Nigerian Poetry Goes Global: ‘Renegade’ Set For Portuguese Edition In 2027
A Brazilian professor and literary translator, Samuel Delgado, is working on a Portuguese edition of Nigerian poet Femi Morgan’s collection Renegade, extending the reach of contemporary Nigerian poetry into Brazil.
The project began in 2020 and is tentatively scheduled for publication as a complete book in 2027. Delgado, a researcher and language lecturer at the Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo in Guarapari, Espírito Santo, is directing the translation.
Pandemic & Academic Commitments Delay Publication
Morgan published Renegade in 2019 through Baron’s Cafe, an imprint of Fairchild Media, now Fairchild & Brave. The forthcoming Portuguese edition is expected to present the translated poems alongside their original English versions.
Nevertheless, the project has taken longer than initially anticipated. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed the work, while Delgado’s academic research responsibilities created further delays. A proposed Nigeria-Brazil exchange programme for 2023 also failed to take place.
Even so, the translation has progressed, with several poems already rendered into Portuguese. “This Reincarnate Country” has become “Este país reencarnado”, while “This Is a Voice” appears as “Esta é a voz”. Delgado has also translated “Dakar”, a poem dedicated to Tade Ipadeola.
Who Is the Brazilian Translator?
Delgado has developed a strong academic and literary interest in Afro-Brazilian and Mozambican writing. He works across several fields as a professor, poet, journalist, researcher and translator.
His academic journey began with a degree in Social Communication and Journalism from Cruzeiro do Sul University. He later obtained a teaching degree in Portuguese and Spanish from CLARETIANOS/UNIUBE before specialising in literature at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo.
Furthermore, he earned a master’s degree in Letters from the Federal University of São Paulo and completed a PhD in English Linguistic and Literary Studies at the University of São Paulo as a CAPES scholarship recipient.
His current research explores the relationship between East and West in Brazilian, Latin American and Afro-American literature. Alongside that work, he is preparing an annotated translation of haikus by poet Sonia Sanchez. His poetry collection, Álbum, published in 2020, was nominated for the National Library Prize.
Morgan’s Poetry & Cultural Advocacy
For Morgan, the translation represents another international dimension to a literary career spanning poetry, journalism and cultural programming.
He has written six poetry collections, including The Year of Fire, shortlisted for the Glenna Luschei Prize, Renegade and Whispers, which he co-authored with Tokunbo Dada.
His influence also extends beyond publishing. As curatorial and programming director of Griots and Bards and founder of Artmosphere Nigeria, Morgan has helped create platforms for literary and cultural exchange.
Together, the two platforms have hosted more than 200 personalities from literature, music, theatre and intellectual life. Their guests have included Niyi Osundare, Tanure Ojaide, Victor Ehikhamenor, Chuma Nwokolo, Remi Raji, Tolu Oloruntoba, Jumoke Verissimo, Iquo Diana Abasi, Abubakar Sidi, Tunde Adegbola, Kanayo Kanayo, Beautiful Nubia and Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett.
Brazil’s Growing Engagement with Nigerian Literature
The translation comes against the background of longstanding historical, cultural and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Brazil. Indeed, Nigerian literature has gained a presence in Brazil through translated publications, educational institutions, book clubs and literary festivals.
An important part of this relationship is Brazil’s Law 10.639/2003, which requires schools to teach African history and Afro-Brazilian culture. The policy provides an educational basis for wider engagement with African cultural and literary traditions.
Several Nigerian authors already have Portuguese editions circulating in Brazil. They include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Amos Tutuola, Flora Nwapa, Buchi Emecheta, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Akwaeke Emezi and Chigozie Obioma.
Additionally, D.O. Fagunwa’s Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole has been published in Portuguese and Yoruba.
Against this expanding literary relationship, Delgado’s translation of Renegade could introduce another contemporary Nigerian poetic voice to Brazilian readers. Its expected bilingual presentation may also encourage closer engagement with the language, imagery and cultural experiences reflected in Morgan’s work.
