Contra (Margus Konnula, 1974) was born in Urvaste Parish, located in Southern Estonia’s Võru County. He graduated from Antsla Middle School in 1992. After completing his conscription, Contra worked in Urvaste as a mailman and post office chief. He has been a freelance author and scriptwriter since 1999, and a member of the Estonian Writers’ Union since 1997.

Contra is one of Estonia’s most productive contemporary poets. Since his debut in 1995, he has published at least one poetry collection each year. Altogether, he believes he has penned over five thousand original poems. Contra’s writing is strongly rooted in Estonia’s contemporary folk-singing tradition, with gleeful and witty texts that blend the doggerel style with topical issues using masterful locution. Moreover, Contra’s poetry stands out for the frequent use of his native Võru dialect. He is also a popular guest on television, at public events, and in schools. Sport is his second great passion, particularly marathons.

Profile photo: Dmitri Kotjuh