Four Poems from Girls and the Silhouette of Form by Star Zahra | Read by Richard Ali
In this video, you’ll hear one of four poems from ‘Girls and the Silhouette of Form’ (Masobe Books, 2024) — the sophomore collection by Nigerian poet Star Zahra — read aloud by the poet and writer Richard Ali. This collection has earned a place on the 2025 ANA/KMVL Poetry Prize shortlist.
About the collection
‘Girls and the Silhouette of Form’ is Star Zahra’s second book of poetry, featuring 62 poems that explore themes of identity, memory, hope, absence, and the everyday contours of life. As a woman’s voice in Nigeria’s contemporary poetry scene, Zahra brings a distinct sensibility — delicate yet bold, intimate yet wide in ambition.
Why watch
- Hear the musicality and cadence of Zahra’s own voice (through Richard Ali) bring these poems to life.
- Gain access to a sample of the collection’s emotional landscape and technical range.
- Get inspired to explore more of modern Nigerian poetry.
Support the poet / buy the book
You can purchase ‘Girls and the Silhouette of Form’ via Roving Heights
Credits/acknowledgment
Poems by Star Zahra
Read by Richard Ali
Published by Masobe Books, 2024
Shortlisted for the 2025 ANA/KMVL Poetry Prize