Kiman: Songs of War! Songs of Peace! is more than just a collection of poems; it's a movement that journeys through the complexities of society and governance. It highlights how political policies often lead to poverty, inequality, and suppressed freedoms.
The poems chronicle a cycle—from devastation, frustration and rebellion to the violence of war, ultimately envisioning a world of peace and justice. Kiman calls for an ideal life where humanity is safeguarded, and peace is nurtured.
This collection, titled Kiman (meaning "A call to peace," truth, and justice), is built on 5 powerful pillars:
Kiman challenges readers to take responsibility and become " soldiers of peace," promoting love, respect, and solidarity. With its emotionally charged verses, it urges the world to heal through dialogue, empathy, and action, transcending borders and conflicts to foster a global community grounded in shared humanity.
When it was all fine and vibrant,When, not all was lost and we sought to make the best of what there was,When we could still explore the communities, And share with kids and students on education and life’s goals,
In his poignant preface, Dr. Gilbert Shang Ndi positions KIMAN: Songs of War, Songs of Peace as "a strident song to the perpetrators, the war sponsors, the abettors, the victims, the not-yet-dead, ancestors, and God," calling upon each entity to play their crucial role in banishing war from our society. Furthermore, he emphasises the necessity of confronting the pervasive violence that afflicts communities and underscores the importance of courageous peace-building initiatives. In his description of the collection, Dr. Ndi characterises it as "an aesthetic of discomfort" which serves as a compelling invitation to readers to engage directly with the stark realities and atrocities of war.
He posits that genuine peace cannot be achieved without confronting the past and comprehending the complex ramifications of conflict on individuals and communities. The collection, he posits, serves not only as a reflection of the brutality of war but also as an exemplar of hope, urging readers to envisage and strive towards a world founded upon peace, justice, and human dignity. Dr. Ndi's reflections enhance the reader's engagement with KIMAN, situating the poetry as both a call to action and a source of inspiration for fostering reconciliation and healing in the aftermath of violence. In this way, he elevates the work, positioning it as a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on peace and conflict resolution in contemporary society.
NSAIBIRNI WARREN LEE
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR, PEACE ADVOCATE, RESEARCHER
Nsaibirni Lee is a sociolinguist and peace advocate who holds an MA in Sociolinguistics and is pursuing a PhD in Discourse Analysis. His work is centered on nonviolence, reconciliation, and peace, with a particular focus on the political turmoil in his native Cameroon.
Through his engagement in writing, theatre, and youth initiatives, Nsaibirni Lee advocates for peacebuilding and healing in communities affected by conflict. His poetry provides a poignant reflection on the human cost of war, while championing a future where justice and the sanctity of life are upheld.
He is the founder of Community Peace Solutions (CPS), a youth-led association dedicated to fostering peace in communities affected by conflict. CPS creates platforms for healing and collaboration through initiatives that promote dialogue, nonviolence, and active community engagement.
AKERE-MAIMO J. ANO-EBIE
SENIOR ADVOCACY, KNOWLEDGE & COMMUNICATIONS EXPERT; WRITER/ARTIST
Akere-Maimo is a senior advocacy, knowledge management, and communications expert with over 15 years of experience working with international NGOs and the UN.
His versatile career spans Communication for Development, Advocacy, and Social Behavior Change Communication. Currently, he serves as the Community Engagement Lead for the African-led HIV Control Working Group (HCWG) at the Centre Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ). Beyond his professional roles,
Akere-Maimo is a multi-talented artist, songwriter, and the founder of TalentzAXIS, an organization dedicated to youth leadership and community development. His writing and creative work are deeply rooted in his commitment to peace and justice, inspired by his lived experiences in conflict zones and a desire to foster dialogue, empathy, and reconciliation.
Africa, the land of the rising sun and tropical sunset, In whose dead slumber there is still a glimmer of hope, A spectre of a fulfilling success!
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