Haroon Khan took home our Best Poem 2025 award last October at the Wordplay Awards and we haven’t been able to keep up since. He has set his sights on developing as an author and poet in new ways and we have the pleasure of getting to know the creative behind the words. Where did the journey start? Listening to rap and hip-hop as a teenager sparked his interest in seeing what he could do as an artist. Aged 36, Haroon decided to pick up a pen and write with purpose. When he eventually leaned into his talents he found that there weren’t many role models from the South Asian community that he could connect with. Pressure from family encouraged him to focus on carving out a corporate career which led him to get a degree but he knew this wasn’t what he wanted long-term. Inspired by the likes of Mos Def and RZA Ahmed, Haroon still dabbled in music where he could, however after being diagnosed with ADHD and autism aged 40, his outlook on life changed and becoming the creative he’s always wanted to be was now at the forefront of his life. I see the world through a creative lens. What does poetry mean to you? Acknowledging that his brain functions in a unique way, Haroon found that writing poetry allowed him to be passionate towards himself by expressing his thoughts and feelings on the page. He believes that poetry is a good way to explore your love of language and that anything can happen from there. I give people fragments of the picture and they have the opportunity to fill in the gaps. Haroon views poetry as a gateway to a foundational art form with some of his favourite musicians setting the bar. Artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Saul Williams, Nas, and Q Tip have influenced Haroon’s approach to writing his own work. Quote: I think poetry is my calling and the most at home I’ve felt. It is rich with potential and a great way to channel emotions. What inspired your book and other ventures? Haroon’s first poetry book, Press Play, focuses on his journey as a British Pakistani man navigating aspects of life such as fatherhood and divorce. The book touches upon many themes including friendship, masculinity, and grief. With a second poetry collection and a novel in the works, Haroon is expanding his literary portfolio one publication at a time. I’m a very curious person. I know that’s a broad frame of reference. Outside of the poetry realm, Haroon has a background in journalism that has inspired him to launch his own podcast where he interviews creatives from all walks of life. Moving forward he plans to continue producing new writing work and creating regular podcasts that nurture conversations with artists like himself. Haroon has become an established poet within his community that has the ability to motivate and relate to others through his words. 2026 is looking bright and we look forward to knowing what comes next. Writer: Tannika Taylor Photographer: Tannika Taylor Editor: Shariar Graphic Designer: Torrin Westerman
Tag Archives: Author
‘Yours Sincerely, Asim’
On the 29th of December, one of the spoken word scene’s most prominent performers, Asim the Poet, released his debut poetry anthology titled Yours Sincerely, Asim. The 100-page collection coincides with the poet’s recent marriage last December, which saw the newlywed dedicate the collection to his wife. Asim the Poet, a regular at events such as the FLO Vortex, of which he was personally named a FLO Poet by the “Floacist” Natalie Stewart in 2019, and the one-time event Just Rhyme, which he headlined later the same year, has proven time and again that he is one of the most gifted and versatile poets on the entire scene. Whether he’s wowing audiences with superb wordplay and intricate metaphors or earning the applause of a captivated audience following an unexpected twist at the end of some masterful storytelling, Asim can do it all. Yours Sincerely, Asim is not only another example of the poet’s impressive versatility, but also a testament to his extraordinary work ethic and willingness to explore avenues, some may consider, out of his comfort zone. The collection, now available to purchase on Amazon, is more than just a feather in the poet’s proverbial cap, it is the consolidation of the multifarious nature of his work, further cementing that there is no genre too daunting for this wordsmith to tackle. Since his arrival on the poetry scene, Asim has been one of its keenest supporters, often travelling over a hundred miles from Leicester to attend spoken word nights and staying put until the event’s conclusion. Now with 2021 behind him and the title of author added to his list of accomplishments, Asim the Poet looks to make 2022 another fruitful year filled with success. Asim the Poet is an award-nominated spoken word artist and FLO Poet. He is a creative workshop facilitator and motivational speaker, and the author of ‘Yours Sincerely, Asim’. Written by: Liam Spencer
