Zakariye

Photo by Neal Kemsley

Birmingham based poet, playwright and filmmaker

Zakariye’s debut pamphlet, Pulling Faces, has been longlisted for the Jhalak Poetry Prize and was published by Bad Betty Press. In 2022 his short poetry film Cages was broadcast on BBC 4 and BBC iPlayer. In 2025 he turned the short film into a play, also titled Cages, which had a 3 show run at the Roundhouse. His latest play Pretend like it’s Calm played at the Birmingham Hippodrome as part of their Origins Festival in 2026.

He was a Roundhouse and Hayati Resident Artist and has performed his work at the likes of Westminster Abbey, Hay Festival and TEDx.

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Performances

Zakariye began his creative journey in performance poetry. There was a point in time where you’d rarely find an open mic night without his name scribbled on the sign up sheet. He didn’t sleep for an entire year.

After annoying himself into the Birmingham poetry scene, Zakariye has ventured into theatre with a focus on poetry, merging poetry with short films, collaborating with more artists and creative mediums and championing new writers by facilitating workshops.

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Photo by Paul Stringer

Upcoming events
(if it’s updated)

Refugee Week Festival at Symphony Hall

11:30 - 13:30
21/06/2026
Broad St
Birmingham
B1 2EA

FREE
VERVE pamphlet hour ledbury poetry festival

13:30 - 14:30
28/06/2026

Burgage Hall, Church Ln
Ledbury
HR8 1DW

Tickets
Bradley Taylor + friends

15:00 - 16:00
06/09/2026
Moseley Park and Pool
93B Alcester Rd
Birmingham
B13 8DD

Tickets