Egbunike's 'Incantations' Explores Ancestral Voices as Poetic Invocation
For the author of the poetry collection 'Incantations', Nwachukwu Egbunike, it has become profoundly necessary to delve into the magnetic pull of ancestral voices, discovering poetry as a form of invocation, a vital bridge, and a living fire that connects generations. Speaking during his book presentation and engaging conversations held at Alliance Francaise in Lagos recently, he articulated that in African tradition, an incantation transcends being merely a chant.
Poetry as a Spiritual Dialogue
To Egbunike, it is poetry spoken with the intent to open doors between the living and the ancestors, the visible world and the unseen realms. He describes the act of writing poems as a profound calling, where he carries ancient rhythms onto the page, skillfully blending beauty, ritual, and the heartbeat of everyday life. His poetic journey navigates through two distinct worlds, deeply shaped by his Catholic faith and rich Igbo heritage.
He explained that some of his poems carry the heavy weight of grief, where silence echoes with the palpable presence of those who have passed into memory. In contrast, others celebrate the sheer joy of being alive, reminding readers of how fragile and precious each moment truly is. Egbunike emphasized, 'The gods are not silent. Like the Christian God, they are also forgiving. When an incantation is invoked, it's like a conversation between the living and the dead. And it is not just any conversation; they are crafted to appease the gods.'
Influence on Modern Music and Conscience
He further noted that some Christian gospel musicians, such as the late Osinachi and Tope Alabi, have embraced incantatory lines in their songs, illustrating the enduring influence of this tradition. Additionally, Egbunike highlighted that there are poems within his collection that awaken the voice of conscience, described as a light that may flicker but never completely dies out.
Speaking more about his work, Egbunike stated that 'Incantations' represents a bold and tender experiment, transforming oral tradition into written verse and inviting readers to listen closely to the echoes of the past. A renowned digital scholar and prolific writer, Egbunike is also the author of two other poetry collections, BlazingMoon and Nka!, released in 2015 and 2021 respectively.
Recognition and Literary Style
Both collections have been shortlisted for the prestigious Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Poetry, underscoring his significant contributions to the literary field. As a Senior Lecturer at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Egbunike's poetry is widely recognized for its metaphysical depth, strong cultural resonance, and penetrating imagery that captivates readers and critics alike.
