‘Poets only sell books from car boots’ – Nana Asaase recounts disrespect in his poetry journey

Ghanaian poet and writer Nana Asaase has opened up about the dismissive comments he faced when he started his poetry career, including claims that poets and writers in Ghana could only make a living selling books from car boots.

Speaking on The Career Trail programme aired on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, Nana Asaase recounted how such remarks made him question his decision to pursue poetry.

“Someone once told me poets and Ghanaian writers, all they do is sell books in a car boot,” he recalled.

According to the poet, the comments were discouraging, but his conviction that he was on the right path kept him going.

“Sometimes when things get tough, I look into the mirror and think, why not just quit poetry and join my family business? Because we had a bakery. But something within me kept telling me I was on the right path. I shouldn’t give up, so I kept pushing,” he shared.

After 12 years in poetry, Nana Asaase says his persistence has gradually paid off, with his work opening doors to opportunities he never imagined when he started.

“This same job people looked down on me when I started has given me great opportunities. I have performed for presidents. All four presidents of this Fourth Republic, dead or alive, have been my audience,” he revealed.

“Sometimes, somebody shows up, you don't know the person from anywhere and says, ‘Oh, I know this young man. Give this job to him.’ You do a fantastic job, meanwhile, I have not met this person,” he continued.

Nana Asaase attributed his perseverance to his faith in God, saying his relationship with God remained the foundation of his journey.

“Once you know your source, make sure you're at peace with your source. Mine is God. I have no shady dealings backing me,” he noted.

He also highlighted discipline and consistency as important to developing and sustaining a career in poetry.

“There's no magic. Practice, practice, practice. As I'm sitting here, I'm practicing. When I drive, I practice. When I eat, I practice. When I have conversations, I practice,” he said.

After 12 years in poetry, Nana Asaase is preparing to release his first book this year.

“By God's grace, I'm releasing my first book this year, and I will not sell my book out of a car boot. My books will be sold all over the world on very prominent counters,” he disclosed with excitement.

And having experienced the challenges of building a career in poetry, Nana Asaase is also using his Sankofa Sessions, which include the Mental Pictures initiative, to nurture other talents and encourage a greater appreciation for literary arts, storytelling, oratory and self-expression.