Let haiku be on the UNESCO list!
On December 27, 2015, Ms. Emmanuel Jessie Kalusian in Nigeria, kindly sent me an e-mail as follows.
LETTER TO ADD HAIKU TO UNESCO LIST.
Dear Mr. Hidenori Hiruta,
I want to add my voice (Nigeria’s voice) to the growing concern that haiku should be added to the UNESCO list. It is true that Basho’s bug had come to Africa a little late as compared to other continents. Haiku made its way to the Nigerian literary scene in 2004. It enjoyed a good reception as a Facebook profile was launched with the name “Nigerian haiku”. This laudable feat established the West Africa country’s presence in the world haiku scene. Howbeit, Nigerian poets have since then launched into the haiku scene; some of them have been featured in international haiku journals, Facebook groups, etc.
It is great pleasure to introduce to you some of Nigeria’s Basho’s-in-the-making: Emmanuel Abdulmasih Samson, Barnabas Ikeoluwa Adeleke and my humble self Emmanuel Jessie Kalusian. Some of the aforementioned haiku poets have been published in international journals and have received haiku awards. The most recent is, Emmanuel Jessie Kalusian whose haiku got a honourable mention at the 2015 edition of Vladimir Devide Haiku Contest and third place at the 12th European Kukai.
approaching dusk
the homeless man tides up
his new residence
Honourable Mention, 2015 Vladimir Devide Haiku Contest.
autumn dusk
white herons turn black
on their way home
Third Place, 12th European Kukai.
It is only a matter of years; Basho’s bug will spread into the most populous black nation. In the meantime, I want to reiterate that haiku should be added to the UNESCO list as it sure has earned its place long ago. Having sailed from its homeland in Japan to the inlands of Africa, Basho’s bug deserves more than a pat on the back!
Greetings from Nigeria,
Emmanuel Jessie Kalusian (Nigeria)
Co-founder, Africa Haiku Network
Akita International Haiku Network 