“Invocations” by Adebayo Kolawole to be featured in 2021 APBF’s New-Generation African Poets Chapbook box set

Adebayo Kolawole Samuel’s chapbook manuscript, Invocations, has been selected by African Poetry Book Fund for 2021’s edition of their New-Generation African Poets chapbook box set series.

The poet shared the news Yesterday, 31st August, 2020 on his social media.

His Facebook post reads in part: “I’ve sat on this for a week now. But it’s time to share the good news. I’m so excited to let you know my chapbook manuscript, INVOCATIONS, was recently selected by Kwame Dawes and Chris Abani for the 2021 box set of the New Generation African Poets.

It will be published by APBF and Akashic Books in 2021!🕺🏾💃🏽…”

Attached to it was the screenshot of an acceptance mail from APBF informing him of the selection.

The editors of the series, Kwame Dawes and Chris Abani selected his Invocations as well as twelve other chapbook manuscripts for the 2021 box set. The box set will be published in Spring/Summer 2021 by Akaschic Books and APBF.

The New-Generation African Poet Chapbook box set series is an annual project started in 2014 to ensure the publication of chapbooks by African poets through Akashic Books. The series seeks to identify the best poetry written by African poets working today, and it is especially interested in featuring poets who have not yet published their first full-length book of poetry.

Adebayo Kolawole Samuel wouldn’t be the only Nigerian to be featured in the series. The last box set which is slated for publication on the 8th of September, 2020 features Adedayo Adeyemi Agarau’s chapbook, Origin of Name.

Some other previously featured Nigerians include Chekwube O. Danladi, Ejiofor Ugwu, Gbenga Adesina, Chielozona Eze, Peter Akinlabi, Inua Ellams and others.

Congrats Kolawole!