Nyanda Foday - young poet laureate 2016 to 2018

A spoken-wordsmith determined to bring poetry to everyone. Nyanda is well established in the Birmingham poetry scene, attending many different events- such as Poetry Jam, a monthly open mic night run by Beatfreeks, a youth engagement arts agency. She has also worked with Beatfreeks, organising and performing poetry events, as well as advertising and marketing them.

Nyanda says: “Poetry has always been a big part of my life. I have tried a variety of styles and want to show others my age and younger that there is so much more to poetry than they know.

“I genuinely believe that everyone has their own strand of poetry that they can enjoy- even if they don’t want to write it, and even if it doesn’t become their life. This worked for me but there are so many young people out there who don’t have access to the opportunities that I did.

“For example, I think more should be done to accommodate rap in young people’s poetry, as it is a valid and significant portion of the poetry scene- after all, rap is simply rhythm and poetry. I think this would be a great way to bring more people into poetry.”

To get in touch with Nyanda, email your request to childrens.library@birmingham.gov.uk