In celebration of the launch of You Still Dey Speak English? by Seun Lari-Williams.
Itanile, in partnership with Inkspired NG (founded and led by Jide Badmus), invites poets, writers, and creatives across Africa and the diaspora to take part in a bold literary challenge: Create poetry using Pidgin or local language forms that reflect real life, real culture, and real voice.
About the Contest
Language is not one thing. Across Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and the diaspora, people speak in forms that go beyond “standard English”—Pidgin, creoles, hybrid expressions, and local linguistic blends.
These languages:
- Carry culture and identity
- Connect across class and education
- Reflect everyday lived experience
Yet, they are often excluded from formal literature.
This contest exists to change that.
What You Are Asked to Do
Submit an original poem that:
- Is written in Pidgin English (primary focus) or
- Uses a local/native or hybrid English form
- Demonstrates creativity, authenticity, and cultural depth
- Reflects themes such as identity, love, struggle, community, or everyday life
You may reinterpret a known idea or create something entirely original.
Performance Requirement
This is both a writing and a performance contest.
1. Written Submission
Submit your poem through the Itanile website.
2. Video Performance
Record yourself performing your poem and post it on:
- YouTube Shorts (optional)
Then:
- Tag @itanilemag
- Use the hashtag: #YouStillDeySpeakEnglish?
Include the video links in your submission on our website.
Eligibility
This contest is open to:
- Nigerian poets and creatives
- Writers across Africa
- Members of the African diaspora
- Anyone experimenting with local or non-standard English forms
- Deadline for submission is strictly the 23rd of April, 2026.
If your work reflects lived experience and cultural expression, you are welcome to enter.
Why This Contest Matters
Language has often acted as a gatekeeper in literature—defining who is heard and who is not.
Pidgin and other local language forms challenge this.
They:
- Break down barriers between audiences
- Allow broader participation in the arts
- Create space for more authentic storytelling
This contest is about expanding what is considered literary.
About the Author’s Sponsorship
This contest is proudly supported by
Seun Lari-Williams, author of You Still Dey Speak English?
His work demonstrates that Pidgin can:
- Carry poetic depth
- Reinterpret classic literature
- Serve as a powerful tool for cultural expression
This contest extends that vision—inviting others to explore language in equally bold and creative ways.
Prizes
We are rewarding bold, original, and culturally grounded work:
🥇 First Place — ₦100,000 + a copy of You Still Dey Speak English?
🥈 Second Place — ₦50,000 + a copy of the book
🥉 Third Place — ₦25,000 + a copy of the book
Timeline
- Submissions Open: 08/04/2026
- Submission Deadline: 23/04/2026
- Winners Announced: April 28 (Launch Day)
Winners will be expected to do a live performance of their work on the launch day.
How to Enter
- Write your poem
- Record your performance
- Post your video (tag + hashtag)
- Submit your entry via our submission page.
Submission Guidelines
- All entries must be original work
- Entries must follow the language and performance requirements
- Multiple submissions are allowed (optional—adjust if needed)
- Ensure your video is publicly accessible
Final Note
This contest is not about perfect language.
It is about authentic expression.
We encourage entries that are:
- Bold
- Experimental
- Rooted in real experience
