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Writer & Contributor

Gabriel Okara

Full Name: Gabriel Imomotimi Gbaingbain Okara Known As: Gabriel Okara Birth: April 21, 1921 Birthplace: Bomoundi, Bayelsa State, Nigeria Death: March 25, 2019 Nationality: Nigerian Occupation: Poet, Novelist, Translator Education...

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About Gabriel Okara

Life, Works, and Legacy

Full Name: Gabriel Imomotimi Gbaingbain Okara Known As: Gabriel Okara Birth: April 21, 1921 Birthplace: Bomoundi, Bayelsa State, Nigeria Death: March 25, 2019 Nationality: Nigerian Occupation: Poet, Novelist, Translator Education: Government College, Umuahia Famous Works:
  • Piano and Drums
  • Snowflakes Sail Gently Down
  • The Mystic Drum
  • The Voice (Novel, 1964)
Main Themes: African culture, tradition vs modern life, nature, human emotions Writing Style: Simple language, musical rhythm, rich imagery, emotional depth Literary Movement: African Modernism Award: Nigerian National Merit Award Reputation: One of the first modern African poets to write in English Also Known as: The first modern African poet writing in English.   Literary Works, Awards and Honors  
Type Name / Title Year Notes / Description
Poem Piano and Drums 1960s His most famous poem shows the conflict between African tradition and Western culture.
Poem The Mystic Drum 1960s Symbolic poem exploring love, spirituality, and cultural identity.
Poem Snowflakes Sail Gently Down A calm and reflective nature poem symbolizing purity and peace.
Poem Once Upon a Time A poem about the loss of innocence and the artificiality of modern life.
Novel The Voice 1964 His only novel; deals with African identity and moral struggle.
Collection Collected Poems of Gabriel Okara 2016 A collection of his best and most famous poems.
Award Nigerian National Merit Award 2005 One of Nigeria’s highest honors for contribution to literature.
Honorary Title The first modern African poet writing in English Given by scholars for his pioneering role in African poetry.
International Recognition African Literature Pioneer Known worldwide for blending African and Western literary styles.
  Themes of Gabriel Okara’s Literary Works:
  1. African culture
  2. Tradition vs modern life
  3. Nature
  4. Human emotions
Writing Style of Gabriel Okara:
  1. Simple language
  2. Musical rhythm
  3. Rich imagery
  4. Emotional depth