Warsan Shire, 24, is the first ever young writer to be announced as a Poet Laureate. Warsan was selected from a shortlist of six young poets. As a London Poet Laureate, Warsan is going to spend the year in creating works that reflects the city of London.
Warsan is originally from Kenyan but was born in Somali. Her residency will take place at the Houses of Parliament.
The announcement was made by Carol Ann Duffy who is the current holder of the title at a National Poetry Day event that took place at the Parliament.
London Laureate is a scheme that was commissioned by the London Legacy Development Corporation as part of Spoke, a poetry and spoken word programme.
It’s purpose is to provide people with a chance to watch, perform and develop careers in spoken word and performance poetry in and around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Chief executive Dennis Hone said: “I congratulate all those who took part and have shown London is blessed with some really talented poets.”
“The decision to create a Young Poet Laureate for London is one part of our ambitious plans for arts and culture in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the surrounding area, he added.
“It is our vision for east London to be a thriving cultural district and Warsan as the first Young Poet Laureate for London will play a key part in that transformation.”