In a remarkable achievement, Korede Badmus, a talented student of English and Literary Studies at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, has taken home the prestigious title of overall winner in the 2nd DKA Annual Poetry Prize, 2024. This esteemed accolade, organized by David Kunle Agunbiade, recognizes outstanding poetic talent and showcases the creativity and literary prowess of emerging voices.
The DKA Creative Writers’ Network serves as a catalyst for the growth and development of emerging writers, offering them opportunities to participate in writing contests that reward their hard work and determination. With unwavering dedication and a diligent spirit, Korede Badmus has risen above the competition, solidifying their position as a gifted poet and capturing the attention of literary enthusiasts.
Korede’s name appeared on the shortlist for the prize on March 25th, and later she was announced as the victorious recipient of the DKA Annual Poetry Prize on April 1st, 2024.
Korede’s prize-winning poem, titled ‘A Dirge of Memories’, garnered admiration and applause from the judges. One of the judges, Shane Buckland, remarked, “This poem vividly portrays various imagery as it unfolds. The pain expressed by the narrator possesses a therapeutic quality expected from poignant art. It artfully juxtaposes the wonders of nature with the challenges inherent in human existence. The final two lines of ‘The Miscarriage of a Sentient Soul within a Mortal Human Body’ offer us a glimpse of hope.”
Heidi Buckland, another judge, enthusiastically praises Korede’s poem. “The poet skillfully combines themes of betrayal, loss, and solitude, crafting a captivating, evocative, and immersive journey for the reader. Through the effective use of metaphors, the poem encapsulates the very essence of memories, prompting contemplation of the human experience.”
During an interview with PurpleWorld correspondent Grace Oni, Korede expresses her reaction to this remarkable achievement. She shares, “It was a whirlwind of emotions, to be honest. When I stumbled upon the announcement on my Facebook news feed, I felt an incredible mixture of excitement, joy, and gratitude. It was truly surreal to discover that I had emerged as the competition’s victor. That morning, I constantly refreshed the page just to ensure I wasn’t mistaken. I even went as far as toggling my data on and off to affirm the news. While I never anticipated becoming the grand winner, this victory served as validation for the time and effort I had poured into writing the poem. Moreover, it brought immense relief after the nerve-wracking period of waiting for the results. Overall, it was an incredibly rewarding experience, one that will forever hold a special place in my memory.”
She goes on to discuss the obstacles she encountered during the preparation of her entry and how she persisted in overcoming them. “One of the hurdles I encountered was finding the right balance between ambiguity and clarity in my poem. I personally appreciate when my poetry doesn’t follow a straightforward path and leaves room for interpretation. Despite this, I managed to create a satisfying piece by continuously refining it through persistence and dedication.”
During her conversation with Grace, Korede Badmus expresses profound gratitude, stating, “I cannot overstate how grateful I am for this incredible opportunity and the experience of winning this competition.” She also shares her aspirations, expressing the desire to share more of her work with the world and inspire others to write and submit their own creations.