Tidal Wave Chapbook Release — Kofi Antwi
Tidal Wave is a twenty-three poetry chapbook, redefining placement and time. The writing in Tidal Wave is grounded in the perspective of abstract and concrete emotions. The poet explores elements of the subconscious mind, and the ramification of one's identity. The chapbook encompasses a lyrical approach as it breaks conventional forms. The chapbook Tidal Wave can be purchased on Kofi’s website: http://www.kofiantwi.net/.
The Poet:
Kofi Antwi, is an African American writer, English professor, and graduate of St. Joseph's College MFA Creative Writing program. Hewas born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island by parents of Ghanaian descent. Kofi’s writing has been published by, Great Weather For Media, Agbowo, No, Dear, A Gathering Together, Luna, Rise Up, Gumbo Media, Kalahari Review, Breadcrumbs, AADUNA, NYSAI, Ninalem, and Rigorous. Kattywompus Press published Kofi’s poetry chapbook Tidal Wave.
In His Own Words:
With my writing I seek to find a home for readers who find refuge in reflective narratives of black and brown communities. What one may find in my writing is a discovery of its limitless nature. When I’m able to connect with readers through resemblances of self, fragments of those who I oppose, and episodes of love, I believe my duty as a writer has been served. In my writing there is a conscious placement of blurring lines and breaking conventional forms.
Throughout my journey as a writer I have studied and taught various artistic expressions that focus on black and African culture. I first started taking my writing seriously as a senior at Utica College. During that period in my life I wrote stories that expanded my perspective. Although, I felt confident in my writing, there was a voice inside of me attempting to find its way to the surface of my core. It wasn’t until my time as a MFA student where I felt comfortable sharing my writing. As a student in The Writer’s Foundry, I shifted my writing from fiction, to poetry. What I learned about myself through the process of my writing journey, that my writing is equipped to navigate in different forms of literature.
I have a hard time believing a writer will be able to predict how a reader will feel after reading their work. What I believe readers may find while reading Tidal Wave is a celebration of black and brown bodies, a discovery of home, and ode to one’s city. I believe each poem will create a ripple in a reader’s mind, and establish an expressive approach to language.
As the poet of Tidal Wave it was important to express my writing in its most natural form. Throughout the chapbook there are familiar threads/places that afforded me the opportunity for space and creativity. My time in my mother’s land of Santrokofi, parents’ home in Ghana, the city of Accra, a trip to NOLA, commutes to Brooklyn, my stop and discovery in the South Bronx, and my home of Staten Island – has played a significant component in forming/completing Tidal Wave.
Connect with the Writer:
E: Kingkofiantwi@gmail.com
W: kofiantwi.wordpress.com
Instagram: kofiantwi_
Facebook: Kofi Antwi
Twitter: Kofiantwi_