The Walking Liar, whose real name is Zakli Kokouvi, is a Togolese slam poet, performer, and social commentator. A singular figure on the contemporary art scene, he has made his mark with a striking style blending slam poetry, satire, irony, and raw truth, embodied by a deliberately provocative persona. Through the concept of the deliberate lie, the Walking Liar questions the social, political, and human realities of contemporary Africa. He uses language as a mirror, where falsehood serves to reveal truth, and where humor becomes a powerful tool for raising awareness. His texts address themes such as citizenship, governance, social contradictions, youth, identity, and freedom of expression. Present on cultural stages, in public spaces, and on digital platforms, the Walking Liar has forged a reputation as a committed yet independent artist, rejecting labels and conventional narratives. His deliberately provocative art invites reflection, debate, and collective questioning. Beyond the character, Zakli Kokouvi asserts an artistic approach rooted in African oral tradition, while adapting it to urban and contemporary codes. The Walking Liar thus embodies a free, critical, and resolutely modern voice within Togolese slam poetry.
