What happens when you move between continents, languages, and histories? In this episode of Ženergija, I spoke with Njideka Iroh about migration, poetry, embodied knowledge, Afrofuturism, and the complexities of belonging while living between Europe, the United States, and Nigeria. We talked about the violence of constantly being asked where you are from, which language truly belongs to you, and how oppressive structures travel across borders. But we also talked about hope — about celebrating life, joy, and the importance of imagining better futures. As Njideka beautifully reminded us, while Afrofuturism engages deeply with the past, it is ultimately a practice of hope for the future. And don’t miss the powerful moments when she reads her own poetry — words that invite us to listen, remember, and imagine differently.

Guest: Njideka Iroh, writer, artist, and curator

Njideka Iroh is a writer, artist, and curator whose work is rooted in spoken word and moves fluidly across genres, languages, and media. This practice explores ID(entities), Afrofuturism, cultures of remembrance, and embodied knowledge. Work spanning Europe, the United States, and Nigeria has involved close engagement with artistic networks in Lagos and Abuja.

Across poetry, theatre, film, critical research, and community-based contexts, Iroh investigates how storytelling can shift perspectives and weave connections through past, present, and future.

Recent project: Destination Now Always – Embodied Knowledge, Remembrance, Healing, a new play created in collaboration with dancer Kafeela Ade, premiered at Kulturhaus Brotfabrik on January 31st (supported by SHIFT). The project includes BIPOC community-focused workshops in poetry, healing, and movement.

Instagram: @nj_versifire, @destinationnowalways

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/njidekapoetry

More info: https://cba.fro.at/podcast/zenergija

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