Marketability of poetry hasn’t been explored enough – Nana Asaase

Ghanaian poet and literary coach, Nana Asaase, has encouraged young creatives to explore the commercial opportunities that poetry presents. In an interview on The Career Trail programme, Asaase emphasized that poetry can be leveraged in various fields beyond stage performances, such as public relations, sales, marketing, music, and academia.

He noted that the art of poetry offers more than just financial rewards, as it can grant individuals access to influential spaces, sensitive conversations, and opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible. Asaase, drawing on his personal experience, shared how poetry has granted him entryways to academic circles, crucial discussions, and access to documents from reputable organizations and individuals.

He urged aspiring poets to focus on honing their skills rather than prioritizing monetary gains, stressing that excelling in their craft can open doors for growth and recognition. Asaase cautioned emerging poets against expecting immediate financial rewards and recognition, highlighting the importance of patience, constructive criticism, and continuous learning.

He also cautioned against relying solely on social media engagement as a measure of progress, advocating for the performance quality of a creative's work as a key determinant of future opportunities. Beyond performance, Asaase believes that poetry has untapped commercial applications that can provide practitioners with additional income streams, including songwriting, content development for PR and marketing campaigns, sales promotion, and teaching.

He also pointed out the cultural significance of traditional appellations used to welcome speakers, exemplifying the potential of poetry to reach broader audiences.