Keesh Roland wins Kayode Aderinokun Poetry Prize as LABAF honours legacy of donor
By Majekodunmi Ebhohon
THE grand finale of the Kayode Aderinokun Poetry Prize (KAPP) delivered an unforgettable climax at the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) 2025, as three outstanding poetry performers emerged winners in a night filled with artistry, celebration, and history. After two days of electrifying performances, Keesh Roland clinched the coveted first prize, receiving the symbolic ₦1,000,000, to loud applause from the packed audience. His performance was described as “commanding and deeply felt,” marking him as one of the most exciting voices of the new poetic generation.
Coming in second place, Feli Speaks captured the audience with powerful orature and received ₦500,000, while Jeremiah Priest, whose performance blended intensity and lyricism, secured third place with ₦300,000.
The atmosphere was charged with emotion, not only because of the competition but also because the evening doubled as a celebration of the birthday of Chief Kayode Aderinokun himself, the prize’s namesake, a prolific author and poet, and Chairman of the Board of the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA). His influence and commitment to literary development were widely acknowledged, with performers and guests rising to sing for him in a warm, heartfelt tribute.
Chief Aderinokun expressed gratitude to CORA, LABAF organizers, the judges, and the young performers whose creativity gives life to the prize. He emphasized the need for continued investment in the literary arts and praised the courage and discipline of the finalists.
The KAPP finale reaffirmed the prize’s position as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant platforms for emerging poets, highlighting the transformative power of performance poetry and its ability to inspire, challenge, and unite.unite.
On the first day, Wednesday, November 12, the poetry performance acts lit up the stage with spectacular displays of talent, energy, and raw eloquence, as young poets showed their stuffs in the early rounds of the coveted contest. Young poets and performers brought these stakes to life with performances that captivated the audience.
Among the standout performers were Borokinni, Lorile, Roberts David, Michael Steven, Feli Speaks, Michael Adeyemi Gnaho (MAG), and Keesh Roland. Each artist delivered with remarkable stage presence, eloquence, and energy, leaving attendees and judges alike in awe.
A highlight of the evening was the presence of Chief Kayode Aderinokun, businessman and poet and current Trustee Board Chair of the Committee of Relevant Art (CORA), whose projects include the Lagos Book and Art Festival, BookTrek and resource library. Chief Aderinokun commended the young performers and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence in the arts.
The semifinals will be unveiled. Seventeen contestants moved forward, edging closer to the coveted top prizes. Poetry enthusiasts and festival-goers are eagerly awaiting the next stage of the competition. The Kayode Aderinokun Poetry Prize continues to cement its reputation as a significant platform for nurturing Nigeria’s poetic talent and celebrating the power of words on stage.
Winners of Chief Kayode Aderinokun Poetry Prize
