Gabriel Imomotimi Gbaingbain Okara was a poet and novelist based in Nigeria. Many of his works have been translated into several languages. He was primarily self-educated and after leaving school, was a bookbinder. He quickly began writing plays and features for the radio and in 1953, his poem The Call of the River Nun won an award during the Nigerian Festival of Arts. His poems were also published in the periodical Black Orpheus. By 1960, he was regarded as a literary craftsman. His poetry is focused on contrasts in which symbols are balanced against each other. Life and death are the most prominent themes and puts at the forefront the urge to reconcile two extremes that are throughout all his poems. His poetry often circles from reality to joy, back to reality. He also incorporated African religion, lore, and imagery into his work. The Voice, his first novel published in 1964, was translated into English, directly from Ijo, imposing Ijo syntax onto English, creating a contrast of Western and African cultures. He also was involved with civil service, and the River State Publishing House. His other works include The Fisherman’s Invocation, a poetry collection, and two children’s books, Little Snake and Little Frog, and Adventure to Juju Island.
Information from The Encyclopedia Britannica.
