Q&A | EVANS ANDREW: Writer, Poet & Community Leader

Compiled by Hawa Sesay on behalf of the Finnish-African Society

Photo Credit: Lydia Kimaka

Photo Credit: Lydia Kimaka

Briefly introduce yourself and the type of art you create

I’m Evans Andrew, writer, poet, storyteller and a community leader. My debut memoir, Before the Devil Wakes Up, explores themes of resilience, identity, and healing. Through my writing, I aim to create spaces where stories—especially from underrepresented voices—can be seen, heard, and valued.

When do you feel most creative?

I feel most creative in the quiet of the night, when the world rests, my brain wakes up, and also when I’m out in nature running. Those quiet or rhythmic moments open space for reflection and fresh ideas. The entire book was written when people were asleep.

What activities do you enjoy when you’re not feeling creative?

I enjoy country music, running, cooking, and spending time with my family. These activities ground me and often end up refueling my creativity in unexpected ways.

If you could go back in time, what would you change about your creative journey?

I would have trusted my voice earlier. For a long time, I hesitated to share my writing. But I’ve learned that stories gain power when they’re told, not when they’re hidden. There is unexplained freedom in putting thoughts to ink.

What has been your biggest challenge as a BIPOC artist in Finland?

Representation. It’s not always easy to see yourself reflected in the mainstream literary or creative landscape. At times that can feel isolating—but it also motivates me to keep creating and opening doors for others. Books have now been written because I wrote a book. That’s something.

If you had a “Creative Genie,” what are your top three wishes?

  1. Time. Unhurried time to create. Life passes by while we are busy preparing to live it.
  2. Give children the freedom to create instead of stifling their imagination with rigid, one-size-fits-all formal education 
  3. Actual sustainable opportunities for creatives of color in Finland, not one-off projects.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I don’t go looking for inspiration. It’s all around me. Amid the many NOs, that single YES is the game changer. We all have the YES day. It comes without fail.

What are your top three tips for emerging creatives in Finland?

  1. Believe in the value of your voice. No one else can tell your story like you.
  2. Join a community; creativity thrives in connection. 
  3. It probably won’t happen in one day. Don’t eat your seeds.

What’s your motto in life?

“Everyone has a story. Tell the story before the silence does.”