Mississauga's outgoing poet laureate reflects on his term

For more than two years, Mississauga's poet laureate Ayomide Bayowa has been using his words in an effort to amplify the voices of his community.

"I want to be there for other people," said Bayowa, and "bring up other poets like myself."

The Nigerian-Canadian poet began his term as the city's fourth poet laureate in November 2021. His successor for the honorary position will be announced this April.

In his time in the role, Bayowa not only wrote and performed poetry, but also attended events like poetry slams, taught poetry in school, and engaged with as many residents as he could both in person and through social media.

When asked what advice he could give to the incoming poet laureate, Bayowa stressed the importance of the position's ability to speak for all residents of the city.

"Poetry in this place comes in when you realize you actually need to make meaning and expression of what is going on around you," he said.

"You're a person of people. You're not just a person of yourself alone. You need to be ready to stand out for people."

WATCH |Bayowa on 2 years as Mississauga's poet laureate:

Mississaugas outgoing poet laureate reflects on his term

7 months ago

Duration 1:25

Ayomide Bayowa has dedicated two years to his role as the City of Mississaugas fourth poet laureate. Ahead of his term concluding this spring, Bayowa reflects on his experiences in the honorary position.