With his new poetry piece ‘Distant Daily Ijó / YNWA’ and the striking visuals that come with it, British Nigerian artist, poet, playwright and performer YOMI SODE is paying homage to black music and culture, and the safe space that black music such as grime and afro-beats have been providing black bodies over the years. While some often deem our spaces and cultures as dangerous and life-threatening even, they feel like home to us, and whether it is ‘Distant Daily Ijó’ exploring the constant dance we’re in that gets us through life, or ‘YNWA’, which celebrating how music helps us through our best and worst moments, Yomi Sode has delivered a gripping piece of art, superbly merging poetry and music, in ode to black survival.

1. So tell me, how did this piece begin? What sparked the creation of Distant Daily Ijo and YNWA?

Honestly, I wanted to write about my landscape, on my terms. Whether music, or a rave, or the cultures weaving within them all. I wanted to write about the feeling, the frustration and liberation. Something celebratory and something complex. DDI and YNWA are so layered. Both pieces were born out of music and language that serve a community when the world begins to pull our limbs in different directions. There's vent and solace on the dancefloor among other emotions that are relatable.

2. What about the video? How did that come about? What are the themes being explored?

The initial conversation began with Caleb Femi. We had several discussions and various poems, but we didn’t want to reflect Black trauma, knowing we had seen too much of that on our screen already this year. We kept returning to DDI though. The poem being one he remembers quite well. We spoke about the poem and what it meant to us, and he was gone lol. A few weeks later he had created a treatment and started building the team. Natalie Fiawoo came on board as producer and Elliot Barnes-Worrell joined as director. Game on!
Elliot’s vision was clear, and I love the idea of collaborating and co-existing. Most of my work is created on my own, so when the right opportunity arises to create brilliant work? I’m all for it. We wanted to explore the intricacies of brotherhood, and Elliot was keen in highlighting how (in most cases,) societal norms often trap our identity i.e. wearing clothes that you feel uncomfortable in, but you do it because you must. Because society deems this as the best way of assimilation. Elliot then reached out to actors Solomon Israel, Peter Bankole, producer Conrad Kira, and his long-time collaborator, Catherine Derry, and the rest is history.

3. Who are some artists that influence this particular piece of work?

Grime and afrobeat artists are referenced in respect of not only their work but their unapologetic nature. Language (as I mentioned earlier) has always been something I was mindful of in the past. That the ‘authentic self’ wouldn’t get you that “seat at the table” invite. The artists referenced have gone through several situations, learning along the way - and at some point, found a voice loud enough for people like me to hear. I admired that.

4. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing 'Distant Daily / YNWA' during the coronavirus pandemic?

I wanted the mandem to be in this video so bad! A gathering of friends on this nostalgic filled day. There were plans for a DJ to be on set, BMX bikers, all kinds of ideas but unfortunately, COVID prevented the bigger plans for the shoot. The number was small and thinking back, that was the best thing. So much was captured within the simplicity of the video. Shortiestyles was the stylist but we were already at capacity re numbers! This was one of the many moments we had to troubleshoot. The crew were on job though. Elliot had amazing thoughts to capture tension, happiness, sadness, and reflection. He is a patient director. I appreciated being under his guidance.

5. How would you describe your art form, whether it's poetry or theatre or music?
I enjoy writing, and I am steadily growing my career in this field via poetry, theatre and (maybe) music again at some point, with much respect and dedication in the areas in which I write in. Should I (for example) decide tomorrow to write comedy? then I will study the field in the same way I have studied areas of poetry and theatre. This is an easier way for me to enter my work going forward.

6. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I have a lot of proud moments however, I’ll always date back to 2009, after my first album launch. Invoices weren’t really a thing as much then, so it was a cash in hand thing. I made over £900 that night. When I arrived home, I gave all the money to my mum to pay the rent. I wanted her to see the potential of this, even though I did not know its potential at the time. I just wanted her to trust in me, and in this, to get it as right as I could. You know, African parents and silence are the loudest things known to mankind. Ha! So, I had to deliver somehow to prove I am not wasting my life away sha.

7. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play this mad game in the creative space?
Network.
Build your community of creatives.
Study your field.
Read! Practice and practice some more.
Source a mentor if you can.
Experiment.

INVEST in your future and have a good conversation with the financial side of your mind before starting! I’ve spent money on poetry submissions that were later rejected. Was I annoyed? Yes. Did I get that money back? No! However, even in losing money or pride in what could be deemed as losses, I have met amazing people, I have gained mentors etc. Know the reason why you are doing what you are doing.

8. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
AKS: Check out his single ‘Up & Up Heavens above’
Caleb Femi has a book out called ‘POOR’
Tongue Fu recently released ‘Boat Building,’ featuring an array of poets doing their damned thing.

9. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently? What books are you currently reading?
Audio - Wizkid: Made in Lagos
Literature - Caleb Azumah Nelson: Open Water
Playlist – Apple Music’s replay 2020.

10. What do you like to do when you're not writing, performing or creating?
Ha!
Reading/listening to music.
Gym, family time, movies, trashy tv, game shows (bit of the Chase and Catchphrase)
Thinking of more things to write about.

11. Name three things you can't live without when you are creating?
Family
A quiet space
Resources i.e. books/music etc.