Otis Mensah

Otis Mensah is a musician and performing artist exploring the intersection of rap, poetry, and experimental music(s). Taking influences from the rhythmic, expressive freedom of jazz, their work uses aesthetic language to explore themes of race, identity and the body. Since being appointed the first Poet Laureate of their birth-city, Sheffield, in 2018, they have published a sold-out collection of poetry called ›Safe Metamorphosis‹ with Prototype London in 2020, and performed at Glastonbury Festivals and We Out Here Festival as well as alongside artists Moor Mother, Mahalia, Benjamin Zephaniah, Nightmares On Wax, and Little Simz. As an artist, Otis’ research of interest spans across fields of literature and performance art with a particular focus on Black music and its influence on modern-day culture.

Otis Mensah receives a scholarship of 6,000 euros in 2024 for the conception and production of an album.

Portrait of Otis Mensah
Otis Mensah (photo: Ai Narapol)