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
Tag Archives: Magazine
Exploring Poetry, Music and Charity with Rayritess
Birmingham based poet and musician Rayhanah Rowe, also known as Rayritess scooped up our Best Emerging Artist award at last year’s Wordplay Awards. The achievement highlights how far Ray has come since she first graced the stage as a poet less than three years ago. With a new album on the way we look at where Rayritess has come from and where she’s heading in our latest Flow Feature. Where did the journey begin? A music lover from as long as she can remember Rayritess was raised in a strict household that limited her creative outlet. She began writing poetry at the age of 11 and continued to develop her craft as she got older. Fast forward to now, Ray is letting her creative outlet bloom in more ways than one and we love to see it. You can’t do wrong with this poetry ting! What inspires your work? Inspired by the likes of Edgar Allan Poe and Suli Breaks, Ray reflected on what it was like when she decided to pursue poetry and music on a serious level. I asked myself why I wanted to do this a few years ago and I just know it’s my purpose; my calling. Suffering from low self-esteem in the past, Rayritess didn’t have many people that she could connect with. Dedicating time to her creative ventures changed that as she slowly built an audience who recognised her growing talent. Ray has been determined to put the Birmingham creative scene on the map ever since her own journey started and one move at a time she is achieving just that. Poetry allows me to pour my heart out in a personal way. The amount of people that I’m able to touch with words is mad to me. She realised poetry was more than just people clicking their fingers. People were listening. People were resonating with her experiences for the first time. When she discovered the Wordplay Awards she instantly knew what the next step was for her; becoming an award-winning poet and musician. Winning the award for Best Emerging Artist has set a strong tone for how the musician wants to showcase her work moving forward. The focus has shifted from short form releases to more extensive projects. What’s next for Rayritess? After recently becoming a finalist for the Inspiration Youth Awards, Ray has started her own charity called Rising Levels. The charity aims to support young and homeless people to develop new habits that will help them move forward in positive ways. Her upcoming album, Born To Be Great, sheds light on the perspective that there are always two sides to a story. Not all the time opportunities are handed to you. More time you have to just take it. An advocate for pushing boundaries, Rayritess is always weaving her experiences into her creations. Her work aims to motivate people to take that leap of faith because you never know where it can take you. Through her poetry, music, and charitable causes, Rayritess is ready to make an impact and show the world why she believes she is great. If nobody is going to give me my flowers then I’ll give them to myself. Written by: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor Photography: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor Editor: Shariar Graphic Design: Torrin Westerman @torrinwesterman
Pressing Play With Haroon Khan
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
The Butterfly Effect With Blessing Adetunji
We are proud to introduce the brilliant Blessing Adetunji to the Wordplay & Flow family after scooping our Best Spoken Word Performance award last October at the Wordplay Awards. The poetry power house graced the stage with her winning piece ‘Outstretched’. From writing songs as a teen to working with organisations such as Hackney Empire, Blessing has made her mark with so much more to come. Where did the journey start for you? Around the age of 14, Blessing began to feel disconnected whilst singing at church. She wanted to think about what worship meant to her and decided to start writing her own songs. They were so long and didn’t mirror what I saw in school to be poetry but they were poems. Not long after finding her own way of expression Blessing went down a rabbit hole of American spoken word and battle rap that led her to discover artists like Jackie Hill Perry; one of her biggest inspirations today. What are some of your memorable moments? Blessing has had the opportunity to work with both Hackney Empire and the Royal Court Theatre. Her experience working with these organisations helped shape the performer we see today and highlights how crucial initiatives like these can benefit creatives in different ways. Hackney Empire helped me grow as a performer and writer. Joining the Royal Court Young Writers group gave me the chance to write and shoot my first screenplay. Winning our Best Spoken Word Performance award was another significant milestone for Blessing. Not because she had just achieved something amazing as a spoken word artist, but because her winning poem touched upon her family dynamics; a topic she was always taught not to share publicly. Her poem showcased what breaking barriers looked like and it was wonderful for our audience to witness. I hadn’t performed from memory in a long time and was filled with fear and self-consciousness, but I did it anyway. That piece ended up resonating with so many people and it opened the door to where I am now. What can we look forward to in 2026? 