Interview with Mercy Olagunju: From a Love for Writing to Becoming the Inaugural Poet of OAU

Good day Readers, this week we bring you an amazing writer and poet, Miss Mercy Olagunju, the Third Inaugural Poet of OAU.

Good day, can you share your story, from discovering your passion for writing to becoming the Inaugural Poet of OAU? 

I had always been into writing. It’s difficult to pin down exactly when it started, but I grew to know that expressing myself on paper gives me a kind of joy. I grew up this way, not thinking much of it, until the COVID-19 break when I got a 1% insight into what writing could be. My friends called me ‘Epistle’ because I wrote birthday messages, composed essays, and helped with essay assignments. Not too long after, I started to see even more potential, and now, I’m still learning more about writing.

What sparked your passion for poetry, and do you explore other genres in your writing? 

My poetry journey was quite different. I didn’t grow up liking poetry; the poems I came across felt too plain, like nursery rhymes. But in art class during my senior year, I was introduced to dynamic poets and the beauty of poetry—the creativity and life it carries. That’s where I fell in love. Listening to poems deepened that love, and when I came across ‘Havy,’ the poet behind “The Girl in the English Class,” poetry sparked in me like fire. It became so alive that without it, I felt too dry. Poetry is a powerful form of expression that heals from the inside of the poet to the inside of the audience. Yes, I do explore other genres in writing.

What themes and messages do you aim to convey through your poems, and can you share a favorite piece and its inspiration? 

I focus on the beauty of humanity and the totality of existence, including the worst of all life’s occurrences. I want my readers or listeners to accept themselves, see more in their existence, love their flaws, and stay strong through this journey called life. One piece I’m proud of is “Woman,” a performance for the OAU Most Beautiful Girl competition. It was meant to appreciate the dynamism of the woman tribe.

So Miss Mercy Olagunju, what do you think is important about pen names?

Pen names help with the accessibility of personalities. It’s a means of branding too—just a word, and whoever hears it knows who is being referred to. It makes your voice distinct and stands you out.

Describe your literary influences, writing routine, and creative process.

I study poems by other writers almost every day, and when I’m busy, I make sure to analyze a poem at least two or three days a week. I also study the structuring of written works. As regards a writing routine, I don’t have a strict writing routine for now, but I try to write at least half the days in a week, whether it’s poems or other genres. Creativity comes from my consistent exposure to the art—surrounding myself with items in my art as much as possible.

What was the moment like when you found out you were selected as the inaugural poet of OAU? 

That moment was surreal. It was announced after the contest in the SUB TV show room, and because it was totally unexpected, I broke down physically and emotionally😂. The reality was heavy; walking back to my hostel and receiving compliments made me check again and again if it was all real. I kept wondering how the Mercy Olagunju I had always known had suddenly become the third Inaugural Poet of OAU. It was something I wished and worked for, but sometimes you don’t feel like you’ve done enough to deserve something that big. It was a weighty title, and I couldn’t just believe it all at once.

As the youngest inaugural poet, Miss Mercy Olagunju, what challenges and opportunities did you face, and how did you approach writing for this occasion? 

The first opportunities were immediate performance gigs and features that were not easy to come by before. I met big names in the society and even outside OAU, and influencers across different spaces showed support. This strengthened my stamina as a poet and echoed my career. Being an inspiration to young people, showing that age isn’t a barrier to big achievements, is a huge win for me. The challenges included adapting to the quick change in status. I was a regular student, and suddenly, I was holding a highly sought-after title. I made adjustments, and there were other demands I wasn’t prepared for. There was also managing the pressure of more eyes watching and the higher standards now attached to my personality. The expectations and responsibilities are a lot, but I’ve had to push through.

What books, authors, and genres do you enjoy reading, and how do they influence your writing? 

I don’t like restricting myself to certain authors. I read widely because I believe there’s always something to learn from everywhere, even outside my niche. The books I read help me observe the construction of works of art, and the more I read, the faster my creative flow when constructing my own pieces.

How do you overcome writer’s block or stay inspired, and what motivates you to continue writing? 

When I have writer’s block, I take a break from creating and watch other creators. I feel like a dry well that needs time to gather more water. I immerse myself in other artists’ works, listen to music, and read on the themes I’m working on. My biggest motivation to keep writing is my past as a writer option. I am motivated by the stories of others as well and believe if they can then I can and even in a bigger way I’ve started writing, and I plan to write until my last breath. I can take breaks, but stopping is not an

Aside from writing, what other activities or passions do you enjoy? 

I sing—I really love music. I own a styling brand, I make dresses, and I draw (not like the detailed fine artists), though I haven’t explored it as much as necessary. Drawing is a silent escape for me when I get really tense. I enjoy art exhibitions, I create video content (on a low key too), and I like traveling, though I dislike the stress that comes with travelling on of Nigerian roads 🥲😅. I also love the art of fashion.

How are you adjusting to the rising fame, and what do you hope your readers take away from your work?

I’ve been speaking with more influential people who guide me on handling this new title. I would say I’m adjusting much better now than when I first started as the third Inaugural Poet. To everyone reading this: know that everyone has wishes for something big, but not all who desire things achieve them. See the journey to achievement as a battle you MUST fight. There will be hard days, but only those who persevere will get the crown.

What advice would you give to young and new writers, and what message would you like to share with your readers? 

To new writers: read more, but don’t just read like every other reader—read like a writer. Analyze the construction of pieces, surround yourself with artists in your niche, and explore other art forms. Don’t limit yourself. If you’ve started, make a vow never to stop writing. Maintain a habit of expressing yourself through your art, whether or not you feel like it or whether or not what you write meets your expectations. And to everyone else: HAVE A DREAM, LET IT PUSH YOU AND MAKE EVERY SECOND COUNT

You won’t start winning immediately. I have been denied, mocked, and have failed multiple times. I’ve regretted, cried, and thought about giving up countless times. What brought me here is that I never stopped pushing. If you can be persistent, nothing is impossible. Good luck! 😊

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So there you have it readers, an exclusive interview with the exceptional writer, Mercy Olagunju. Let us know your comments and for more interviews like this, click here.