Cynthia Thanda
What if pain could be bottled and locked away in the biggest jar ever? Would yours still run over?
How about getting a book that portrays the dangers and traumas caused by lack of consent – a poetry book whose content cannot be forgotten?
Phoenix Award Books Publication is an African publishing company that is interested in bringing young African authors into the limelight.
One of the authors that have been presented well by the company is Modupe Olatunji. She published her book, ‘20 Shades of Iveren’ on the 30th April 2021 in honour of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
Modupe is a creative writer, mental health enthusiast and gender-based violence advocate. Over the years she has actively participated in sexual assault campaigns like SAAM, #metoo, UN-Silent and many more.
Writing runs in the family blood. Her father is a brilliant essayist and her sisters wrote short stories, hence it doesn’t come as a surprise for Modupe to have an interest in writing as well! She was raised in an environment where she was always writing and later found herself sinking deeper into creative writing.
Her book centers on sexual assault while exploring themes around family and love. It is an anthology of poems that depicts a sacred form of abuse, an irrational love and an enigmatic freedom.
A canvas portraying the thick web of abuse weaved by a mother. It paints the world of an innocent slave whose chains are sculptured by abuse and misuse.
The content of the book was inspired by the society. Modupe felt the need to create awareness about sexual exploitation by familiar hands because it is often overlooked in ‘honour’ of family ties.
“I have always wanted to write a book; the idea has always been there. 20 Shades Of Iveren is not the first book I have written but it was the first to be published.
“I enrolled for a Poetry Masterclass organized by Fresh Writers Community and that was the final push. 20 Shades of Iveren would help every reader look into the world of a survivor”, Modupe reckoned.
Her target audience is everyone, regardless of gender and age because unfortunately no one is immune from sexual assault.
Modupe is friends with other authors and says they have helped her grow in many ways especially whenever she is dealing with writer’s block or working on a story.
Furthermore there are times when she feels her work does not meet the standard she wants. There will be different times of doubt and having writers around is a great relief.
They help her see the beauty in her piece and give her necessary advice if she needs to polish the work.
Jospeh Awujoola who is the author of ‘Conversation With Minds’, reviewed the book and believes 20 Shades of Iveren throws the readers into a world of raw pain.
Asked about the reading culture in Nigeria, Modupe mentions that the country is blessed with readers. She insists that there are a lot of people in the society that are concerned with reading and the preservation of books.
While writing the book, one of the major challenges she faced that almost made her quit halfway was her own mental stability.
It was quite challenging to continue and at some point she doubted herself but she is grateful for the few friends who stood by her and her coach, Gift Ukay; the author of Sunflower.
Modupe’s passion for supporting survivors of assault and people that live with mental illness gave birth to The Mind Clinic; a community that focuses on advocacy and support for all.
“The Mind Clinic will always top my list of achievements because it has helped me grow in many ways. Leading The Sane Squad is also one thing I am grateful for.
“I am one of the heads in Earnest Writers Community, functioning in both the prose and poetry department”, Modupe explains.
Apart from writing, Modupe is a mental health and sexual assault advocate. She is into social media management and consultancy.
“I plan to actively advocate as if my life is based on it. I see myself giving back to the society. God willing, I will write as many books as I can and reach out to people through TMC. Most importantly I will be as happy as ‘happy’ can be”, Modupe beams in a parting shot.
20 Shades of Iveren can be accessed as;
PAPERBACK: https://paystack.com/buy/PROD_6knahvs0oe5lbg5
Ebook:
