TO many, poetry is too abstract and not very easy to relate with like other genres of arts, especially music and drama. But with a CD containing a collection of performance poetry, which could be listened to like songs, it becomes real and worthy of being enjoyed by all.Last week, culture and arts enthusiast Yemisi Shyllon, educationists, media executives, friends, schoolmates and family members converged at the 1960 Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos for the launch of a musical poetry by Akeem Lasisi.The well-attended event witnessed different renditions and performances of poems in the CD as well as other presentations from artistes including Beautiful Nubia, who dished out two of his hit tracks.The Proprietor, Victory Group of Schools, Chief Francis Olaniyan, who narrated the personal relationship he has built with the author as a teacher in his school, eulogized the artistic prowess of Lasisi, saying, 'indeed, he has taken poetry to the next level by giving it life.' Olaniyan said the bundles of talent deposited in Lasisi deserve the support of all and sundry.He insisted that all hands must be on deck to encourage people who are gifted with one talent or the other in the arts and wants to take arts as a profession.According to the Founder, Omoba Yemisi Shyllon Art Foundation, Yemisi Shyllon, for Nigeria to experience true development, the country must have a system that encourages tapping resources in the arts to promote development. He said though he was happy to be at the event because the programme was about culture and arts, he was sad because of the deteriorating state of things. He took a swipe at Nigerian musicians, especially the hip-hop artistes because their songs, he decried, 'do not elevate the soul neither do they promote thoughtful thinking.'In his brief remarks, Chike Ofili praised Lasisi's versatility, saying, he is so much thrilled by his talent that he now sees poetry from a different perspective and could be a companion.In a chat, Lasisi says he is extremely grateful and happy for the support he enjoys from all before and during the launch and for people believing in what he and his team is doing.
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