Gegele, A-dZiko Simba

Born in London, England to a Nigerian father and Jamaican mother, A-dZiko Simba Gegele is a writer, storyteller and spoken word artist whose work covers diverse genres including prose, poetry and scriptwriting for theatre, radio and television. Simba’s work speaks on global themes of societal inequity, oppression and environmental abuse as well as intimate themes originating from personal experience. She uses her creativity to agitate for a saner world, founded on spiritual precepts of truth, righteousness and love. A CD collection of her poetry and word-songs, Crazi Ladi Dayz [Jump and Fly Jamaica] was published in 2004 and her recent debut novel, All Over Again [Blouse and Skirt Books, Jamaica], won the inaugural 2013 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature in April 2014.

Recognized as a dynamic force on the Jamaican spoken word stage, The New York Times [June 2003] announced, after Simba’s performance at Jamaica’s Calabash Literary Festival, ‘She was a knockout.’

Simba is currently working on her second novel – an adventure story for young adults.

Contact: writegegele@gmail.com

Unblocking the blocks.

A conversation exploring what prevents us from telling our stories. From ‘writers’ block to dark secrets – how can we overcome pressures from within and without and bring our untold stories to light.