Interview with Ocheni Kazeem Oneshojo

Published in Issue No. 2, Vox Novum, Issue No. 3, Pulsus Litterae, and Issue No. 4, Musa et Verbum.

My name is Ocheni Kazeem Oneshojo. I was born on the 25th of October. I am a poet, playwright, and essayist from Nigeria, West Africa. I am from the Northern region of Nigeria. I love writing!

Interview published in Issue No. 6, Scriba Vita, March 1st, 2025.

What inspired you to write the piece(s) that was published in Everscribe? Can you share the story behind it?

One of my poems that got published in the second issue of Everscribe, "A smile in Agony," was inspired by a young lady I fell in love with secretly for months. "A smile in Agony” came up and I wrote about it. My second poem, "Mother Abujá; one who settles fight," was inspired by the story my mother told me about a River that came up due to disagreement between two brothers. "Oldmar's plea: the biblical verses" was inspired by the way I see how people treat nature and how nature is dying. I wrote the poem from a biblical perspective.

What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your work?

I often explore the theme of death, love, pain, agony, peace and social justice. Most of the themes I portrayed in my poems are universal in nature and this tends to spread the whole message I want to pass.

How has your writing evolved since you started? Are there any particular influences that have shaped your style?

My writing have evolved continually to my perseverance and passion to continue to write. I make us of simplistic language to explore sophisticated themes and subject matter. Wole Soyinka, Williams Wordsworth, Samuel T. Coleridge, Williams Shakespeare and Niyi Osundare influenced my writing. I started as a novice in poetry, but now, I even write to the extent of been nominated for a Pushcart award.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring authors, what would it be?

I would advise them not to ever give up. The culture of a good author is to continue to write as if he didn't write, he is going to die. If I don't write in a day, I do feel incomplete. Also, for an author to succeed, you have to study other authors of your genre work too, and respect their work and dedication.

Are there any upcoming projects or works in progress that you’re particularly excited about?

I am currently working on publishing my debut poetry collection. I would upload it on Amazon for readers to enjoy. The book should be out next year by God's grace.

How can readers find you and see more of your work?

Readers can find me on my Twitter handle @KazeemOcheni(Black Orpheus), they can also find me on Facebook @Ocheni Kazeem Oneshojo, they can also find me through my Gmail ochenikazeem025@gmail.com