2026 will see Blessing writing more across different areas. The poet and musician is working on both a poetry album and a musical EP which she is really excited about. In addition, Blessing recently launched her hosting platform called Blessing Occasions for events that need that added special touch. I’ve been rocking the mic in more ways than one. I’m getting more involved in MC’ing and hosting. It doesn’t stop there. We can expect a full length one woman show and more as she explores her love for theatre and film. If you haven’t already, you should check out her latest single ‘Wanted’ out now across all streaming platforms. It’s safe to say that Blessing is one to watch this year and we look forward to seeing what’s next on her journey to greatness. Writer: Tannika Taylor Photographer: Tannika Taylor Editor: Shariar Graphic Designer: Torrin Westerman
Discovering The Power Of Words With Joseph Roberts
We had the pleasure of catching up with the emerging talent taking spoken word to new levels, Joseph Roberts. The literary teen has made quite the impact in London after winning Best Spoken Word Newcomer at our Wordplay Awards last year. His superb visuals and relatable words have made Joseph one of the most captivating poets the London scene has come across in a long time. The artists passion for poetry began in sixth form when he was asked to perform at an assembly. This experience gave him his first taste of performing live and he hasn’t looked back since. At the age of 16, Joseph realised he wanted to take poetry and performing seriously as a career. He began investing in his creative practice by writing more, studying the greats before him such as Suli Breaks, and networking at different open mic events. Last year, Joseph took home our Best Spoken Word Newcomer award at the Wordplay Awards and was nominated for Best Male Spoken Word Poet at this years celebrations. His incredible piece V.I.P is what first landed him on our radar and his latest release ‘Luggage’ has landed a spot on the Voices in Power Instagram page with over 100K followers. Being a Liverpool based poet penetrating the mainstream London arts scene hasn’t intimidated Joseph in any way. Over the last year his focus has been to build on his performance style and become one of the greats himself. I like to consider my style of poetry genuine, real, and accessible. Joseph Roberts Poetry is not only an emotional outlet for Joseph but a way to inspire those around him in unique ways. As he performed more often it wasn’t long before schools were contacting him to connect with students through his work. He has worked with various educational bodies including Everton school, St Bedes secondary school, St Vincent’s school for the blind, and many more. When asked what advice he would give to those that want to establish a career as a poet he said: You have to be ruthless. You have to be persistent, know who you are, and know your worth. Joseph Roberts Joseph plans to continue producing new work and securing commissions from organisations that want to engage their students and audiences through spoken word. Very confident in his abilities to excel, the creative has big ambitions for the future. I want to become a member of the Recording Academy and one day win a Grammy for spoken word. Joseph Roberts There is always something in the works when it comes to Joseph Roberts. His profound work ethic has landed him opportunities that many established poets are yet to achieve. He plans to continue recording new poetry material and release new visuals that we know are going to be a hit with audiences due to the high creative quality he produces. The artist is relentlessly working towards becoming a prominent name in the world of spoken word poetry and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s next. Creative Director/Writer: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor Photographer: Seun Sontana @seunsontana Cover Design: Simplexity Creative Counsel @simplexitycc
How Groove Verse Bring Live Jazz & Spoken Word To Life
With so many poetry and open mic night events blossoming in London it can be easy to think that the scene has become over-saturated. This may be the case for some but the iconic event, Groove Verse, says otherwise. Ran by organisers Henry Beckwith and James Booth, this duo has curated one of the most beautiful spaces that fuses live improvised jazz with spoken word. They have raised the bar when it comes to providing entertainment through artistic expression, and people can’t get enough. Groove Verse have been supporting both musicians and poets since their inception in 2021. Fast forward to 2023, they have sold out over 13 shows in their home venue, Toulouse Latrec, and collaborated with some of the best creatives London has to offer. The duo have found the perfect balance between improvised jazz and spoken word that has inspired many to take their art one step further. What really makes this event so special is the range of opportunities that they provide for musicians. Their diverse team include drummers, bass players, and pianists that accompany poets on stage as they recite their stories. We’re