AFRICA LISTEN - By Doreen Cyprian

Written By: Doreen Cyprian

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing Doreen Cyprian's compelling poem, "AFRICA LISTEN," a powerful entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through evocative language and vivid imagery, Doreen addresses the complex socio-political landscape of Africa, urging a return to unity and strength. Her work stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the continent.

About the Work

In "AFRICA LISTEN," Doreen Cyprian masterfully weaves a narrative that calls for introspection and transformation within the African continent. The poem is rich in emotion and urgency, employing a direct and heartfelt voice to advocate for peace, unity, and self-determination. Through her artful expression, Doreen challenges the reader to consider the power of collective action and the importance of cultural pride.

AFRICA LISTEN

Original Submission by Doreen Cyprian

AFRICA LISTEN.

Africa, Africa, Africa.

Look how effulgent you look,

I, nature took you and birth you,

The screams felt peace and joyful,

The cries felt so calm and delightful,

But all has turn around so fast and bad,

WHY?

I taught you love, peace, victory and you,

Yes, you understood nothing but hate,

Create chaos and space for brutality,

I your mother taught you solidarity,

You scattered it to fight with cruelty.

Wounding everyone who loved truly,

Holding those who forced you publicly.

Until when?

Now look,

Look how they address us,

Not as a continent but one big nation,

We try to explain but they don't learn,

While we focus on learning slave trade,

Feeding generations inferiority mindset,

Africa, wake up! it's your time to set limits,

Taking what was said theirs for many ages,

Freeing our mindset from inferiority complex,

The question is HOW?

First let stop offending and start building,

Standing together and we start believing,

On oneness, on unity, on our own power,

Let us always show up let's be ubiquitous,

I didn't raise you to chase your brother,

Or create dangerous space for your sister,

Just for the reason of entering your nation,

Saying they're the reason of not having jobs,

That's not how they should define us I ask this,

I, didn't raise you to be this ignorant and empty,

This will make us to just look more ephemeral,

South Africa, I am nonplussed right now stop it.

Every country has a part of me and love fully,

lam your Mother,

I know the pain, and I hate for it to go further,

Settle your difference so as I can see you higher,

Create boundaries not even you should cross,

You command respect let it come from you first,

When they see we can take action they pause,

From manipulation and their absurd regulations,

You set your own table and state the tone spoken,You can't control what truly matters if your driven.

The way you stood up times of sovereignty,

Love was shown and democracy was priority,You made no room for shame and disrespect,Unity is what made us to be known as direct,Freedom is the only sound that was allowed,And because it was done in love it succeeded.

Why Now?

Listen to your mother and listen very well,

I took you in, protected you from them all,

Raised you to become the voice very bold,

That can't be shut but the one to be heard,

Not to be mocked but the voice to be praised,

To seat in tables that didn't recognize our space,

Phrase, languages and culture that we represent,

In speed we are behind let's focus on that fast, Not on what was done in the past but Now

The Question is stil the same, HOW?

Let now first find what was lost and restore,

Peace,pace,love,unity,justice and freedom,

Not from them but from our own self,

You seems to walk freely but still held,

In mind prison that we refuse to let go,

Herding our safety not priotizing ego,

This is so bad and in this very El-nino,

You don,t run, you also don't blame,

But overcome until I see you win.

Mwanangu sikiliza,

Kila janga linaniliza,

Mnapenda kulipiza,

Kulazimisha kila kukicha,

Tena mnajiwek<a nyie mbele,

Viherere mnapokea na kumaliza,

MMllipochaguliwa kuongoza,

Mnapokea rushwa bila fikra,

Wengine mnawazimisha,

Mkithamini wa kule sana,

lla wa kwenu mnawakwamisha,

Kwanini?

Afrika mashariki mnanisikitisha.

I raised you with love for each other,

Ok, you can compete but when you sit,

Together agree to one another with respect,

Be better to reach that higher target set,

Resolve mistakes and walk past it forever,

I want you all to come together and solve,

The difference and discuss the betterness,

For Africa to make it strong with kindness,

Return back this love before it fades away,

I feel worse, reaching a point of loss,

Loosing confidence with broken promises,

Like your mother I too feel pain,I am hurt,

Or I take you back maybe I will do better,

lam tired and now I am asking you a favour,

If not for you, then do it for me your mother.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar provides a prestigious platform for writers and poets worldwide to share their voices and stories. This annual event celebrates creativity and diversity, inviting participants to explore themes that resonate with a global audience. It's a unique opportunity for writers to gain recognition and connect with a community of fellow creatives.

Thank you, Doreen Cyprian, for sharing your profound poem, "AFRICA LISTEN," with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds a vital voice to the discourse on Africa's future. We appreciate your dedication to illuminating important issues through the power of poetry.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.