One of the more consistent poets on the Nigerian scene today is the vocal and sometimes controversial, Jide Badmus, a passionate poet and literary promoter who through the years has come to be a leading literary voice. Though Badmus has been writing for a long time (about twenty years), his first published poetry collection is There is a Storm in my Head (2017), which was quickly followed by Scripture (published by SEVHAGE in 2018) and the chapbook, Paper Planes in the Rain (2019). Giving some space in publication while contributing to various anthologies, Badmus continued his personal anthology publishing journey in 2022 with the release of two full collections, Obaluaye and What Do I Call My Love for Your Body, and a chapbook, Lust Alphabets. Among other collections, his poems have appeared in the definitive anthology, Memento (2020) edited by Adedayo Agarau and A Duet of Ghosts (2022).

Badmus is known for his exploration of themes such as beauty, destruction, sensuality, and healing. His belief that “things in ruins were once beautiful” permeates his work, inviting readers to find solace and meaning in the impermanence of life. His exploration of lust and sensualities has earned him the title ‘Bad-muse’ in some quarters. His general thematic expressions are consistent, though his works keep evolving in style and cadence as evidenced in his various contributions across anthologies to chapbooks, prominently in  Scripture and Obaluaye.

Beyond his writing, Badmus has made significant contributions to the literary community through his editorial roles. As an editor and member of the Board of Advisors for Libretto Magazine since 2019, and a poetry editor for Con-scio Magazine, he has guided many emerging poets in honing their craft. His editorial ventures also include curating and editing anthologies such as How to Fall in Love Again (2024) and Vowels Under Duress (2019). He is a dedicated mentor and facilitator who shares his expertise with younger and aspiring writers through various conferences and workshops. Notably, he serves as a mentor at the Sprinng Writers Fellowship. He has also served as a speaker at Covenant University’s Literary and Debating Society and a guest at the Abuja Writers’ Forum, in addition to being a facilitator at the Nwokike Creative Writers Workshop and the Sigma Workshop at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso.

His interest in poetry and promoting literature might come as a surprise to many, considering his educational and professional background. Badmus holds a Master of Science in Information Technology Management from Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship in Malaysia, and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. There is a meeting point though, as Badmus has noted to the SEVHAGE team, among others, that his educational background supports his methodical approach to both his writing and editorial work.

Outside of his professional life, Badmus enjoys soccer, movies, and video games, which provide a balanced perspective to his creative endeavours.

In recognition of his commitment to literature through his writings and professing, his support for literary growth through mentorship and other means, SEVHAGE Publishers and SEVHAGE Literary Development Initiative are proud to spotlight Jide Badmus as its June 2024 Poet of the Month.

As captured by Su’ur Su’eddie Vershima Agema,