Khadijah is a poet, literary activist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and Honorary Doctor of Letters, whose work bridges the intersection of page and stage with a distinctive African Caribbean diasporic futurist lens. Hailed as one of Yorkshire’s most prolific poets by the BBC. She is the Executive Producer of ‘We Are Poets’ founder and artistic director of Leeds Young Authors, nurturing marginalised voices for over two decades. Her collections Rootz Runnin’ and Another Crossing, published by Peepal Tree Press, explore heritage, migration, and imagined futures through black British lyricism. She performs regularly on both UK and international stages. Her work also features in Journals and anthologies She is the creator of Dead n Wake, the ‘Sound System Symposium’ and ‘My body is a Protest- live installation‘ She has exhibited and curated projects with libraries, Galleries and museums, and most recently worked with the Royal Ballet and Opera House as librettist for Sing, Dance, Leap, a production celebrating Bradford 2025: UK City of Culture. 

Phenicia is a multidisciplinary artist known for blending thoughtful lyrics with smooth, melodic vocals. Their music lives in the space between alt-jazz and hip hop, with inspiration drawn from many different genres. Through their songs, Phenicia explores themes of life, society, and self-reflection. 

Alongside creating and performing music, Phenicia is a passionate singing teacher who helps students find their voice and build confidence. They are also a songwriter, percussionist, guitarist, vocal coach, artist mentor, sound engineer, and producer. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in a lesson, Phenicia creates spaces where creativity and self-expression can thrive. 

Nichola Manners is a multi-talented actress, dancer, singer, and fashion model whose dynamic creativity shines across every discipline she pursues. Beginning her dance journey at just seven years old, Nichola quickly developed a passion for performance that has since evolved into a versatile career spanning stage, screen, and music. Recently, she completed filming her first feature movie in Malta, marking an exciting milestone in her acting career. As a fashion model, Nichola’s striking presence has earned her features on billboards in Canary Wharf, London, solidifying her status as a rising star in the entertainment and fashion industries. Beyond her own artistry, Nichola is passionate about inspiring the youth, using her platform to motivate and empower young people to follow their dreams and believe in their potential. 

Dr Malika Booker (RSFL) a Caribbean British poet, lectures at Manchester Metropolitan University, co-founded Malika’s Poetry Kitchen (A Writer’s collective) and is the first woman to win the Forward Prize for Best Single poem twice. Her published work includes Pepper Seed Peepal Tree, 2007; Breadfruit flippedeyepublishing, 2007, and the anthology Your Family, Your Body: Penguin Modern Poets 3 Penguin, 2027. 

Birmingham based Danni Mayers is a gifted and versatile vocalist who has worked with a variety of international artists from reggae legends such as Sugar Minott, U-Roy, Tristan Palmer, Susan Cadogan and Tippa Irie to UK Soul legends Loose Ends and Omar to urban dance act Backyard Dog. With over 20 years performing experience, Danni has now stepped to the front to focus on her music with influences ranging from Dennis Brown, Luciano, Garnett Silk, Jah Cure, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Jean Carne, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan and Lalah Hathaway. Mixing Reggae, RnB and Gospel, Danni has created a unique sound to deliver passionate vocals and weave soulful melodies that you can’t help humming along to. 

“I write about the everyday topics which everyone can relate to, whether it’s love, friendship, social issues or that Monday feeling; we have all experienced it.” 

An experienced female DJ whose musical style is versatile.  

Born and raised in Leeds, Paulette Morris is a talented singer-songwriter and one half of the reggae duo Royal Blood, best known for their 1990 hit single Slipping Away, which reached No. 2 on the reggae charts. Her dynamic vocal talents have seen her perform backing vocals for a diverse range of artists including Boyzone, Peter Andre, Martha Reeves, Janet Kay, Omar, William Orbit, and many more. She has also toured with the Roots.  

Beyond her music career, she is a passionate community advocate. As co-director of Leeds Young Authors, she plays a key role in nurturing young creative talent. She also leads multiple initiatives focused on community empowerment and women’s well-being, continuing to inspire and uplift through both her art and activism.