Who gets away with it? Who gets to be a genius first and a criminal second? Join poet Yomi Ṣode as he explores the imbalances of bias, power, and the privileges of a culture over time. Ṣode queries the lauding of Caravaggio, the Italian painter but also notorious criminal, asking what grace does being a ‘man of […]

Remember the book that changed your life. The film that opened your eyes. That song you’ll never forget. Now pick two books, two tracks and one film that define you and you’ve got your First Five. Join Yomi Ṣode as he talks to the producers, influencers and champions behind the art and artists that matter to us, and […]

“In times of crisis, the wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers.” T’challa, Black Panther Celebrated poet and producer, Yomi Sode hosts an evening of conversation and poetry as he shares new material and reflects on how we can come together to find healing in 2020. In times of crisis, the wise build bridges […]

Apples and Snakes present JAWDANCE Join us for London’s biggest open mic night! Every third Wednesday of the month, Jawdance brings you some of the most acclaimed feature acts and up-and-coming artists in poetry and music whose words will waltz around your head for days. And, of course, not forgetting the renowned Jawdance open mic draw – […]

Join BoxedIN as we celebrate our 5th birthday in Style! Featuring: Vanessa Kissule Michael Elcock Hibaq Osman Simeon Farrar

Join us for a special event showcasing the work of four exciting poets from diverse backgrounds. Ten is the third anthology from The Complete Works poetry mentoring scheme, a national programme supporting exceptional black and Asian poets. Editor Karen McCarthy Woolf’s first book, An Aviary of Small Birds, was shortlisted for the Forward and Fenton […]

Combine the stigma of mental health and the ‘rules’ of masculinity and you have a problem. A serious problem. That’s why Backslang and CALM (a charity dedicated to male suicide: the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK) have teamed up for an evening of spoken word and music to get men […]

Get a seat to this showcase of 10 of the most internationally in-demand Black and Asian poets in the UK, in a special event from Poetry International in collaboration with The Complete Works. Presented by British-Caribbean poet Malika Booker and Nigerian poet playwright Inua Ellams, this selection brings together voices energising and challenging the contemporary […]

Expect a different line-up at each event, featuring the best poets from London and beyond, live music, performer challenges and an open mic set. This month’s line up includes Victoria Bulley, Will Harris and Yomi Sode – all featured in the upcoming ‘Ten Poets Of The New Generation Bloodaxe’ anthology – plus live music from […]

  “I don’t know my grandparents names, how embarrassing is that. But I can name all of Kanye’s albums” Picture this: Nigeria. A grandmother passes. London, a son cooks a pot of stew for his mother hoping to uncover hidden stories and unanswered questions. “Home is no stranger, you are an African man and you […]

Hello. So. Sick. Man. Long month man. So yeah. Wow. Let’s talk. Let’s actually talk. Why don’t you stick with me please. Long time. It’s exciting to be back. Really is. Feel like we need it. Stuff is just getting- it’s easter which is great but it’s STUFFY. I’m feeling so stuffy. Need that. That. […]