Exploring the Poetic Rise of Maryam

Every so often, a very special poet comes along, graces the stage and reminds us here at Wordplay of exactly why we love this. In 2021, that poet has been none other than the graceful and incredibly gifted wordsmith, Maryam. Since her emergence, Maryam has wowed audiences with spellbinding wordplay and breathtaking manipulation of theContinue reading “Exploring the Poetic Rise of Maryam”

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 LondonContinue reading “Birmingham Poets Set To Launch New Poetry Event Aiming To Empower”

World Poetry Slam Champion Shares Urgent Address at Climate Summit in Scotland

The 2015 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion, Sudanese-American poet and activist, Emtithal ‘Emi’ Mahmoud once again echoes the voices of the dispossessed at the 2021 climate summit in Scotland. The incredible ‘Emi’, whom took home the crown of World Poetry Champion in Washington, D.C., six years ago, is back with her palpably impassioned and thought-provokingContinue reading “World Poetry Slam Champion Shares Urgent Address at Climate Summit in Scotland”

The Creative Evolution Of Leyenda Speaks

As Black History Month draws to a close, we introduce the brilliant Leyenda Speaks to end it with the bang it needs. The 25-year-old spoken word poet and creative from South London launched his latest EP, Metamorphosis this year, and already has his eyes set on new heights. Since accepting that art and creative expressionContinue reading “The Creative Evolution Of Leyenda Speaks”

Five Poetry Competitions You Should Know About!

Here is a list of five poetry competitions you can enter now to win great cash prizes and the chance to have your poetry published: 1. Anthology Poetry Award 2021: Entries are now open for the Anthology Poetry Award, but be quick because the deadline is fast approaching. Poets have until the 31st October toContinue reading “Five Poetry Competitions You Should Know About!”

Caleb Femi Among Forward Prizes Winners 2021

It’s been a great year for arts and culture as we recover from the pandemic, and it’s been an even better year for poet Caleb Femi as he wins Best First Collection for his poetry publication, Poor. The 28 year-old poet, film-maker, and photographer from London has been praised for his debut poetry collection byContinue reading “Caleb Femi Among Forward Prizes Winners 2021”

The Vortex Has Reopened!

Hold onto your seats and get ready to be blown away because on the 31st October, FLO Vortex makes its long-awaited return! Hosted by the multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter and poet, Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart, FLO Vortex became an instant success following its inception in 2014. Since then, the Vortex has welcomed poets, rappers andContinue reading “The Vortex Has Reopened!”

How Lashana Lynch Is Making History as the First Ever Female 007

There’s a new 007 in town and she’s exactly what the franchise needed. After decades of daring escapades, high-speed chases, action-packed blockbuster sequences, and intense showdowns reserved for the man they call Bond… James Bond, the 007 franchise finally has a female lead that is more than just the MI5 agent’s love interest. Lashana Lynch,Continue reading “How Lashana Lynch Is Making History as the First Ever Female 007”

Woodzy’s Poetic Journey From The Stage To Wembley Arena

From Sky Arts to Sky Sports, Woodzy [@WoodzyTweets] is showing how poetry and culture come together.

Word Up & The RPO Create Magic In Wembley Park At Wemba’s Dream Festival

Last week, hundreds of shoppers at the London Designer Outlet based next to Wembley Stadium enjoyed the poetry showcase developed by Word Up and local poets from Brent, alongside the magnificent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the Wemba’s Dream festival. The fifteen minute poetry performance that featured at the festival took you through aContinue reading “Word Up & The RPO Create Magic In Wembley Park At Wemba’s Dream Festival”