Yomi Ṣode is a British-Nigerian writer, performer, and facilitator. He started his literary and musical career in Oyo State, Nigeria, and has captivated audiences ever since. Highlights of his career include performing as the opening act for artists Saul Williams and the Last Poets.
His acclaimed one-man theatre show, COAT, toured nationally and played to sold-out audiences at the Africa Writes Festival, Brighton Festival, and Roundhouse Camden. In 2021, his play “and breathe…” premiered at the Almeida Theatre to rave reviews.
Yomi is an alumnus of Complete Works and member of Malika’s Poetry Kitchen.
His debut collection of poetry, titled “Manorism”, was published by Penguin in 2022. It was shortlisted for the T. S. Eliot Prize 2022 and the Rathbones Folio Prize 2023. “Manorism” has been added to the MA Black British Literature syllabus at Goldsmiths University.
Yomi’s libretto “Remnants”, created in collaboration with composer James B. Wilson, was performed by the Chineke! Orchestra.
Yomi has been involved in Community Engagement for over 20 years, delivering PSHE/Citizenship programmes for young people on knife crime, drug awareness, and wellness. He received the 2019 Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowship and was shortlisted for The Brunel International African Poetry Prize 2021. He is the founder of BoxedIN, First Five, The Daddy Diaries, and mentorship programme, 12 in 12.
Refs: Copilot (bing.com); Yomi Ṣode: ‘The last thing I want to be is a preacher’ | Poetry | The Guardian
Image credit: YS by JVDPhotography-27
