Review of David Oracle Onotu’s “Ode To Kachana”

PROS
The poem “Ode to Kancha” has words perfect for what the message portrays. David Onotu [Poetic Oracle] is known for his use of deep but relatable words in portraying his messages, and Ode to Kancha is a worthy listen as it climaxes the ears and mind till the end.

The poem’s persona, uses literary devices to portray its message. Repetition, personification, rhyme, euphemism, irony amongst others were verbally present in the piece. Nominalization of the word “Kind” to “kindness” can’t go unnoticed at a point in the poem too.

The mood of the speaker is reflective and hopeful. He carefully portrays his message of poor governance, lack of freedom of speech, and oppression, without stepping on toes. Then talks about love. He rose history books to light and praises the efforts of the “NEWS” in promoting strength, innovations and unity in diversity. The appealing sight of nature beauty of the Nigerian girl child, friendship, culture and values were not left out too. “Za cattle and za grain” shows his affirmation that he lived/lives in the north. “Jazz and kalanku” mentioned portrays beauty of the Nigerian rhythm and his love for it.

“Songs of hope” is an Ode within an ode, to great Nigerians who blessed the mic like Fela Anikulapo Kuti and others. Kancha is a happy, spontaneous and generous personality. The writer wants to go kancha (far away) with Kancha to a place of hope for Nigeria. Referring to Kancha as “Aunty K” throughout the poem is nothing short of perfection. The high tune at the end of the piece is a voice of hope. Aunty K” can be referred to as “goddess of hope – the mind”.
“Nigeria is the brilliance of a full moon”. For the moon to be full, it is first half. Then patience and hope becomes a virtue awaiting it to be full. This is a very brilliant poem of hope.

CONS
Heroes mentioned were: Okigbo and Ekwensi. A poem promoting unity should have at least an hero from each of the WAZOBIA clan mentioned. 9/10

REVIEW BY WILDKHARD [TA]