INTERVIEW: Faith And Consistency Earned Me Kiekie’s N2.5m Prize – Ayomi Writes

Following her emergence as winner of the Big Stage category at the Kiekie Unscripted Experience and recipient of the N2.5m grand prize, spoken word artist Seraph Ayomide Adewale, otherwise known as Ayomi Writes, speaks with ACTS OF SERAPHS about how consistency, faith and perseverance shaped her journey to victory. Excerpt:

Congratulations on winning the Big Stage Category of the Kiekie Unscripted Experience. How does this victory feel?

At first, it felt surreal. Then it slowly became real. I think the reality settled in when I began to reflect on the entire journey: the audition, the preparation, the uncertainty, the voting stages, and all the people who supported me along the way. More than anything, this victory is a reminder that consistency matters. We live in a generation that celebrates results, but very few people get to see the work that happens before the result arrives. For me, this win represents years of writing, performing, learning, improving, and showing up even when there was no guarantee of recognition. It is a humbling reminder that faith, hard work, and persistence eventually produce results. I am grateful for the platform, grateful for everyone who believed in me, and grateful to God for allowing me to witness this moment.

What inspired you to become a spoken word artist?

Interestingly, I started as a Literature student who was afraid of failing Literature. While preparing for my examinations, I began reading poems more intentionally, trying to understand themes, techniques, and meanings. Somewhere in that process, poetry stopped being an academic subject and became something personal. I discovered that poetry could hold emotions, stories, questions, frustrations, and hopes all at once. I found myself writing more, paying attention to language, and gradually developing my own voice. What started as exam preparation became a journey of self-discovery. Over time, I realised that spoken word gave me a way to contribute to conversations that mattered to me, whether social, personal, cultural, or spiritual. Since then, I’ve continued exploring what can happen when words meet purpose.

What message were you trying to convey through your winning piece?

Nigeria is currently passing through a very sensitive period. We have communities dealing with insecurity, families mourning losses, children in captivity, and citizens who are constantly seeking reassurance, accountability, and hope. As poets, we are often regarded as mirrors of society. Our responsibility goes beyond entertainment. We document, question, reflect, and sometimes challenge the realities around us. It would have felt insensitive for me to stand on a major stage and ignore what many Nigerians are experiencing daily. My piece was an attempt to capture the emotions, frustrations, and concerns of ordinary people. It was a reflection of the times we live in and a call for awareness, empathy, and collective responsibility. I wanted the audience to leave not just entertained, but thoughtful.

As a Christian creative, how has your faith influenced your journey as a spoken word artist?

My faith has influenced every aspect of my creative journey. It shapes how I view success, how I respond to challenges, and even how I define purpose. There have been moments when opportunities did not come as expected, moments of doubt, moments of waiting, and moments when things simply did not make sense. In those seasons, my faith became my anchor. As a Christian creative, I do not believe creativity exists independently of God. I believe He is the source of wisdom, ideas, inspiration, and direction. Because of that understanding, I approach my work with a sense of stewardship. Every stage, every poem, and every opportunity becomes something I hold with gratitude and responsibility.

Were there specific scriptures or spiritual convictions that sustained you throughout the competition?

Yes. One of the scriptures I held onto throughout the competition was Deuteronomy 28:13: “The Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath.” That scripture reminded me that God is intentional about the lives of His children. Whenever anxiety tried to creep in, I returned to God’s promises rather than my fears. Another conviction that sustained me was the understanding that outcomes belong to God. My responsibility was to prepare, show up, do my best, and trust Him with the results. That mindset helped me remain focused throughout the journey.

In what ways has your relationship with God shaped your creative voice? Do you see your talent as a ministry, a profession, or both?

I see my talent first as a gift from God. Every gift comes with responsibility, and I believe my responsibility is to use it according to His leading. At the same time, I recognise that creativity requires discipline, excellence, and professionalism. So while I value the professional aspect of my work, I never want to disconnect it from purpose. My relationship with God influences the themes I explore, the values I uphold, and the way I engage with my audience. Whether I am speaking about faith, society, identity, justice, or hope, I want my work to remain meaningful and impactful. Ultimately, I try to remain available to God’s direction and faithful to the assignment He has given me.

If you could leave one message for young believers pushing their God-given gift, what would it be?

Your Father is the Author of creativity, so create without boundaries. Do not allow fear, comparison, or perfectionism to stop you from showing up. Growth comes from consistency. Learn, improve, fail if necessary, learn again, and keep creating. Most importantly, do not wait until you feel ready before you begin. Sometimes clarity comes while you are moving. Trust God, trust the process, and give your gift room to grow.

If you could describe this chapter of your life in one line of poetry, what would it be?

“Stand at attention, for the Lord of Hosts is here!”

For me, that line represents surrender, readiness, obedience, and expectation. It is a reminder that this season is bigger than personal ambition. It is a season of paying attention to God’s instructions, trusting His leading, and moving boldly whenever He says move.