Hip-hop artist to be city’s Poet Laureate

SHEFFIELD’S CHARISMATIC Lord Mayor Magid Magid, inset, will appoint hip-hop artist Otis Mensah as the city’s first ever Poet Laureate at the annual literature festival this week.

Mr Mensah, who was born and raised in Sheffield, has been gaining attention across the UK and internationally. Last year, he performed at Glastonbury and has since supported the likes of Wu Tang Clang, Killah Priest, The Sugarhill Gang, Mahalia and Arrested Development.

“When I found out, I was pleasantly surprised to be asked to take on the role,” Mr Mensah said. “I found it interesting that an aspiring experimental, hip-hop artist could be considered for such a formal position.”

Towards the end of October, Mr Mensah will be releasing a new EP called Colours Of It All .He is also releasing his debut album and first poetry book titled Safe Metamorphosis in April. He said: “I feel art has the power to move in ways that other forms of communication can not.” Councillor Magid said he is confident Mr Mensah will enhance the creative culture of the city, and added: “Sheffield has always had a rich history of poetry and what better way to celebrate and support the amazing poetry scene than to appoint a Poet Laureate. “Otis represents all that is great about Sheffield – he’s dynamic, skilful and radical. “Otis will, without a shadow of a doubt, help advance and enhance the already incredible arts and culture of the city.”