Get ready for an unforgettable evening of poetry, spoken word, lyricism and storytelling from a vibrant line-up of artists connected to Newham.
Award-winning poet and founder of the Newham Poetry Prize, Be Manzini, will host a night dedicated to exploring identity, belonging and home through the voices of some of the borough’s most exciting creative talent.
Be Manzini has brought her signature blend of poetry, performance and cultural commentary to stages including the London Literature Festival, the V&A, Theatre Royal Stratford East and Love Supreme Festival. She was the first-ever artist in residence for Sundance, has held a residency with the Southbank Centre and has appeared across Channel 4, BBC TV, BBC Radio and multiple international podcasts.
As a mentor and facilitator, she has taught more than 8,000 students worldwide. Her work has been published by Flipped Eye and Corsair, and her words have been transformed into murals, sculptures, postcards and films.
📸 Instagram: @bemanzini
🌐 Website: bemanzini.weebly.com
Guest Performers
Eklipse
A magnetic performer whose work bridges music and poetry, Eklipse has lit up stages from Tate Modern and Royal Festival Hall to Cloud X Festival, the Houses of Parliament and the US Embassy.
He has shared platforms with Chance the Rapper, No Name, JLS, Shae Universe, Green Tea Peng, Scorcher and Hak Baker, with tracks playlisted on Radio 1, 1Xtra, Reprezent and Balamii.
Winner of the John Betjeman Poetry Prize (presented by Sir Trevor McDonald), the Damilola Taylor Award and two Mayor’s Office awards, he once received high praise from Libby Purves OBE who declared on air: “Here we have a future poet laureate.”
Shadé Joseph
Blending sound and literature, Shadé Joseph moves fluidly between music production, songwriting, sound design, performance poetry and live musicianship.
Her collaborations include the Roundhouse, Young Vic, London Symphony Orchestra and South London Gallery. She is Creative Director at Writerz and Scribez CIC, hosts a radio show on Mode London and is currently completing an MA in Audio Storytelling at UCL East.
Shadé is also the 2025 Charles Parker Gold Award winner and an Arts Council England DYCP grant recipient.
Russenï
An electric stage presence, Russenï is a poet, creative facilitator and actor whose work bridges art, activism and community. He has performed at Olympic Park, the Southbank and Lovebox Festival, and won the 2024 Drama Inspiration Award for his theatre and education work with at-risk youth.
He collaborates with companies including London Bubble and Lyric Hammersmith, bringing powerful, community-rooted storytelling to the forefront.
babirye bukilwa
A bold and expressive literary voice, babirye bukilwa has work featured in SISTA! (Team Angelica), The Colour of Madness Anthology and Sweet Thang Magazine. Commissioned by Poetry + Film/Hack for the Barbican, babirye has also built a remarkable career in theatre. They are currently under commission with the Royal Court Theatre, the Yard Theatre and Soho Theatre/Clean Break, supported by the Peggy Ramsay Foundation and Film4.
On screen, babirye has appeared in groundbreaking productions including Dreaming Whilst Black and Domino Day (BBC) and recently performed opposite Cate Blanchett at the National Theatre.
This special event invites all audiences to join a night of powerful performance and community connection. You’ll also be able to hear more about the Newham Poetry Prize’s free winter programme of workshops and events for writers and creatives of all backgrounds.
By booking via Eventbrite, you consent to receiving future event information from the Newham Poetry Prize. Alternatively, you can contact newhampoetryprize@gmail.com or follow the prize on Instagram: @newhampoetryprize.
The Newham Poetry Prize is a poetry competition and creative programme for anyone who lives, works or studies in the London borough of Newham.
