Tolu Akinyemi

Tolu Akinyemi, also referred to as Poetolu, is a Nigerian writer and poet. His work is notable for its relatable insights and humorous take on everyday human experiences.

Biography and education Tolu Akinyemi was born in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. In 2017 and 2018, Akinyemi was named one of "100 most influential Nigerian writers under 40". In 2017, he won the Nigerian Writers' Award (Poetry writer of the year) for his poetry collection I Laugh at These Skinny Girls. His works have been featured in advertisements, documentaries, and in cultural and literary publications such as the Association of Nigerian Authors anthologies, Forward Poetry's Great British Write-off Anthology, and Black History Month magazine. This was a part of the British Home Office's "exceptional talent visa" programme to attract to the United Kingdom, exceptionally talented individuals in fields such as the arts and sciences.

Akinyemi's writing has also been described as "poetry for people who hate poetry".

Other works

In 2016, Akinyemi started writing the online Halima Series , an illustrated and humorous social commentary on popular culture and everyday experiences from the point of view of the fictional character called Halima. In 2022, Akinyemi appeared in a cameo role as "Shawn" , on the Africa Magic show My Flatmates (Episode 133).