Ojelabi Hosts Lagos Audience at The Ones Before You Book Reading

Benson Michael

Following a successful and widely praised reading in Ibadan last month, marketing leader and poet, Joba Ojelabi hosted Lagos readers to an intimate evening of poetry on 14 June 2025 at The Zone Tech Park in Gbagada, Lagos. The event showcased The Ones Before You, Ojelabi’s debut collection of poems published by Noirledge Publishing.

Held in an open-air setting, the event offered guests a relaxed and reflective atmosphere. Ojelabi personally read selected poems from the collection, allowing the audience to experience the work through the author’s own voice and interpretation.

A major highlight of the evening was a conversation with Ojelabi, anchored by renowned poet and publisher Servio Gbadamosi. The discussion delved into the collection’s central themes of memory, identity, love, and cultural heritage, while also exploring Ojelabi’s creative process and the importance of making poetry accessible.

Speaking at the event, Ojelabi noted, “I’m grateful for the reception the book is enjoying. However, because I understand that poetry can be a canonized form of art, I believe these conversations about the pieces and where they come from are important to help the audience connect with them. That’s why I’m hosting this event, Cocktails and Conversations.”

The gathering also featured a book signing session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage personally with Ojelabi and discuss their impressions of the work.

The Lagos event followed a successful reading in May at Roving Heights bookstore in Ibadan, which was praised for its intimate and engaging format. Building on that momentum, the Gbagada reading aimed to create a similar inclusive space for poetry lovers in Lagos.
The Ones Before You continues to receive acclaim for its exploration of shared histories, personal memory, and cultural identity, positioning it as a significant contribution to contemporary Nigerian poetry.