unashamedly trying to mainstream spoken word. Groove Verse’s aim is growth and music is the key to that. Henry Beckwith aka Ted Temple – Groove Verse The process behind the launch of Groove Verse was a simple one. Henry and James felt as if the art of spoken word wasn’t as appreciated as it should be. In the US, spoken word holds a higher level of popularity compared to the UK and the duo wanted to bridge that gap. Surrounded by many talented musicians, it was a no-brainer to incorporate both arts together to create an experience that people keep coming back for. To go to America and host a show would be one of the greatest things for Groove Verse. It would prove our mission to be successful and we would be representing the talent of the UK spoken word and jazz scene. James Booth – Groove Verse After a successful run of London events the Groove Verse team is looking to expand its reach to new cities whilst giving new and established musicians more opportunities to perform live. They have already taken Manchester by storm, hosting an epic event at the Band on the Wall, and they have been featured on BBC Radio Manchester for the electric energy that they’ve introduced to the city. They have plans to take to the stage in Bristol and potentially set up another space in London. Spoken word has become more widespread over recent years and Groove Verse aims to pave the way for more creatives to gain mainstream opportunities within the art through events and quality content creation for their performers. We enjoy spreading the word of spoken word by combining it with the best talent on the London jazz scene. James Booth – Groove Verse Featuring at the Farrago Festival at Brixton Jamm on the 23rd July, Groove Verse is back to doing what they do best with their live band and a great line-up of talented poets. Their previous features have included Manchester based poets Skittles, Griot Gabriel, and others such as Myndstate and Temi Spoken Word. They will be back in Toulouse Lautrec for their regular Groove Verse event on the 26th July which will be headlined by the brilliant Nego True. Four poets will compete in an audience vote for the chance to headline their next London show; a clever incentive for the spoken word artists that want to try something new. Tickets to both events are out now. Creative Director & Writer: Tannika Taylor – @tannikataylor Photographer: Seun Sontan – @seunsontana Groove Verse Team: Henry Beckwith aka Ted Temple – @tedtemple_ James Booth – @jmsbth
Finding T.M/O with T Monterisi
Our Flow Feature 2022 series continues with the superb T Monterisi; a creative icon that has come and conquered in more ways than we will ever know. As someone that feels like she doesn’t fit in any type of box, Monterisi shares with us the turbulent yet beautiful life that has shaped her into one of the best poets to watch out for. A woman on a mission to express unapologetically to heal and entertain, we dive into the story behind this dynamic individual and her adorable pup Beppe. Tell us about T Monterisi From hardship to growth, T Monterisi is someone that is very familiar with both concepts and has used her experiences to produce art in her own way. After losing her mother and feeling as if her world was spiraling, she went back to what she knew and loved, which was writing. What started as a way to vent turned into a way to inspire others on how to overcome their own challenges through expression. I feel like I’m now living beyond the two year period of grief after losing my mum. It feels different but very exciting. T Monterisi An advocate for acknowledging her achievements no matter how big or small has enhanced Monterisi’s thinking when it comes to her craft and how she views the world. Since bursting back on the scene she has travelled all over the UK spoken word scene performing at events such as Groove Verse, Word of Mouth, and Vagina Fest. Monterisi also had the amazing opportunity to run her own exhibition event called ‘ALL PAUL’ in collaboration with Leeds Poetry Festival. How has your writing journey progressed? Monterisi first started writing out of frustration and confusion when she was based in Italy living with family, and had no Wi-Fi. The creative isolated herself for six months to focus on getting her emotions on the page which eventually evolved into her writing with a purpose to convey the messages she wanted people to hear. I’ve been motivated a lot by my anger at the state of the world but I embrace that anger. T Monterisi Since returning to the poetry scene her writing style has adapted to fit the exceptional performances she delivers time and time again. Never one to shy away from expressing raw emotion through her work, Monterisi has the ability to captivate audiences when they feel their most vulnerable. This is what makes her work that much more relatable to the masses. She is constantly challenging herself to explore her internal roots and gain more understanding about who she is as an individual and the world she lives in. What is coming next from the great T Monterisi? With an extensive portfolio of features and collaborations under her belt already, we know that 2023 will be a bright year for Monterisi. We’re looking forward to her highly anticipated debut EP ‘Finding T.M/O’ produced by Charlie