Inua Ellams Biography | Poet

Inua Ellams is a British playwright, poet, and performer born in Nigeria. He is renowned for his exceptional mix of poetry, performance, and storytelling, which has gained him a devoted fan base and critical recognition. In this biography, we will explore the life and career of this gifted artist in more detail.

Early Life and Education

Inua Ellams was born in Jos, Nigeria, in 1984. He spent his early childhood in Nigeria before moving to London with his family at the age of 12. Growing up, Ellams was exposed to diverse cultures and languages, which would later influence his work as a poet and playwright.

Ellams attended Kingsmead School in Enfield, London, where he discovered his love for poetry and performance. He studied at the University of London, where he earned a degree in Computer Science. However, his passion for poetry and performance never waned, and he continued to write and perform while pursuing his studies.

Career Beginnings

After graduating from university, Ellams worked as a web designer and programmer for several years. However, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a poet and performer. In 2005, he founded the Midnight Run, a project that brings artists and the public together to explore cities at night through poetry, music, and storytelling.

In 2006, Ellams released his first poetry pamphlet, "Thirteen Fairy Negro Tales," which was followed by his first full-length poetry collection, "Candy Coated Unicorns and Converse All Stars," in 2009. Both works received critical acclaim and established Ellams as a rising star in the poetry world.

Success as a Playwright

In addition to his work as a poet, Ellams has also found success as a playwright. In 2012, he wrote and performed his first play, "The 14th Tale," based on his life story. The play was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and went on to tour internationally, receiving rave reviews.

Ellams continued to write and perform plays, including "Black T-Shirt Collection" and "Barber Shop Chronicles," performed at prestigious theaters such as the National Theatre in London and the Royal Shakespeare Company. His plays have also been adapted for radio and television, further expanding his reach and impact as a writer and performer.

Awards and Recognition

Ellams' work has been recognized and celebrated by numerous awards and accolades. In 2016, he was awarded the Liberty Human Rights Award for his play "Barber Shop Chronicles," which explores the role of barbershops in the lives of African men. He was also shortlisted for the Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry and the Brunel University African Poetry Prize.

Legacy

Inua Ellams is a versatile artist who has mesmerized audiences globally with his poetry, storytelling, and performance skills. His work is centered around the themes of identity, culture, and belonging and has earned him immense critical acclaim and a devoted following. As he continues to create and perform, we can expect more innovative and exceptional work from this talented artist.