Baba-Aminu, also COO of Spine & Label, said his work draws on experiences dating back to his early years in Kaduna and his time at university. He said he is currently working on a short story collection and a forthcoming Africanfuturist novel titled ‘The Herdsboy’, expected in 2027.
SATURDAY April 18, over a hundred guests were treated to a stimulating session of reading and conversations with the journalist-writer Abdulkareem Baba-Aminu as he read from his debut poetry collection, ‘Kill The Poet, Save The World!’, published by Masobe Books.
Hosted by Maryam Bukar-Hassan, UN Global Advocate for Peace and spoken-word performer, the reading witnessed by diplomats and literary enthusiasts, marked the first live presentation of the title, which has already sold out its initial print run.
Baba-Aminu read eight poems spanning nearly two decades of writing, blending older works with more recent pieces in what he described as an effort to make readers “feel something, anything.” Audience members responded with sustained applause following each reading.
The event underscored the growing profile of Abuja’s literary scene, with attendees including Italian Ambassador Roberto Mengoni, Spanish Deputy Head of Mission Maria Higon Velasco, Hajiya Maryam Uwais, and Major General HT Wesley, alongside prominent Nigerian writers and cultural figures.
Guests included poet/novelists Umar Abubakar Sidi and Richard Ali, award-winning filmmaker Sebari Diette-Spiff, authors Edify Yakusak, Odafe Atogun, Nkereuwem Albert, Chukwunonso Okafor, fabric designer/poet Star Zahra, book influencers Maryam Laushi and Ibrahim Faruk (also known as BookCoversAndTea), as well as FlameTree Workshop alumnus/writer Mariam Abdullahi, Spanish Cultural Attaché Eva Barta Martin, and others.
“It’s quite heartening to see such a healthy turn-out for a poetry collection’s inaugural event,” said Hadiza Bello, a guest. “These are numbers usually reserved for big-name literary stars,” she said, adding that it is clear Baba-Aminu has debuted into “poetic stardom” from all indications.
Baba-Aminu, also COO of Spine & Label, said his work draws on experiences dating back to his early years in Kaduna and his time at university. He said he is currently working on a short story collection and a forthcoming Africanfuturist novel titled ‘The Herdsboy’, expected in 2027.
Spine & Label, the bookstore, where the event was held, has emerged as a key venue for literary gatherings in Nigeria’s capital, hosting readings and discussions that bring together authors and readers.
