PROTEST POETRY IN AFRICAN LITERATURE (A SURVEY OF SIX POEMS)

HENRY OBURU ONYEDIBIA
Abstract
Literature is one of the bedrocks of the African civilisation and also a faithful keeper of the
cultures of its peoples. Perhaps, we may recall the stories told about fictional wars fought in realnon-existent worlds; the marvelous and convincing folklores and fairytales; tortoise exceptional
tricks; spirits appearing as old women to rescue the innocent and burdened etc. You may also
have been to the village play-ground or listened to the aged men hum poems of variable topics;
ranging from praise, criticism ofsome anti-norm and social behaviours. This paper examined the
use of language among some writers of the Apartheid era in Africa, and the reasons for such
meticulousness. It realized that it a language strategy to deter the forces of oppression against
those who would speak against it.

Introduction
Drama and poetry, especially the latter, has been very effective form of protesting against the ills
of society and exposing mischievous deeds, ranging from stealing, adultery, rape, gullibility,
entertainment etc.At this stage of African poetry, it was much more communal. The village song
groups always had their ears and eyes wide open to catch glimpse of some funny or heart-rending
events to relate to the people during the festival seasons.