Arewa Poetry Review has opened its call for submissions, inviting poets from Northern Nigeria to submit original works that reflect the region’s complex identities, histories, and hopes.
Dedicated to preserving and amplifying the poetic voices of the north, Arewa Poetry Review (APR) aims to use poetry as a tool for reflection, resistance, and renewal. At a time when Northern Nigeria is undergoing significant political, and cultural transformation, APR is positioning poetry as a medium to bear witness, to remember, and to reimagine.
Editors are seeking poems that delve into themes of heritage, spirituality, conflict, landscape, politics, and identity. Whether in free verse, traditional forms, or experimental styles, submissions should engage deeply with what it means to be from the north — honoring the old while confronting the present and envisioning the future.
Submission Guidelines:
- Submissions are open to poets of Northern Nigerian descent — from the North West, North East, and North Central regions.
- Both emerging and established poets are encouraged to apply.
- All submissions must be previously unpublished.
- Writers may submit 1–3 poems in a single Word document, with each poem beginning on a new page. Poems should not exceed two pages each and must be formatted in a readable font such as Garamond or Times New Roman, size 12, single-spaced.
- A brief third-person bio (maximum 100 words) should be included at the end of the document. In the body of the submission email, poets should state their name, location, and ethnic or tribal heritage — not for gatekeeping, but to celebrate the diversity of the region.
- Submissions should be emailed to arewapoetryreview@gmail.com with the subject line: Submission – [Your Name].
The reading period will span June to July, with acceptance and rejection notices sent out by August by which the selected poems will be compiled into APR’s annual anthology, which will be published digitally.
The submission window runs from April 14 to June 14.
For inquiries, poets may contact: arewapoetryreview@gmail.com
Best of luck to all applicants!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
