From the advent of independence, Africans have written and published poetry about political struggles, social issues, female empowerment, and freedom.

 

They wrote about prevailing issues at the time their nations achieved independence, and the cultural struggles emerging from clashes between a traditional society and a new modern society. 

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As Kevin Young observes in his introduction to “African American poetry: 250 years of struggle and song”, the very act of composing poetry proves a form of protest. 

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Indeed, poetry is deeply steeped within traditional African culture in the form of incantations, recitals, and songs. 

 

This collection is drawn from the struggles and betrayals of a people that had hoped for a change for the better, but are encumbered by a regime that has reigned for thirty six continuous years and is determined to hold on. 

 

Their struggles are no longer against colonial powers but against new colonialists that look just like them.