So much of my life has been governed by immigration and subsequent attempts to reconnect with my Nigerian heritage and identity. Working on Tusk was an opportunity to do just that, but through another lens. My father is an Edo man, born in Edo State which is where Benin City was located. Writing this series of poems meant I could explore this part of my world, of my heritage, my father’s ancestors, and the cultural riches that were stolen from them.
Born in Nigeria, Inua Ellams is an internationally acclaimed poet, playwright and performer. His poetry collections include Candy Coated Unicorns and Converse All Stars, Thirteen Fairy Negro Tales, #Afterhours and The Half God of Rainfall. His plays include The 14th Tale, Black T-shirt Collection and Barber Shop Chronicles, which sold out its run at the National Theatre, and received rave reviews at the Royal Exchange. An electrifying performer, Inua regularly explores themes of identity, displacement and destiny in his work.