Nigerian poet Romeo Oriogun has been announced as a finalist for the 2025 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award for his book, The Gathering of Bastards.
The Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, established in 1992 and administered by Claremont Graduate University, is one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding poetry prizes globally. It honors a mid-career poet whose work has had a significant impact on the art of poetry. With a prize of $100,000, the award aims to provide recipients the opportunity to focus on their craft while celebrating their accomplishments.
The Gathering of Bastards chronicles the movement of migrants as they navigate borders both internal and external. At the heart of these poems of vulnerability and sharp intelligence, the poet himself is the perpetual migrant embarked on forced journeys that take him across nations in West and North Africa, through Europe, and through American cities as he navigates the challenges of living through terror and loss and wrestles with the meaning of home.
Romeo Oriogun, originally from Nigeria, is known for his exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, identity, and survival, often drawing from his personal experiences. His earlier works, such as Sacrament of Bodies and poems featured in prominent literary journals, have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2017 Brunel International African Poetry Prize. His writing reflects an enduring commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and documenting the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
The award is judged by a panel of esteemed poets and critics, who assess works based on their artistic merit, innovation, and cultural significance. The 2025 winner will be announced on February 1st, 2025.
Congratulations Romeo Oriogun on this great win!
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Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
