We are absolutely thrilled for Hive poet, storyteller, teacher, activist and all-round creative star, Danae Wellington, who was announced as the new Sheffield Poet Laureate on Saturday 22nd Oct 2022 in the introduction for her performance with the legendary Linton Kwesi Johnson at October’s Off the Shelf Festival of Words. Previous poet laureate, our very own Warda Yassin, gave a lovely introduction to her ‘poetry sister’ and said she knew she would do important community work through her role, particularly with young people. Indeed Warda has done amazing work during her time as laureate, particularly with the Mixing Roots programme.
This was a huge moment in Hive history! Both the laureateship and Danae performing alongside fellow Jamaican poet, the veteran Linton Kwesi Johnson, who has helped shape UK poetry for many years particularly reflecting the social and political experiences of the Jamaican diaspora in Britain. In 2002 Linton Kwesi Johnson, considered the ‘father of dub poetry’ became only the second living poet and the first black poet to have his work included in Penguin’s Modern Classics. He was awarded the English PEN Pinter Prize in recognition of his work. In 2022 he celebrates his 70th birthday and 50 years in activism.
Congratulations D\nae. We’re thrilled for you and can’t wait to see what you get up to!