Warsan Shire

Brief Profile

Warsan shire is a British poet, writer, editor, and teacher, renowned for her evocative poetry that delves into themes of identity, migration, and womanhood. Born on August 1, 1988, in Nairobi, Kenya, to Somali parents, she moved to London with her family at the age of one.

Notable Works:

  • "Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth" (2011): Shire's debut poetry pamphlet, published by flipped eye.
  • "Her Blue Body" (2015): A limited-release pamphlet that further established her poetic voice.
  • "Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head: Poems" (2022): Her first full-length poetry collection, which received critical acclaim

Collaborations and Recognition:

Shire's poetry gained international prominence when Beyoncé featured her work in the visual albumLemonade (2016)and later inBlack Is King (2020).

Awards and Honors:

  • Brunel University African Poetry Prize (2013): Awarded for her contributions to African poetry.
  • Young Poet Laureate for London (2013–2014): Recognized for her impact on London's literary scene.
  • Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (2018): Elected as part of the "40 Under 40" initiative.

Shire's work continues to resonate globally, offering profound insights into the experiences of immigrants and refugees, and highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging.

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