A Momentous Overview of the Challenges and Victories of Orality & Literacy in Modern African Poetry

Abstract

This paper is poised to examine the early African poets, with particular reference to their use of style and language. It was observed that their writing was more or less like a copy of their European counterparts. They were thoroughly, criticized for the use of imported imageries and attitudes. A new wave of poetic style gave way to a new heritage, which has different themes on love, politics, sorrow, and cruelty, which can be used for different occasions. We argue that  modern African poetry has come a long way in translating the literary tradition of the African folks into African poetry that is known today.