What is the difference between modern and traditional Nigerian poetry?

To
contrast modern Nigerian poetry from traditional Nigerian poetry, it is important to understand
that there are essentially four generations of Nigerian poets: Pre-Colonial, Colonial,
Post-Colonial, and Contemporary.

Multi-ethnic populations in the area, such
as the Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Efik, and others, certainly respected poetry in their own historical
way, long before the arrival of white colonialists. For example, the Igbo delivered oral poems
with nocturnal voices, mostly at funerals, before colonialism took place.

Famous poets in Nigeria, including Christopher Okigbo, Dennis Osadebe, Wole Soyinka,
Chinua Achebe, and John Pepper-Clark, and many others, eventually became influenced by Western
education. Their poetry reflected Western attitudes, which transformed the Nigerian poetry
scene. The poetry of these Western-educated men was mostly intended for academic study instead
of cultural and social relevance. They wrote poems that aimed to undermine colonialism. They
certainly moved away from traditional Nigerian poetry.

The end of colonialism
in Nigeria was also transformational. Nigerian poets under colonialism wrote poetry that they
learned directly from the white colonialists. Post-colonial poets wrote in a completely
different style. During the post-independence period, poets such as Niyi Osundare, Onwuchekwa
Jemie, and many others wrote poetry in a very different form.

In the 1980s,
the Nobel Prize forwas awarded to Post-Colonial poet Wole Soyinka, which put a spotlight on the
talent within the poetry community in Nigeria. Marxist poets such as Odia Ofeimun and Niyi
Osundare are actively engaged in improving the quality of Nigerian poetry and eradicating its
colonial mentality. Afam Akeh and Sesan Ajayi, among others, are famous leaders of the
post-colonial poets.

In modern times, poetry in Nigeria is influenced and
inspired by an increasing social awareness. Contemporary Nigerian poets like Uche Peter Umez,
Remi Raji, Obi Nwakanma, Ogaga Ifowodo, and many others, are constantly writing poems
practically everyday. Poets from around the world appreciate and respect Nigerian poets and the
countrys literary talent. Nigerian poets are talented writers and social justice advocates who
take a stand. Nowadays, Nigerian poets are committed to social justice
reform.