I’M DEEPLY MOVED BY ISSUES AFFECTING WOMEN—VIOLENCE, SILENCE, AND INEQUALITY - PEACE SAMUEL BULLAMA
Peace Samuel Bullama is a Nigerian spoken word poet, writer, and women’s rights advocate from Adamawa State. Currently a 400-level student of English Education at Gombe State University, she has spent the last four years using poetry as a compelling tool to confront injustice—particularly issues affecting women and girls. Through raw, honest, and emotional performances, Peace creates space for healing, awareness, and transformation. She believes poetry is more than art—it is a voice for the voiceless and a weapon for justice. When she's not performing, she’s learning, teaching, or inspiring others to speak out.
In this interview with ANA Interview Series, she discusses her passion for writing and activism.
AIS: WHAT DREW YOU TO SPOKEN WORD POETRY AS A MEDIUM FOR EXPRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS?
BULLAMA: Spoken word was initially a safe space for me to say what I couldn’t always express out loud. Over time, I discovered how powerful it was—not just as a release, but as a means to speak up for what matters, especially women’s rights. It became the perfect way to transform pain and passion into something that could inspire change.
AIS: HOW DOES PERFORMING YOUR POETRY AMPLIFY ITS MESSAGE COMPARED TO JUST READING IT ON THE PAGE?
BULLAMA: When I perform, I’m not just reciting words—I’m embodying them. The audience feels my emotions. The tone, pauses, voice modulation—these all breathe life into the message in ways the written word sometimes can't.
AIS: WHICH HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES RESONATE MOST WITH YOU, AND HOW DO YOU BRING THEM TO LIFE IN YOUR PERFORMANCES?
BULLAMA: I’m deeply moved by issues that affect women—violence, silence, inequality. I bring them to life through storytelling, vulnerability, and raw emotion—the kind that makes people stop and really listen.
AIS: DO YOU WRITE FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, COLLECTIVE STORIES, OR BOTH WHEN ADDRESSING INJUSTICE?
BULLAMA: A bit of both. Some pieces are rooted in my own experiences; others are inspired by the stories and struggles of those around me. Either way, it’s always real and from the heart.
AIS: CAN YOU SHARE A MOMENT WHEN YOUR PERFORMANCE MOVED AN AUDIENCE TO RESPOND MEANINGFULLY?
BULLAMA: Yes. I once performed a poem about abuse, and afterward, someone approached me and said, “You just told my story.” That moment reaffirmed my purpose—it wasn’t just about the art, it was about helping someone feel seen and understood.
AIS: HOW DO YOU PREPARE EMOTIONALLY TO PERFORM PIECES THAT DEAL WITH PAIN OR TRAUMA?
BULLAMA: It’s never easy. I take a deep breath, say a prayer, and remind myself of the purpose behind the poem. I don’t just perform it—I carry it with care.
AIS: WHAT ROLE DOES RHYTHM, VOICE MODULATION, AND BODY LANGUAGE PLAY IN YOUR DELIVERIES?
BULLAMA: They’re crucial. Sometimes it’s not just what I say, but how I say it. A pause, a shift in tone, or even a subtle gesture can convey more than a hundred words.
AIS: HAVE YOU PERFORMED IN SPACES WHERE YOUR WORK WAS SEEN AS CONTROVERSIAL? HOW DID YOU HANDLE THAT?
BULLAMA: Yes—especially when I speak on women’s rights in conservative settings. I stay grounded. I know not everyone will agree with me, but that doesn’t make the truth any less true.
AIS: DO YOU BELIEVE SPOKEN WORD HAS A GREATER EMOTIONAL IMPACT THAN WRITTEN POETRY IN ADVOCACY?
BULLAMA: Absolutely. Spoken word hits differently. It’s not just read—it’s felt. That urgency, that emotion—it’s almost impossible to ignore.
AIS: WHAT KIND OF FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM PEOPLE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE ISSUES YOU TACKLE?
BULLAMA: It’s often emotional. People tell me my words gave them strength or felt like their own story. That’s humbling and empowering at the same time.
AIS: HOW DO YOU RAISE AWARENESS BEYOND THE STAGE?
BULLAMA: I use social media, participate in conversations, and speak up whenever I can. I try to make every platform count, no matter how small.
AIS: WHICH SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS OR ACTIVISTS INSPIRE YOU?
BULLAMA: Titilope Sonuga and Maya Angelou have been huge inspirations. Their courage and creativity showed me that I could use my voice too.
AIS: HOW DO YOU REPRESENT MARGINALIZED VOICES AUTHENTICALLY IN YOUR WORK?
BULLAMA: I start by listening. I don’t write to impress—I write to reflect. I strive to be respectful, honest, and open to learning more.
AIS: HAVE YOU COLLABORATED WITH HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS THROUGH YOUR POETRY?
BULLAMA: Yes, I’ve worked with several groups and youth-led events focused on women and young people. Poetry opened those doors, and I hope to do more.
AIS: WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN GETTING YOUR WORK SEEN ON LARGER PLATFORMS?
BULLAMA: Visibility. Sometimes it feels like heavier topics are sidelined for lighter ones or more popular voices. But I’m learning to create my own space and stay consistent.
AIS: HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO PEOPLE WHO SAY ART SHOULD BE APOLITICAL OR NEUTRAL?
BULLAMA: I smile—because life isn’t neutral. Injustice isn’t neutral. As long as people are suffering, I’ll keep using my art to speak out.
AIS: DO YOU SEE A RISING MOVEMENT OF SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS SPOKEN WORD POETS?
BULLAMA: Yes, and it’s beautiful. More poets are finding their voices and using them for good. It gives me hope—our generation isn’t just creative, we’re conscious and bold.
AIS: WHICH OF YOUR PIECES BEST REPRESENTS YOUR MISSION AS A POET AND ACTIVIST?
BULLAMA: A piece titled “Her Silence is Loud.” It’s about a girl who’s been silenced for too long but finds her voice through pain. That poem speaks to everything I stand for.
AIS: HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN HOPE WHEN DEALING WITH HEAVY SUBJECTS?
BULLAMA: I focus on the small victories—when someone says “thank you,” or finds healing in my words. Those moments keep the light on.
AIS: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS WHO WANT TO SPEAK OUT FOR JUSTICE?
BULLAMA: Be real. Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes. Stay grounded, keep writing, and never forget—your voice matters.
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