The Naija Poetry Fest Community held another evocative edition of its Monthly Poetic Rendezvous on Saturday, August 22, 2026, bringing together poets, writers, literature enthusiasts and members of the creative community at Alliance Française de Lagos, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi.Held in collaboration with Alliance Française de Lagos, Mike Adenuga Centre and 1000 Stories Production, the gathering was coordinated by award-winning poet and cultural advocate Godson Osarenren alongside ace actor and storyteller Kelvinmary Ndukwe. The theme, “An Empty Chair,” offered participants a contemplative space to explore loss, memory and the enduring presence of loved ones who have passed on.
Rather than presenting grief simply as the consequence of physical absence, the rendezvous explored the ways memories continue to inhabit the lives and spaces of those left behind. Through poetry, spoken word, music and conversation, participants gave voice to love, remembrance and the quiet ache of missing someone.The programme featured engaging musical performances and poetry recitations by Smart Crest Schools and Holyspice, alongside presentations from poets, writers and other members of the creative community.
Africanboyvibes added a soulful dimension to the gathering with a captivating guitar performance, while Tai Ajayi and Joseph Pere brought their individual creative expressions to the theme, deepening the emotional texture of the afternoon.
One of the most interactive moments came through a creative writing exercise facilitated by 1000 Stories. Participants were given coded words known only to those present and challenged to transform them into prompts for original poems. The exercise encouraged spontaneity and demonstrated how the same set of words could inspire remarkably different interpretations, depending on the experiences and imaginations of the writers.
For Kelvinmary Ndukwe, the exercise reflected the broader philosophy of 1000 Stories: creating platforms where people can tell, preserve and experience stories through diverse creative forms.
The event was anchored by Gena Obi, popularly known as the Reigning Queen, whose engaging presence guided the programme seamlessly through performances, reflections and audience participation.Speaking on the significance of the rendezvous, the Convener of Naija Poetry Fest Community, Godson Osarenren, noted that the monthly gathering continues to demonstrate the power of poetry to move beyond performance and become a vehicle for genuine human connection.
«“Every edition of the Poetic Rendezvous reminds us that poetry is more than words on a page. It can become a bridge between memory and healing, between the heart and the community. ‘An Empty Chair’ gave us an opportunity to remember those who are no longer physically with us while acknowledging the lasting presence of their memories.”»
Cultural curator Lanre Sonde, who was part of the team behind the event, reflected on the importance of creating artistic spaces where difficult emotions can find expression.
«“As a cultural curator, I have always believed that our creative spaces should make room for stories that are not always easy to tell. An empty chair can represent loss, but it can also represent love, memory and everything a person leaves behind. What stood out for me was the willingness of people to sit with that absence and find language for it through poetry.”»
Beyond the performances and creative exercises, the rendezvous created an intimate atmosphere where people could pause, listen, remember and connect through the written and spoken word.In the hands of the poets, the empty chair gradually became more than a symbol of absence. It became a monument to presence; a quiet reminder that some people may leave the room, but never truly leave the lives they have touched.
For Alliance Française de Lagos, hosting programmes of this nature reflects the importance of providing cultural spaces where artists and audiences can engage with themes that speak to shared human experiences. The theme of an empty chair offered a particularly poignant metaphor, one that transformed absence into an opportunity for remembrance and storytelling.
Because sometimes, an empty chair is not empty at all.It is occupied by memory.
