Introducing our 2026-2026 Donald E. Waterfall Scholar:

Isaiah Adepoju

“The least I expect is to win anything for poetry— I am still shocked, especially at this time.

Winning this scholarship fund came at a moment when, already at the base of my confidence as a poet, I decided to dedicate the next two years of my life to studying and writing poems.

Poetry is often difficult for me to grasp, and my inability to dedicate quality time to it—while still being called a poet—embarrasses me.

So, the money and mentorship provided as prizes of the scholarship are an immense blessing. They will allow me to focus squarely on poetry this next year. I am so excited for this, and deeply appreciate everybody who has made this possible.

Thank you.”


— Isaiah Adepoju

About Isaiah

Isaiah Adepoju is a Nigerian poet from Osogbo, whose work moves between memory, myth, and the music of everyday speech. As our first Donald E. Waterfall Scholar, Isaiah embodies the spirit of this mentorship: curiosity, craft, and the belief that language can be a bridge between generations.

Isaiah’s practice reflects the very heart of what the DEW Scholarship supports:

  • seriousness of craft

  • attentiveness to language

  • a willingness to study the work deeply

  • a commitment to growing as a writer

Through the scholarship year, Isaiah receives personalized mentorship, editorial guidance, and opportunities to publish and share new work through Archipel’s platforms and its broader creative networks across West Africa and beyond.

The DEW Scholarship

The scholarship — named in honour of my father, Donald E. Waterfall, a lifelong believer in education as a public good — supports emerging poets through financial ease, sustained attention, and a commitment to gate-free creative futures.

It is not an “accelerate your career” program.
It is steady ground, not pressure.
It is accompaniment, not extraction.

Isaiah’s work reminds us why this mentorship exists at all.

Follow Isaiah’s Journey

🔗 Subscribe to Isaiah’s Substack

🔗 Read Isaiah’s Announcement on Archipel

Quarterly Reflections

  • Q1: DEW Scholar Isaiah Adepoju reflects on the past season of making, collaboration and learning how to be seen.

  • Q2: Coming March 9, 2026

  • Q3:

  • Q4: