'Where I'm From' by Griot Gabriel: 2025 Forward Prize Best Poem – Performed Shortlist

Griot Gabriel grew up in Manchester, and his shortlisted poem, ‘Where I’m From’, celebrates that city, particularly Longsight and Ardwick. ‘It highlights both the joys and sorrows of my community,’ he writes, ‘which seem to resonate deeply with people from various parts of the country – particularly those familiar with – yet proud of – the struggles from which they were birthed.’ Gabriel is founder of The Poetry Place, a Factory International Fellow, and Manchester’s 2024 Slam-o-Vision Champion. Asked which writers he most admires, he mentions Nas, Tupac, Ghetts, Yomi Ṣode and George the Poet. In his words, ‘their unique ability to story-tell with raw passion, grit and relevance to their social circumstance, make them orators for the people.’ ‘Where I’m From’ was performed at Slamovision 2024 for Manchester City of Literature. Credit: Manchester City of Literature. You can find out more about Manchester City of Literature via the links below, and give their channel a follow: Website: https://www.manchestercityofliteratur... YouTube:    / @mcrcityoflit