Otis Mensah

'As the first Hip-Hop artist to be awarded a poet laureate title in the UK, [Otis] wants to use the position to break down barriers, smash the stuffy stereotype, and remind people that poetry is meant to be for the people.' The Guardian

Otis Mensah is a musician and multidisciplinary artist exploring the intersection of poetry and experimental music(s). Taking influence from the rhythmic and expressive freedom of Jazz, Otis’ work uses aesthetic language as an instrument to solo through themes of race, identity and the body. Since being appointed Sheffield’s first Poet Laureate in 2018, Otis has sold-out their debut poetry collection Safe Metamorphosis published with Prototype in 2020, debuted at Glastonbury & We Out Here as well as performing with the likes of Moor Mother, Nightmares On Wax, Benjamin Zephaniah and Little Simz.