Boud which is due for release early next year. She describes the style of the project as paranoia inducing poetry and has given us a cheeky preview of what to expect. I’ve released ‘The Shining’ on Spotify and other streaming platforms as a teaser for the upcoming EP ‘Finding T.M/O’. T Monterisi When asked about the process behind creating ‘Finding T.M/O’, T Monterisi laid it all out on the table. Producing an EP is never a small feat but producing one that aims to expose so much of oneself can be difficult on many levels. Touching on topics such as misogyny, masking, and capitalism, the EP discusses in depth about personal hurdles that have come with expressing herself. I trigger myself heavily and in doing that I think beautiful answers are found. I don’t want it to look easy. The past five years have been unbelievably traumatic for me and I know I’m not the only one feeling it. I believe in stripping pain from its power, and for me, this project has done exactly that. T Monterisi ‘Finding T.M/O’ is set for release early next year which will be followed by a string of performances from T Monterisi across London and beyond. It is very clear that there are no limits to this artist’s ambition to become one of the best spoken word poets to grace the stage, and we are wishing her all the best with this new venture. Creative Director & Writer: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor Photographer: Matty @mattys.gallery Cover Design: Simplexcity @simplexcitycc
The Creative Free Fall of SpaceTu
Being creative is often a way for people to make themselves heard through their craft. Our Flow Feature 2022 series continues with SpaceTu; a creative that uses words to make sense of how he feels and his place in this life. With an extensive portfolio of musical projects that has taken him out of his comfort zone in many ways, we get an insight into the inspirations behind these projects and the mind of the man creating them. Freefall Who is SpaceTu? A man of adventure yet a man of introversion. Two traits that many creatives across all industries can relate to in one way or another. SpaceTu considers himself a writer rather than a rapper, but music has had a heavy influence on the work that he puts out to the world. Coupled with becoming more comfortable with busking in public spaces such as Central London, he eventually started to go with the flow and evolve into the free spirit he describes himself as today. When asked about some of the thoughts that motivate him to write in the way that he does he said: Sometimes I feel like I’m not heard but being the centre of attention has never appealed to me. I like to let my words do the talking. SpaceTu As someone that has experienced social anxiety, SpaceTu found peace through attending open mic nights and busking regularly which encouraged him to be more open about what he was doing. His real love for rap emerged when he heard a rap cypher that made him want to take the art seriously. He realised that it was something that made him fundamentally happy and he was good at it. It wasn’t about fame or recognition it was about expressing himself on his own terms. SpaceTu wanted to pursue rap purely because he enjoyed it. How would you describe your style of music? When it comes to describing his style of music, SpaceTu doesn’t stick to just one approach. His work often gets compared to spoken word but he still considers it rap even though it doesn’t always sound like it. Inspired by genres such as jazz and neo-soul he often says that his work is referred to as bedroom music. My music hits best when you’re chilling on your own catching a vibe. People who are more introverted relate to my music more. SpaceTu His first project ‘Freefall’ was named as a metaphor for him falling from space and the feeling of being in that free fall for too long starting to make him think about the end. Influenced by his battle with depression this project is filled with angry, bitter, and lonely emotions portrayed in a subtle way that resonates with those who indulge. Many creatives have the ability to adapt their work based on how they feel and this process often produces the most authentic art that we share with the world. SpaceTu’s second project ‘Sage & Cigarettes’ is where his style shifted. Although it still reflected on his life experiences he was able to develop a more positive and upbeat energy that showcased his growth as an individual as well as an artist. Sage & Cigarettes What can we look forward to from the one and only SpaceTu? Earlier this year we saw SpaceTu and RVJ Poet collaborate on RVJ’s debut album ‘Closing Doors’ and we’ve caught him on stage doing what he does best more than a few times, so of course we had to explore what else the humble creative has coming in future. SpaceTu’s love for music is ever expanding and he has recently started a band called ‘Handshake Emoji’ where he is both a drummer and a pianist. The musician is working on his new project ‘Excuse The Mess That Is My Mind’ which is currently in the works and set for release in 2023, and when he was asked about his goal as a musician and creative he said: It can be difficult to get inspiration from beats that I produce myself sometimes, but I’m becoming more patient with that side of the process. I would like to get to a point where I can just rap. SpaceTu As I grow as an artist I’m getting closer to what SpaceTu means to me. SpaceTu Freefall and Sage & Cigarettes are both available on streaming platforms including Spotify and we’re sure that Handshake Emoji will be coming to a stage near you soon. Creative director: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor Writer: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor Photographer: Matty @mattysgallery Cover Design: Simplexcity @simplexcitycc
