As I began to think about a new book trailer, I realized
that what I wanted was something simple yet powerful, much like the book’s
cover. The project came together rather quickly and I think that I achieved my aims - you be the judge.
Click the play button below or cut and paste one of the following links into your internet browser to see the book trailer for my forthcoming book, A Poet Speaks of Empire. Enjoy!
The verse used in the book trailer is from the first
poem of the book, aptly entitled, “A Poet Speaks of Empire.” It concerns a new
era for the continent of Africa, for the rising bourgeoisie and the continent’s
children. The poem is a rallying cry, a call to action for all segments of
society - seize the new day bright with opportunity. The poem touches on the continent’s
great past, more than a millennium of empire stretching from the Atlantic
across the Sahara, notes the troubles faced in the post-colonial era, and imagines
a grand future to come - an “ancient longing” comes “fresh on the heels of
broken beginnings.” Click on each image to read the text which accompanies each photograph.
As for the photography featured in the background of the
verse, each photograph captures a cathartic moment for the figure who is performing a West-African dance. The figure jumps, spins and
reaches for a new destiny. 
The background music in the book trailer is by Asa. The song is called “The Way I Feel.” The singer-songwriter is Paris-born but
Nigerian-raised. She is relatively new to the music scene, but she is very popular at
home in Africa and abroad. She has opened for the likes of John Legend and
Beyonce. Look out for more from this legend in the making!
I welcome your thoughts and comments! Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested.
