Qudus Olowo
i had a dream of horned vultures singing apala at a bus stop, millions of motorists throwing coins at them as they drive by, purple-skinned children danced to the subtle tune with their legs sprouting out black flowers // in that dream, my ex forgot her last kiss at my apartment // she returned with bruised metaphors on her shoulders and cobwebs masking the regrets on her lips // i had a dream of being a warthog, outrunning my grief into a pace of nothingness // the sun fell on me and i became a fervid paradox in my poem. in the poem // i sold bliss to a perfectionist and he said it wasn’t enough. i carried with me this dunya // mapped out where I came from, —it is how I cease to exist // in my last dream, a goat carried his master for sale around the market, roared at penniless buyers. i wanted to buy the master but the coins in my pocket have grown wild into a gun // so I stole the goat, I stole the master, and I stole survival //
Apala – This is a genre of traditional music from Nigeria that features drums and percussion.
Qudus Olowo popularly known by his stage name ‘Blacc’ is a Nigerian poet, rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is the Founding Editor of Afrihill Press and currently an Editorial Intern at Another Chicago Magazine. Most of his works have appeared or forthcoming in Lolwe, Temz Review, Funicular Magazine, Sunlight Press, April Centaur, Consequence Forum, Poetry Column NND, and elsewhere. He was longlisted in the Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize 2024. He also served as a mentor at the SprinNG Writing Fellowship from 2022 to 2024. You can reach him via X @iamblacc and on Instagram @iamblacc_