Nigerian writer, Oyelola Ogunrinde Makes the 2025 Live Canon Int’l Poetry Competition Longlist

Yinka Olatunbosun

Nigerian journalist and writer, Oyelola Ogunrinde has been selected for the 2025 Live Canon International Poetry Competition longlist. The award has been in existence for more than ten years in the UK and was won by the Nigerian-British poet, Inua Ellams in 2014.

For this year’s edition, The Beekeeper of Heligan by Lauren Thomas was the overall winning work. This was revealed on Thursday October 23 during an online event on Thursday 23rd October that featured as guest judge Nina Murray, a poet and translator celebrated for her powerful, often unsettling lyricism, praised the winning poem and the entire collection, noting the high calibre and thematic diversity of the entries.

The selection process for the Live Canon prize is rigorous, with judges focusing intensely on technical skill, emotional depth and originality.

Being on the longlist is an indication that a poem possesses not only literary merit but also the unique ability to stand out in a blind judging process against thousands of competing works. Oyelola’s poem “Laughter” tells the joy of giving birth and what a child inherits from a parent in a lyrical form.The child tells how the smile of his own mother curves his smile into laughter.

The poem “Laughter” is a heartwarming portrayal of the tender bond between a Father, mother and child. The verses beautifully capture the joy, love and innocence relationship, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

The poet skillfully weaves imagery and metaphor to convey the depth of their connection, highlighting the ways in which laughter serves as a bridge between generations. The language is simple yet evocative, making the poem accessible and relatable, how couples meet and bond with each other.

The exploration of themes such as love, comfort, and memory adds richness to the poem, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with maternal love. Overall, “Laughter” is a touching tribute to the enduring power of a mother’s love and the cherished moments shared with her child.