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Arnolfini & The Students’ Union at UWE present this open mic night on the theme ‘Black Histories; Black Futures.”

Poets in the City returns for another year with an evening of poetry, performance, and spoken word.

Celebrating the start of Black History Month and headlined by local poets Vanessa Kisuule, Saili Katebe/The Blissful Nomad, and Malaika Kegode, the night’s theme will be Black Histories; Black Futures.

Entry is free – but donations will be collected for Bristol Black Carers, an organisation supporting carers and those whom they care for.  


Vanessa Kisuule is a writer and performer based in Bristol. With an impressive history of shows and slams and performances, it was no surprise when she was declared the Bristol City Poet for 2018 – 2020. Vanessa has published two collections with Burning Eye Books, the latest being A Recipe for Sorcery.

Saili Katebe is a rising star of the Bristol poetry scene. Having won Milk Poetry’s All Star slam in 2018, Katebe is going from strength-to-strength. Also known as The Blissful Nomad, Katebe writes for the page as well as the stage – he is not one to be missed.

Malaika Kegode is a Bristol based poet. Having run Milk Poetry for over four years, Kegode works at the heart of the scene – helping others to nurture their voice whilst she demonstrates her own mastery of the format, MCing the regular showcases Milk Poetry put on. You can catch more of Kegode’s work whilst at Arnolfini – her words punctuate the building. 

Description of the image at the top of the page: Against an orange background in bold black type are the words ‘Poets in the City. Arnolfini Theatre, Free Entry with Charity Donation. Open Mic Feat: Vanessa Kisuule, Saili Katebe, Malaika Kegode’.