksbywomen.org. This latest offering from the Nigerian poet
marks a significant milestone in a prolific poetic journey that began 16 years ago, tracing an evolution from a curious university student to an established voice in contemporary poetry.
Akinse’s literary odyssey commenced in 2009 amidst the “vibrant chaos” of the University of Lagos. It was there, as a first-year student, that she first discovered the allure of poetry, scribbling nascent thoughts and emotions in her notebooks. “Poetry became my refuge,” Akinse shared in a recent reflection, “a sacred space where I could explore my identity, my dreams, and the world around me.” These early explorations, capturing the essence of youthful experiences and the complexities of university life, laid the groundwork for a distinguished career.
Inspired by the giants of poetry before her, Akinse began submitting her work, soon finding her voice amplified on various literary platforms. The “intoxicating” thrill of seeing her words in print solidified her commitment, leading to the 2016 publication of her debut collection, Voices: A Collection of Poems That Tell Stories. The book, a labour of love, resonated deeply with readers, exploring themes of identity and belonging. “The response to Voices was overwhelming,” Akinse recalled. “I received messages from people who found solace in my words… It was a humbling experience, one that reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of poetry.”
Her poetic evolution continued with the 2019 release of A Tale of Being, of Green and of Ing. This second collection saw Akinse delve into themes of growth, nature, and the interconnectedness of existence, often reflecting on her experiences as a Nigerian and African. “Writing this collection was a journey of self-discovery,” she noted, describing it as a meditation on the beauty of life and the resilience of the human spirit.
Now, in 2025, The Rise and Fall of Rhymes and Rhythms stands as a testament to Akinse’s matured craft. The collection, comprising one hundred verses, is uniquely structured, with each poem presented as a dizain – a 10-line poem with 10 syllables per line. This intricate form, she explains, allows poetry to dance “on the delicate edge where poetry meets music.” Inspired by her daughter and dedicated to children everywhere, this poignant anthology explores themes of nurturing, genealogy and the enduring mother-child bond. Akinse describes this work as a “reflection of my evolution as a poet, a culmination of my experiences over the past 16 years,” where she experimented with form and pushed traditional boundaries.
Throughout her career, Akinse’s powerful verse has found a home in a multitude of prestigious literary magazines worldwide. Her extensive publication history includes features in Clay Literary, Trampset, Galleyway, Afritondo, Shuf Poetry, The Open Culture Collective, Lumiere Review, Dipity Magazine, The Unconventional Courier, The Agam Agenda, The Creative Zine, Konya Shamsrumi, Sevhage, Moremi Review, Tampered Press, Nightingale and Sparrow, Versopolis, Auvert Magazine, Panocha Zine, Visual Verse, Pride Magazine, The Dirigible Balloon, The BeZine, Outside the box Poetry, Spirits Magazine, Unheard Stories Magazine, Genre: Urban Arts Magazine, Unclear Magazine, Broots Magazine, Beyond the Quill and Wayf Journal, among others. Each publication, she states, has been a “stepping stone,” fostering vital connections and reinforcing her belief that poetry is “a shared experience that transcends boundaries.”
As Akinse continues to write, her commitment remains steadfast: to explore the beauty and complexity of life through the evocative power of poetry. “Each poem is a new adventure,” she enthuses, “a chance to capture the essence of existence and share it with the world.” With her latest collection, she invites readers to join her in celebrating the enduring impact of words and the stories that shape human experience.
