Nii Parkes writes this about himself: "I am 26 years of pleasure, 26 years of pain. I BEAR the name my ancestors brought back from slavery and WEAR the name my father claimed from his native soil."

He says he is a: Poet. Jazz freak. Food Technologist. Dreamer.

He goes on to say "I've been writing long enough to know that it is the best thing for me; been loving long enough to know it's painful. I started writing songs about 3 years ago and that's mad cool too."

"Wole Soyinka, Maya Angelou, W.B. Yeats, John Coltrane, Nikki Giovanni, Cool Miles, Ngugi Wa Thiongo... are just a few of the lights that help shape my artistic endeavour."

Nii continues "I am keen to help promote writing in Africa and help enlighten all people - especially the melanin blessed. I've been with Timbooktu for a while now and have been inspired and supported by so many people including Memph, Zamounde, Nakia, M. Heath... the list is forever. If you are one of the many people who wrote to me to tell me you liked or loathed my vibe, I thank you. My growth comes from you. My journey is just beginning, and I'm glad to have met you along the way."

"If you happen to be in London, stop by the Poetry Cafe; You might catch me performing there on Tuesdays. Otherwise, check out my website www.geocities.com/choc_giant I try to keep it updated!"

You can contact Mr. Parkes to comment on his works by e-mailing him at Nii.Parkes@unilever.com or by e-mailing TimBookTu and it will be forwarded.