I write when I have something to say - Balema Denja Abdulrazak

 

I WRITE WHEN I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY - BALEMA DENJA ABDULRAZAK

 

 Balema Denja Abdulrazak is a poet and an essayist currently the Coordinator of Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Federal University, Lokoja Chapter). In this short interview with Wole Adedoyin, he speaks on his life and writing.

 SYNW: WHY DO YOU WRITE?

BDA: People write for a variety of reasons. For some, it is a career, for others, a hobby. Some write because it helps them to sort out their feelings. Some have a story to tell. And some write because nothing in the world makes them happier. 

For me, the question why do I write can be answered following the beginning of my existence? 

My deep passion for writing began at my early age when I was 10 to 12 years old. My dad worked at the library and also being the CEO of a printing press and graphics company where varieties of publications, books and letters were been printed and published in the late 90s. He often brought home various kinds of books and Newspapers for me and my siblings to read together. We developed the culture of reading at least four to five hours daily (Specifically every Sundays). 

I write when I have something to say. It is a must duty for me to share my thoughts, feelings, knowledge, and advice. I write because I look up to great writers, and I want to become one of them. The craft is sacred, but then, I want to honor it by also becoming a great writer. 

SYNW: WHICH WRITER DO YOU ADMIRE?

BDA: I really cannot say there is a particular Writer which I admire because it is never easy to be a writer. Therefore, every work been written is worth reading, appreciated and admired by me. But if I'm forced to mention writer who I currently admire his works, I think that should be  Late Chinua Achebe. I admire him as a writer and profound author of numerous books which has cut across the entire continent of Africa, and has also inspired generations of African writers and changed the landscape of Nigerian and African literature.

SYNW:  WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? ARE THERE ANY AUTHORS (LIVING OR DEAD) THAT YOU WOULD NAME AS INFLUENCE?

I'm presently reading a book titled "The Trouble with Nigeria" written by the Late Chinua Achebe.

SYNW:  WHAT WAS THE BOOK THAT MOST INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE — AND WHY?

Every book I read so far has influenced my life in one way or the other. But to list one amongst many is a book titled "The Fate of Africa" written by Martin Meredith. This book is all about the history of the fifty years of self-governing in Africa.

This book has influenced my life because the level of brutality and corruption is exposed and elucidated relentlessly. Crimes against humanity are so common that one wonders why the cycle is so self-perpetuating. This book have also made me know and understand little about Africa's history, whether before or after independence; now I have a better idea about the political events that followed the latter. 

To clarify up front the reason for why this book have influence me. This is because it is an essential work in understanding Africa today, and it flows in a highly readable format.

SYNW: WHAT ARE YOUR 10 FAVORITE BOOKS —AND WHY?

DBA: * There Was A Country

* The Fate of Africa

* Things Fall apart

* The Lion and the Jewel

* The Troubles with Nigeria

* The Concubine

* Leadership

* The God's Are Not To Be Blame

* Sweet Sixteen

* Gifted Hand

They are all inspiring books in relation to politics, good governance and most especially they are also fertile books comprising of historical facts about African history and cultures.

SYNW: FAVORITE FILMS?

DBA: For me, I'm not really a fan of movie neither do I spend time watching one. But the only film I could remember I loved so much back then and will perhaps remain my favorite movie would be "The God's Are Not To Be Blame", a play written by Ola Rotimi. I watched this movie far back about 10years ago in a weekly program called Super Story, showed on a popular African TV station. 

SYNW: FAVORITE MUSIC?

DBA: I don't really think I have any favorite music. I only listen to songs whenever I'm less busy and as such, I listen to all kinds of music.

SYNW:  IF YOU HAD A BOOK CLUB, WHAT WOULD IT BE READING — AND WHY?

DBA: If I had a book club, it would be reading hub for only creative works. This type of book club will be great for those who like to choose their own books and who like to share a good read with others. Members might just talk about one book that they loved and why, but depending on how many are in the group, could talk about two or three books or maybe a single author’s work. This is a great way to find out about new books and to amplify a book or author that you admire, too.

SYNW: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS TO GIVE — AND GET — AS GIFTS?

DBA: * Things Fall Apart

* Fate Of Africa

* The Lion and the Jewel

SYNW: GIVE US THREE "GOOD TO KNOW" FACTS ABOUT YOU. BE CREATIVE. TELL US ABOUT THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WRITING.

DBA: My inspirations for writing can be explain in three forms

(i). I gets most of my ideas and things I write by noticing everyday happenings things and considering them in different ways.

(ii). I’ll have some idea or see something or an event will strike me in a certain way. I’ll string it along immediately and think of where it could lead and where it could go. I think of a story and write sometimes. 

(iii). Most often I write variety of articles base on my personal research been conducted to enable me have accurate and concrete information and idea of what I'm writing about.

SYNW: WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT YOUR READERS TO KNOW? CONSIDER HERE YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES, YOUR INTERESTS AND HOBBIES, YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO UNWIND — WHATEVER COMES TO MIND. 

DBA: What I'm interested in doing basically is writing. And also my hobbies include reading, writing and always conducting research. The best way to unwind whatever comes my mind is to get a book and start reading.