* Professor Niyi Osundare, a renowned Nigerian poet and academic from Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria, has been selected to receive the prestigious “Golden Key of Smederevo” award at the 56th International Poetry Festival in Smederevo, Serbia, from October 15 to 17, 2024.
This esteemed recognition is awarded annually to a distinguished poet and includes a gilded replica of the city’s key, publication of a bilingual poetry book, and a €1,000 monetary prize. Osundare’s impressive literary portfolio boasts over 20 poetry collections, four plays, and numerous monographs and articles on literature, language, culture, and society.
His works have been translated into multiple languages, showcasing his global appeal. The Awards Committee praises Osundare as “one of the most prominent African poets, scholars, and intellectuals” of our time, highlighting his deep connection to African culture. His poetry bridges cultural divides, telling stories that resonate globally while keeping Africa at the heart of his creative imagination. His critique of contemporary global movements advocates for a more human-centered world, as expressed in his poem “I Sing of Change.”
