ADISA ANDWELE
Poet • Author • Musician
Adisa Andwele’s connection to Hackney is anchored in his celebrated role as the borough’s Poet Laureate in 2005. A Barbadian-born rhythm poet and musician, he has crafted a creative practice that blends Caribbean cadences with sharp social commentary.
A leading figure in performance poetry in Barbados and a leading voice in the Caribbean, his work brings together poetry, music and cultural resistance, reshaping how audiences engage with Black identity, oral histories and social change.
Why Hackney Matters
As Hackney Poet Laureate, he contributed to the borough’s rich tradition of spoken word and community arts, using poetry to connect with audiences and explore ideas around identity, culture and social change. His wider work with young people includes more than 17 years’ experience facilitating creative workshops, with a focus on African-Caribbean young men at risk of social exclusion. This reflects the role that poetry can play in giving young people space to express themselves, develop confidence and find their voice.
Did You Know?
Adisa Andwele is also an outstanding jazz trombonist. Before devoting himself to poetry, he made his mark on Barbados’ cultural scene as a musician. He later brought the two art forms together, incorporating Caribbean rhythms and jazz into his performances to create his distinctive style of performance poetry.