Jibril Adamu finds himself likened to a robot in his daily routine, where he navigates Montreal as a rideshare driver dictated by an app for eight hours each day. Alongside this role, he fulfills his responsibilities as a building janitor and a father of three while also nurturing his passion for poetry.
Despite his desire to write full-time, Adamu has adapted to seizing the brief moments between rides to refine his craft. The experiences and encounters from his time behind the wheel serve as inspiration for the verses and rhymes he meticulously records on phone notes and notepads.
Reflecting on the dichotomy of being viewed as just a driver by the app, Adamu emphasizes the human element in each interaction, recognizing the richness of stories that unfold during rides. After a decade of balancing extensive work hours and his literary pursuits, Adamu is set to release his debut poetry collection, titled “Ode to a Red Country Rooster,” by the end of the month.
Inspired by a resilient rooster he encountered in New Brunswick, Adamu draws parallels between the bird’s perseverance and his own journey of embracing invisibility while striving for community impact. Interacting with a diverse range of individuals daily, including students, nurses, and tourists, fuels Adamu’s creativity, with each person contributing to his evolving narrative.
Acknowledging the fusion of his job and his passion, Adamu has embraced the moniker “Rideshare Poet,” recognizing the integral role his driving experiences play in shaping his artistic expression. His confidence and pride behind the wheel are evident to passengers like Heather Hodges, who describes his car as a unique stage for artistic connection.
Despite the transient nature of rideshare encounters, Adamu cherishes the fleeting moments with passengers, using these interactions as a wellspring for his writing. Drawing inspiration from everyday scenes in Montreal, Adamu’s poetry captures the essence of the city’s landmarks and nuances, resonating with readers on a personal level.
As he continues to observe the world from his vantage point behind the windshield, Adamu is already envisioning his next poetry collection, delving into societal observations such as homelessness in Montreal and the impact of tragic events on the cityscape. “Ode to a Red Country Rooster” is now available for purchase online and at the Bonder Bookstore in Montreal West, with printed copies set to be more widely accessible from October 28.