Adetola. Poet & Spoken Word Artist

Adetola is a Poet and Spoken Word Artist from Pretoria in South Africa. She has been working in the Poetry Industry for two years.

How did you get into your field? What inspired you?

‘Growing up in South Africa as a Nigerian gave me a lot to write about, both as a Black Female and still being being viewed as an outsider. I also loved English, Poetry and Drama however I found that my writing was where I could express myself best.’

What did you study at university and did this help you get into your field?

‘I studied Kinesiology at the University of Calgary and no I don’t feel it helped me nor does it have anything to do with my poetry. If anything being in such a white dominated degree in a foreign country made me withdraw into myself more. I found myself pretending and losing awareness of who I was. I felt I had to push myself even more and hear my voice outside of my own mind in order to deal with all my feelings.’

Do you recommend any particular studies, courses or degrees for your field?

‘I don't think anything can prepare you for a life of exposing yourself emotionally. Of course there are people who study english and poetry and create amazing pieces but that doesn’t guarantee that you'll be a spoken word artist. You can definitely be a spoken word artist and not study any poetry and language at all.’

What does an average day look like in your role?

‘Since I am still in school most of my time is spent studying. However when I'm not at school I'm playing squash (pre-covid of course), writing, going to shows or watching them online. Right now I work at the mall selling leather shoes and accessories and planning events. I started the African Caribbean Students Association at the University of Calgary with my sister and friends and we did that for 2 years before passing the torch onto the next generation.'

‘I do find myself leaning towards event planning and social media marketing. I recently started an organisation with some friends called Change YYC, a community organisation that aims to raise awareness for marginalised groups in Calgary through art, performance and workshops. Our first fundraiser raised almost $6000 and we're planning to do even more with our organisation so I'm looking forward to that!’

What is the best part of your role?

‘The people. The people that I've met have completely changed my life and my world - they have expanded it exponentially. When you're exposed to so many diverse voices you realise how small your world is. There is always more to write about, people you haven't met yet, places you haven’t seen, feelings you haven't felt. I listen and talk to people who inspire me and I also inspire them. You form a connection with strangers that can then become friends and allies - that's the beauty of what writing, performing and art does.’

What is the worst part of your role?

‘The anxiety. It's always funny seeing the reactions I get when I tell people I'm scared to perform. I love to perform but every time I get on stage I'm conquering a fear. Stepping onto stage is the scariest thing. I can lose myself in the poem and forget once I start but I physically shake before I get there. I don't want to say its the worst part of my role, because in my opinion there is nothing bad about what I do, but it's definitely the hardest part for sure.’

How important is work/life balance to you and how much spare time do you have?

‘I hate spare time, my boyfriend always tells me to plan time for myself and I constantly fail to. I do love to spend time by myself but I also love to work, I love to volunteer, I love to perform, I love to plan events and I love to exercise. Right now anything that isn't school is my spare time. School isn't something that I am the best at though so it does contribute significantly to my stress. My poetry and writing and going to events is what balances that out.’

‘Together, all of those things don't leave me with a lot of spare time but I don't mind. As long as I get to bed at the end of the day and eat a good meal I'm great!’

Do you have any hobbies?

‘Squash (pre covid), I love watching Korean Dramas, Knitting, Drawing and Writing.’

Do you have any advice for people looking to start a career in the same field?

‘Put yourself out there. It can be scary at first but when you find out what you can do or how you can improve there will be this driving force inside you, a fire lit inside of you and you'll get the performing bug. Go to open mics and sign up for slams. You can always watch before your try yourself. If you end up not liking it that's fine too!’

Have you ever experienced any uncertainties about your career? What did you do to overcome them?

‘I didn't think anybody would care honestly. I thought why would people sit and listen to me?’

‘As I continued performing I realised that this isn't just about getting people to listen to me, I am doing this for the people who maybe need to hear what I have to say. The people feeling what I feel or don't know how to say how they feel. The ones who come up to me after a show and say "I needed that" and often, truthfully, so did I. My uncertainties lay with fearing connection and I overcame it by finding it.’

Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?

‘Her name is Puno Selesho, she is a South African poet and spoken word artist. She was the first artist I ever saw live back home. Back then she was helping run an open mic in a little restaurant at the local park and I have never been so sucked into a human being’s words before. Through the way she speaks, carries herself and her words, I can tell she always believes in what she’s saying. She’s put in the hours and continues to succeed. She’s open about her trials, her fears and her challenges and I see myself in her. She makes me feel less alone. When I think back to the first time I listened to her poetry it almost brings me to tears. She is unbelievably unwavering in her convictions and her feelings. I only hope to one day meet her and watch her perform again.’