By Mo on February 7, 2019

Author of the Week — Tolu’ A. Akinyemi

An interview with Tolu’ A. Akinyemi. Read our review of his book, Dead Dogs Don’t Bark – And They Don’t Bite here.

LE: Hello Tolu’ please tell us a bit about yourself.

Tolu’: I was born in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria. I spent my early years in Ado-Ekiti before relocating to Lagos with my family in the early nineties. I studied Accounting and Financial Management at the University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield United Kingdom for my master’s degree. I have also authored two other books Dead Lions Don’t Roar (Poetry) and Unravel your Hidden Gems (Inspirational Essays). I am endorsed by the Arts Council England as a writer with exceptional talent.

LE: What you do for a living? Is writing your full time job?

Tolu’: I work as a Financial Crime Compliance consultant with a Global Investment Bank in the United Kingdom, and I live in Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom with my young family.

LE: When did you start writing and what prompted it?

Tolu’: I started writing in my teenage years and this was prompted by my love for reading. Growing up, I used to read newspapers, history journals and classics written by Nigerian authors. Initially, I started journaling important points about Nigerian and World history and one thing led to the other, I wrote a movie script which I misplaced and there has been no looking back since then.

LE: Are you currently working on any book and if you are, what is it about?

Tolu’: I just finished writing my fourth book and Third Poetry Compendium “Dead Cats Don’t Meow – Don’t Waste the Ninth Life.” This is a continuation of the poetry for the discerning series with a book launch taking place in London, Lagos, Manchester and Newcastle in April and May 2019. My current Work in Progress is a children’s storybook titled “Tolutoludo’s Fables” and the fourth book in the poetry for the discerning series, “Dead Tigers Don’t Growl.”

LE: Lastly, what are your hobbies/ what do you do to relax?

Tolu’: I would say my main hobby is motivational speaking and mentoring young people. Reading is gradually coming up in the list of my prominent hobbies because to be a great writer, you just have to read, read and read books. For relaxation, I try my best to bond and spend time with my young family.

Tolu’ has three published books;

Unravel Your Hidden Gems