HCAF STARS SERIES, September 2025: INTERVIEW — Fortune Eleojo Simeon

Question: The Hilltop Creative Arts Foundation is known for its central role in nurturing creativity in youths across the country. How has being its member contributed to your growth as an artist, and what opportunities or experiences have been most impactful for you?

Answer: Thank you to the curators of the HCAF stars series for having me. Being part of a great and vibrant community like HCAF has been a beautiful experience and has contributed immensely to my growth as a writer. There are days when I feel lazy about writing and I scroll through social media. Two minutes in, and I see HCAF members all over, posting about their wins and publications. It motivates me to do more and be better. One experience that stands out is the Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival (HIASFEST). I’m always happy to witness the creativity of my peers, as it pushes me to do more. It’s a truly beautiful experience, and I’m grateful to the founder of HCAF, Sir B.M Dzukogi, and my mentor, Sir Blessing Ojo, for bringing me into this community.

Question: What themes and experiences push the creativity behind your work, and what part of the creative process poses a challenge to you?

Answer: My writings are mostly on themes of grief and loss. Recently, I’ve found myself gravitating towards femicide and domestic violence, as well as other themes of social injustice. As for the creative process, I’m keen on affirmations, and I’d say that no creative block poses a challenge to me because I refuse to let it.

Question: As a renowned creative, what advice would you give to emerging artists who are looking to balance the pursuit of artistic excellence with the desire for recognition and validation?

Answer: Okay, one major thing to work on is consistency. Strive to keep your art alive. Be dogged. Read and write a lot. Once you’re good at it, you won’t need to chase recognition. You would not be hidden. As Matthew 5:14 says, “…a city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”Also, seeking validation from people is a big no no. If I sought approval from people, trust me, the criticism & rejection mails would have ended my career already. 

Question: What purpose fuels your creativity?

Answer: Sometimes, I feel like it’s fate that I’m a writer (well, that’s a story for another day). I’ve always been passionate about writing since I was a kid, and it still fuels me today. My purpose is to create works that resonate deeply with people, making them feel seen and giving them a sense of belonging.

Question: Fifty years from now, what do you want the literary world to perceive of your art?

Answer: I’d want the literary world to perceive my art as a reflection of the human experience, particularly in the context of the themes I love exploring. I want my art to leave a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for humanity.

Question: Is representation a priority for you, and do you see a need for your writing to reflect your background or ancestral links?

Answer: Not really. I’m not tied to representing my background or ancestral links in my writing but I’m open to it if it fits the story. My goal is to write pieces that connect with people on a deeper level, regardless of their background.