Spoken Word, Poetry

Loud Poets

with Drew Gill, Noor, Shak & Yomi Ṣode

(Fri 20 Sep: 7:30pm)

Don’t miss the next fantastic show from Scotland’s best spoken word night! From the laugh-out-loud funny, through the wonderfully surreal, to the thoughtful and emotional: Loud Poets continues to prove that spoken word offers something for everyone.

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Yomi Ṣode is a Nigerian British writer. His debut collection ‘Manorism’, published by Penguin in October 2022 alongside a stage adaptation at the Southbank Centre, is shortlisted for the Rathbones Folio Prize 2023 and the T S Eliot Prize 2022. He was shortlisted for the Brunel International African Poetry Prize 2021, and received the Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowship in 2019. Yomi's acclaimed one-man show COAT toured nationally to sold-out audiences, including at the Brighton Festival, Roundhouse Camden and the Battersea Arts Centre. In 2020 his libretto Remnants, written in collaboration with award-winning composer James B. Wilson and performed with Chineke! Orchestra premiered on BBC Radio 3. In 2021, his play, and breathe… premiered at the Almeida Theatre to rave reviews. Yomi is a Complete Works alumnus and a member of Malika’s Poetry Kitchen. He is the founder of BoxedIN, First Five, The Daddy Diaries, and mentorship programme, 12 in 12.

Noor is a spoken-word artist, singer and writer. She began her spoken word journey as a Semi-Finalist in the BBC Words First competition in 2021. Later that year she was commissioned by the Mayor of London, and in 2022 she performed at the Commonwealth Games ceremony in Birmingham. She has performed on esteemed platforms including Sofar Sounds and is a part of the Flovortex Collective of poets. Noor uses poetry as a tool for introspection and deeper understanding of her experience of the world.

Shak is a poet, facilitator, host and creative director representing the West Midlands. He is a slam champion with international performance experience, and one of the most dynamic performers at the Loud Poets 2024 South Slam Heat.

Drew Gill emerged onto the poetry scene in autumn 2023, bringing with him a storied heartbreak and a deep appreciation for all things lyrical. Immersing himself in the wonderful Scottish Spoken Word community, he found not only the perfect place to hone his craft as he weaved worlds out of the catharsis found in writing your way out of pain, but some of the greatest individuals and artists one could ever have the pleasure of knowing.

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“Loud Poets is tearing up the landscape, bringing the ancient art to contemporary audiences – spreading mirth, giggles and talent along the way.” - Corr Blimey

“Go listen to Loud Poets and hear them say the things you’ve been trying to say yourself.” - Shane Koyczan

“There’s a humour, poignancy and most of all confidence which serves to inspire.” - Scotsman

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This showcase was made possible by funding from Creative Scotland and the National Lottery.