This event has finished but good things are coming out of it! See here for more info.
Calling young people, (14 to 21) from anywhere in South Yorkshire, come and write some spoken word poetry with spoken word poet, Saju Ahmed, who will tell you about his own journey with spoken word and help you build the confidence to speak your words to a live audience. No experience needed! You don’t have to think you’re a great writer to attend. At the end of the workshop, there’ll be an opportunity to chat about how we can develop similar activities.
When: 2pm to 5pm, Tuesday 23rd August 2016
Where: Institute of Education, Sheffield Hallam University, 133 Charles Street, Sheffield S1 2ND. 5 minutes from Sheffield Train Station.
Someone will be there to greet you at the entrance.
This workshop is particularly aimed at young people of African, African Caribbean and Asian heritage. (Reserve a FREE place online through Eventbrite here) and click Going on our events page here.
If that’s not you, or you’re a little younger or older, but you’d still love to attend, email: [email protected] I’m sure we can fit you in!
If you’re coming from outside of Sheffield and need support getting to the workshop, drop us an email also.
In partnership with the Faculty of Development and Society – Sheffield Hallam University
Saju Ahmed was encouraged to do spoken word poetry at 16 through Leeds Young Authors when he was close to getting kicked out of sixth form. He said, at the time he thought – ‘Poetry’s not for me. I’m more Nas and Tupac so I won’t find the connection.’ But connect he did, and poetry became his liberation.
In the 12 years since, Saju has achieved great things in the realm of spoken word poetry. He’s competed in many slams at local and international level to huge audiences, including Brave New Voices Poetry Slam in America, in which his team came 2nd in the world in 2009. He was one of the featured poets in the award winning We Are Poets documentary, and in Dyslexia and Loving Words, which explores what it is to be a successful dyslexic wordsmith (YouTube).
Over the years, Saju has hosted slams and run workshops with younger writers to help them find and develop their voice. He currently mentors younger poets through Leeds Young Authors who are due to go on tour in Miami in February 2017.
Saju has appeared in the BBC Radio 1xtra Live Lounge with Trevor Nelson, ABC in America in an interview with Janice Edward, FOX News with the Chicago Peace Movement, the Olympic torch ceremony Leeds 2012, the Tour de France in Yorkshire 2014, and at the Rugby World Cup at Hadley Stadium.