Hayah Talks Finding Freedom Through Her Flows
Modern poetry and spoken word has grown to become not only an elevated art but an avenue for people to also elevate themselves through expression. Our latest Flow Feature is the wonderful Hayah. A woman that is all about living her life in her own truth which we have had the privilege of witnessing on stage and now we get a deeper insight into the inspirations behind this unforgettable artist. We’re doing what we do best and discovering more about the woman behind the words that is Hayah. Who is Hayah? An individual of freedom, Hayah describes herself as an introverted creative that slowly emerged from her shell using poetry. She started writing in 2019 and was fairly new to the poetry community before her friends introduced her to Flo Vortex, a popular poetry event founded by the Floacist. What began as writing as a way to express herself eventually turned into her exploring the world of spoken word and taking her writings to the stage. She admits that it has been a beautiful journey becoming a part of the poetry community and has seen how more self-reflective she can be in her writings. We’re all human, and I love being able to explore myself within this realm as well as others. Hayah As someone that feeds off the positive energy of others, Hayah realised that writing and poetry started to reveal a new confidence in her that she didn’t necessarily have in more casual conversations. As she became more familiar with the London poetry community she found more and more safe spaces to express herself in the ways that she wanted to. Inspired by themes such as nature, corruption, and the workings of the system, each performance is like an artistic form of education that many spoken word poets have the ability to do effortlessly. Poetry reminds me of who I am. It’s allowed me to set boundaries that protect my energy. Hayah What is the story behind Hayah Pokes? Body art has always been an important part of Hayah’s life. Once she decided that she wanted to be a tattoo artist herself she discovered that the tattooing industry can be very egotistical and competitive. She launched Hayah Pokes three years ago, but when she looked for guidance on how to develop her skills she was often met with rejection and negative comments from other tattoo artists which forced her to find her own lane. Inspired by ancient techniques, Hayah tattoos her clients by hand whilst also getting to know more about herself and those that she has the pleasure of working on. Hayah Pokes is more than a business to this creative, it has become a way for her to share her knowledge with others instead of harbouring it. People always express to me when I’m working on them, and this has taught me a lot about how to deal with the emotional and physical pain of others. Hayah Taking a step back from poetry to focus on growing Hayah Pokes, Hayah has set up a workshop to teach others the same hand poking techniques that she uses on her clients. Her tattoo workshops focus on the history of the techniques, learning about different types of skin and how to tattoo yourself before learning how to tattoo others using fake skin. She provides an intimate and unique experience for those who want to start taking tattooing to a new level. What should we be looking out for in future? With the success of Hayah Pokes, Hayah will be releasing a range of merchandise including hoodies and t-shirts with designs that are similar to her tattoos before the year ends. Influenced by new found perspectives in life and the process of exchanging old energy for new, the creative is back to writing more introspective pieces that we may be hearing sooner rather than later as she plans to release new work in different forms. I’m hoping to start recording my EP and working on a new book soon. Hayah Although nothing has been confirmed it’s safe to say that everything Hayah has coming our way will represent the incredible artist that she is. We look forward to seeing what’s next and you should look forward to her coming to a stage near you. For more information on how to book a workshop or body art with Hayah Pokes, you can reach out to Hayah via Instagram. Creative Director & Writer: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor Photographer: Matty @mattys.gallery Cover Design: Simplexity @simplexitycc
Exploring Gratitude with the Great Annotate
