Tsenôngu’s literary efforts have attracted some amount of critical attention. The following comments are examples:
* * *
His poems aspire to a strong evocative tenor with a frequent ironic twist and sense of place. Some of them have a hymnal qua Christian ring, some derive their forte from the oral tradition, generally satirical, reflective, and nostalgic in parts… I discern a lot of talent in the effort.
Niyi Osundare
Professor of Stylistics and Creative Writing, University of New Orleans, USA. Blurb of Soliloquies.
He does not confuse poetry with propaganda. His allusions and fidelity to the language, culture and aesthetics of his people are telling arguments of his poetic lineage. He is a poet with a sense of place.
Sam Ogabidu
Literary critic. Reviewing Soliloquies in “Fiesta”, April 11 – 17, 2005, p.7.
* * *
Moses Terhemba Tsenôngu’s The Drums of MbaKough is a good example of a book that does not deserve the attention of a respectable publisher.
Chux Ohai
Literary correspondent with “Daily Independent”. Comments in “Daily Independent”, August 1, 2005, p. E3.
* * *
The collection reflects the evolving consciousness of one of the significant voices among the younger generation of Nigerian poets. Moses Tsenôngu’s language is evocative and memorable in this third volume that definitely enriches the Nigerian literary tradition.
Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo
Award-winning author, Professor of Literature, and Head, Department of English, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. Blurb of The Drums of MbaKough.
* * *
It is great joy to read Moses Tsenôngu’s poems. They make you think…smile…sigh and …wonder “Why are beings being beasts?” His original metaphors evoke the reader’s own imagination.
Flora Veit-Wild
Professor of African Studies and literary critic, Department of African Literature, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany. Blurb of Sun the Male Born, Moon the Female!
* * *
While other contemporary poets have their eyes riveted only on political matters, Tsenôngu looks into almost everything in life. What may be unpoetic to other poets is poetic to him. Thus, his poetry, his collection, is a tray containing a variety of verses for the true reader.
Emmanuel E. Sule
Lecturer, Literary Critic, Department of English, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria. Reviewing Soliloquies in “Weekly Trust”, March 13 – 19, 2004. p.26.
* * *
Tsenôngu’s poetry is a journey in literary delight. His wielding metaphors, artistic discipline and daring exudes the freedom and freshness of a beautiful countryside. This is a worthy addition to our literary landscape.
Dr. Wale Okediran
National President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Blurb of Ruminations and Intimations.