The first ever Young Poet Laureate for London was today announced as Kenyan-born Somali poet Warsan Shire.

The 24-year-old Londoner will now embark on a year of commissions, public appearances and residencies, beginning with one at the Houses of Parliament.

During a reception event in Westminster, poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy announced that Warsan – a published writer whose work has already been translated into Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish and Estonian – had been selected from a shortlist of six young wordsmiths.

Spoke, the new poetry and spoken word programme of which the Young Poet Laureate is part, has been commissioned by the London Legacy Development Corporation.

Its chief executive, Dennis Hone, said today: “I am delighted Warsan Shire has become the first ever Young Poet Laureate for London.

“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.

“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.’

Source: London24