Discover the Endless Creative Talents of Abdul-Ahad Patel
The term ‘hard worker’, reserved for an individual with an outstanding work ethic, is often used to describe and commend any individual that displays a keen and determined inclination for ‘going above and beyond’ to achieve their goals. And when it comes to spoken word artist, actor, and writer Abdul-Ahad Patel, I can think of no designation more fitting to describe the aforementioned creative’s remarkable resolve, industrious attitude and conscientious work ethic. In a span of just three years, Abdul-Ahad has catapulted himself from the open mic to headliner, from aspiring writer to self-published author, and from occasional extra to facing off with Joel Kinnamon in ‘The Informer’. These feats are all incredible in their own right, but when you factor in that Abdul-Ahad does all this while holding down full-time employment, it becomes even more impressive. Abdul-Ahad’s indubitable commitment to quality is both confirmed and exemplified by his diligent approach toward each individual project he undertakes, wholly applying himself to every endeavour, determined to give the absolute best of himself regardless of the role. Whether it’s performing in front of an audience of poets at BBC’s Word First competition, painstakingly handcrafting his debut short story ‘Ghost of Shaolin’, or intimidating Joel Kinnamon’s Pete Koslow as Vermin, Abdul-Ahad exudes excellence, embodying a resoluteness that can only be found in the most ardent of individuals. As we move towards 2022, the future looks bright for the incredibly gifted Abdul-Ahad. With his sights set on releasing a fourth book in the summer of the new year, and later, in the year 2023, a sequel to 2019’s ‘Ghost of Shaolin’ (a story aptly titled ‘The Shadow of Shaolin’), as well as his upcoming debut in a brand new Netflix show ‘The Last Bus’, the sky’s the limit for this uber talented individual. Abdul-Ahad is a spoken word artist, actor and writer. He is best known for his role as Vermin in 2019 film ‘The Informer’. He is the author of the novel ‘Native’, short story ‘Ghost of Shaolin’, and novella ‘Escape’. He has appeared on BBC Xtra’s Word First competition and the Cheltenham Literature Festival. He currently writes for Link Up TV and MMA UK. Written by: Liam Spencer
Birmingham Poets Set To Launch New Poetry Event Aiming To Empower
Birmingham based poet, author, and actor Ryan Sinclair is launching his very own spoken word event in his hometown. Empower Poetry aims to showcase the brilliant poets that Birmingham have to offer by giving them a new safe space to perform their art. Ryan was inspired to launch his new event after exploring the London poetry scene which is filled with open mic nights where poets share their truths. After featuring at various London poetry events and attracting a growing audience, Ryan has inspired more poets from Birmingham to connect with events in London. Currently there are only a few consistent poetry events running in Birmingham and Ryan wants to change the narrative of how poets from outside of the capital city are perceived and received. Alongside his Empower partner Kohinoor, Ryan and his team are determined to put Birmingham and Midland poets on the map, and we are 100% here for it. Kohinoor Yasmin is a writer and poet that has featured on Hayati Open Mic by Ort Gallery in addition to performing for virtual poetry platforms based in the United States. She found her love for writing at the age of eight drawing upon her early experiences as inspiration, and has been indulging in the craft ever since. I love reading, travelling, and cooking. I’m especially passionate about alternative education, and investing in our youth. One of my goals in life is to change the lives of those around me; one poem at a time. Kohinoor Yasmin – Poet, Photographer, and Mentor Ryan Sinclair highlights that it isn’t easy for all poets based outside of London to access the poetry events we have to offer on a weekly basis. Empower Poetry will be another step in bridging the gap between poets from Birmingham and London, and we are eager to see the new talent that the spoken word circuit has underground. I think it’s only right that I use my resources to boost the poetry community in Birmingham and help poets to get paid. Ryan Sinclair – Poet, Author, & Mentor Empower Poetry’s debut event is on the 24th November from 7pm onwards at the 7 Sins Lounge based in Digbeth. The night is set to be one to remember with feature performances from Birmingham based poets that have something to say.