Outcasts on the Mic scooped up our Best Entertainment award last October at the Wordplay Awards after a short hiatus and has been buzzing ever since. Founded by the talented Annum Salman, we dive into the journey from concept to execution about how Outcasts on the Mic came to be.
Annum discovered her love for poetry whilst studying at university in Malaysia in 2011. She began writing and performing storytelling pieces before returning back to Pakistan where she became active in their growing poetry scene through open mics and national level poetry slams. When Annum moved back to the UK to pursue her Masters degree in Creative Writing, she was inspired to publish her debut poetry collection, Sense Me, in 2019. The incredible achievement gave her the opportunity to tour the UK before returning back to Pakistan where she re-launched her book and started mentoring other poets.
What began as a small idea soon became a much loved poetry night celebrated for its warmth, diversity, and sense of belonging.
Returning back to the UK on a Global Talent Visa in 2022, Annum’s desire to create an inclusive space for diaspora poets and new voices birthed Outcasts on the Mic in 2023 with the support of friends and her husband.
What have you achieved with Outcasts on the Mic?
Being an event manager can be both a beautiful and challenging experinece. After a year of shows that filled the room, Annum and her team were finally able to start paying their featured poets.
A small but meaningful step towards valuing creative labour and inviting a wider range of talent to our stage.
Last year Outcasts on the Mic broke barriers by hosting London’s first poetry, music, and comedy ‘Chaand Raat’ celebration for Eid. The sold out event brought together communities in a creative space and marked the beginning of more themed nights that focus on the experiences of the global majority.
What’s next for Outcasts on the Mic?
When a friend forwarded Annum information about the Wordplay Awards she decided to take a chance. It wasn’t about validation but about amplifying what they do as a platform.
As someone who single handedly manages logistics, planning, and marketing for Outcasts, I often miss opportunities like this; but I know the visibility would help grow the platform.
2026 has seen Outcasts on the Mic resume bi-monthly events and the launch of their writing workshop, The Writers Breakup, which aims to help emerging writers explore personal themes. Annum and the team hope to see more collaborations and secure funding to support poets interested in developing full theatre-style shows with them. Having already worked in theatre on her debut play, Ghar Ghar, Annum has realised how easily poetry lends itself to performance art.
It can move, breathe, and tell stories in ways that captivate new audiences. I want to bring that same spirit to Outcasts.
Outcasts on the Mic highlights hopes to bring poetry into wider community spaces and continue to spotlight the incredible voices that make Outcasts what it is.
Writer: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor
Photographer: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor
Editor: Shariar
Graphic Designer: Torrin Westerman @torrinwesterman