J.P. Clark

John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo (April 6, 1935 – October 13, 2020), widely known as J. P. Clark, was a renowned Nigerian poet, playwright, and literary scholar recognized as one of the most prominent African writers of the 20th century.Early Life and Education J.P. Clark was born on April 6, 1935 (some sources cite December 6, 1933), in Kiagbodo, now in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, into two old Izon families. He received his early education at the Native Authority School in Okrika and the prestigious Government College in Ughelli. Clark went on to attend the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. During his time at the university, he became a significant literary figure, editing the Students’ Union magazine, *The Beacon*, and founding and editing *The Horn*, a poetry journal instrumental in launching modern Nigerian poetry in English.Career Progression and Achievements Following his university education, Clark worked as a journalist and features editor for the *Daily Express* in Lagos. He later pursued further academic study at Princeton University in the United States. Upon returning to Nigeria, he embarked on a distinguished academic career, eventually becoming a Professor of English at the University of Lagos. As a widely traveled academic, Clark held visiting professorial appointments at several international institutions of higher learning, including Yale and Wesleyan University in the United States. His career was marked by his pioneering role in Nigerian literature, particularly in poetry and drama, where he skillfully blended Western literary forms with Nigerian oral traditions and subject matter.Notable Works Clark’s extensive body of work includes volumes of poetry, plays, and critical essays. His major poetry collections include: * ***A Reed in the Tide***: (1965) Features work focused on the beauty of nature and landscape. * ***A Decade of Tongues***: A significant collection of his poetry. * ***Casualties***: (1970) A volume exploring themes of violence and protest, often referencing the Nigerian Civil War. * ***State of the Union***: (1981) Highlights his concern regarding the sociopolitical events and institutional corruption in Nigeria. * ***Mandela and Other Poems***: (1988) Addresses global political figures and deals with themes of aging and death.In drama, his notable works include: * ***Song of a Goat***: (1961) A tragedy based on Ijaw oral traditions. * ***The Raft***: (1964) * ***Ozidi***: (1966) A play adaptation of the traditional Ijaw saga.His non-fiction includes the controversial travelogue, ***America, Their America*** (1964). Among his numerous honors, J. P. Clark was a recipient of the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award and was named one of the seven Foundation Fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Letters.Current Status J. P. Clark died on October 13, 2020, at the age of 85. He is remembered as a foundational voice in Nigerian and African literature whose work continues to be studied internationally for its thematic depth and linguistic innovation.