The evolution of Annotate as a creative has been a heartwarming experience for his fellow creatives and audiences to witness over the years. We have the pleasure of getting to know how that evolution began as he graces the cover of our latest Flow Feature 2022 digital series. Captivating audiences with incredibly intense performances each and every time, we explore the multiple layers that make Annotate one of the best wordsmiths contributing to modern arts and culture in London today. What are some of the key inspirations behind your writings? As a creative, whether it be a musician, poet, or artist, we all create from within. Hardship can be a key source of inspiration when it comes to writing and this was the case with Annotate’s early works. Pen to paper became his way of expressing how he felt during a time where life was weighing heavy but also required him to be at his best. His conversion to Islam further laid the foundations for his love for writing which swiftly developed into a love for performing his work. It wasn’t long before his diverse delivery and depth of content became highly recognised and he began headlining shows across London. In 2018, Annotate was selected by Natalie Stewart to join the Flo Poet collective which is an initiative he is honoured to be a part of. My first pieces conveyed the messages that I wanted them to at first, but I later realised that it wasn’t working for me. Annotate After a string of successful performances and opportunities, Annotate decided to take a time out from poetry to reflect on the feedback he had received. Modern poetry and spoken word is still considered a niche sector within arts and culture, but the effect that it has had on areas such as mental health, education, and more cannot be denied. It’s an art that can often be misunderstood but can also be related to in the same way. It wasn’t too long before his love for poetry re-emerged and after finding a deeper belief in gratitude he began to release new work and enjoy the process along the way. One of the first new pieces that he released was called Gratitude, and it was the piece that gave him the following and recognition he deserved. Gratitude [2016]: https://youtu.be/L_YXjSxiPf0 Things were falling into the right places for the wordsmith, but his new approach to poetry and performing wasn’t about simply conveying the messages that he wanted anymore. It was about breaking boundaries and not limiting himself as an artist. He wanted to expand his creative focus whilst staying true to who he was, and it was this attitude that birthed what came to be known as Just Rhyme. What inspired you to launch Just Rhyme? It’s very hard for new poets to shine and Just Rhyme provided a safe space for all poets to do that without judgement. Annotate Just Rhymes launched in 2018 with the help of the Revert to Reality charity with the aim of creating a safe space for Muslim poets to share freely. The event launch almost never happened after Annotate’s phone was stolen just before the first event with all his plans, poems, and notes gone with it. It was a very demotivating time and he contemplated whether to go ahead or cancel all together, but the wheels were already in motion and there was no turning back. The first Just Rhyme event was a huge success with over 100 people coming out to support the new poetry initiative. Although he was unsure how he would be received as a poet launching an event that he was so personally connected to, Just Rhyme proved that being a poet is all that mattered. The event quickly progressed to become inclusive of all poets from all walks of life despite being based on the ethos of Islam. I took pride in being able to unite two communities through poetry. Annotate Street Tales [2018]: https://youtu.be/edm6cdbu17s Running a poetry event is far from easy. Just like launching any event it comes with its challenges, and as the poetry community grows so does those challenges. What was once launched with love and unity in mind can quickly turn into a competitive space where favouritism comes before the art. Over time the Just Rhyme team began to experience the pressure of trying to make everyone happy when it wasn’t possible. Just Rhyme was based on being inclusive in addition to focusing on the writer that graced their stage to perform. Once managing the event became physically and emotionally taxing the Just Rhyme team decided to go out with the bang they started with. They launched their last show in collaboration with Barclays bank which was a final success in their run of uniting two communities through poetry and more. I miss it but I don’t regret it. For me, it’s always been about the individual’s writing ability and what they have to offer. Annotate What can we expect to see of Annotate before the end of 2022? Poetry will always be a branch of Annotate’s creative life. He will always love writing and performing, but for the amount of time and effort that he invests in his art as a creative, he has at times felt as if that investment has often been overlooked. With so many poets elevating at the same time, it’s easy for some to feel like their work has been lost in a saturated scene despite the constant and consistent energy that goes into writing and performing at headline levels. Annotate has more than proven he is one of the most memorable spoken word poets of today, and we here at Wordplay & Flow know first hand he is a brilliant writer outside of the art. Not only has he contributed some amazing content to our very own platform, but he has written for other notable platforms including Comic Book Resources which you can check out here. HisContinue reading “Exploring Gratitude with the Great Annotate”