Lauryn (Ell) Nadine is a Spoken Word Poet born and raised in South East London of Jamaican and Grenadian heritage. Lauryn is a Hip Hop and Neo-Soul fanatic and found her own voice through poetry as a teen which has led to her taking to the stage in recent years and sharing her words through Spoken Word.
Ell has featured at poetry shows across London and was awarded with ‘Best Poet and Spoken Word Award Ones To Watch 2025’ by the Mainstream UK Awards; she has also recently had her book ‘Echoes to Identity’ published.
Ell’s work is raw and honest, exploring themes of identity, self-discovery and social justice, Ell uses her pen to blend personal vulnerability with sharp societal critique. Through evocative language and vivid imagery, her words serve as a mirror to society’s challenges and a call to reclaim joy, connection, and humanity.
My inspiration comes from…
My work is inspired by the environments that feel like home (London, Jamaica and Grenada) and heavily by the artists that have carved out my love for words and rhythms which have always felt like an energy exchange. Growing up, I have been surrounded by what I call music that is ‘good for the soul’! My father is an avid music collector and lover of live music which he passed down to me. Ever since I can remember, I have been surrounded by the sounds of my mother singing along to her reggae and lovers rock, and my father blasting his favourite Soul and Hip hop CDs and Vinyl’s. The music was deep, with meaning and always made me feel something. Through my poetry I aim to replicate the same, allow myself and other’s to FEEL. Visiting my beautiful islands Jamaica and Grenada has been pivotal to my developmental journey of self and as an artist; both countries rich in community, light and love, I seek to integrate this within my work to inspire connection to self and others.
The Story…
This poem was written on my last plane journey from Grenada, it encapsulates exactly how I feel when I am in the homeland’s, and I’m sure many others feel when they return to their own. The Caribbean is a beautiful place of sunshine, great food and great music to many. For myself, it is a refuge and safe space away from the rat race and capitalist society which shove beauty standards and expectations in our faces daily. When I return to the Caribbean I am able to feel free and recharged, the poem rings true to many reminders received when I am on the homelands - that community is fundamental to our wellbeing and gratitude for the ‘simple’ things in life go a long way, the very earth we walk on is beautiful and keeps us going every day so we must give thanks.
Much of Caribbean inspired music - including reggae, lovers rock, soca speaks to being grateful and enjoying life, I try to carry this with me in life and inspire others to do the same.
A Hidden Hero to Highlight…
Tippa Irie - British Jamaican reggae singer and DJ from Brixton, South London. Tippa Irie is somebody I call a VIBE CURATOR. Pivotol to the appreciation of reggae, jungle and ska in the UK and curating new sounds which have been appreciated globally. He sets the tone in his name alone ‘ Irie ‘ which is a Jamaican patois term for ‘alright ‘ used to describe being in a state of feeling good.
Though Tippa has certainly earned his stripes, I feel he is recognised in the rooms he dominates and has not had the wider recognition he deserves for the legacy he has built for British Jamaican artists in the UK, and particularly those younger in age and from different backgrounds may not be aware of his influence to UK artistry.
Tippa has been MC of well recognised ‘ Saxon Sound System’ which have been a staple sound system at Notting Hill Carnival, another refuge for the community a place where people can listen to music and enjoy high vibrations in the sun.
My family has taken me to carnival since I was knee high, and it has been a core experience throughout my life. I have had the privilege of meeting Tippa and asking him questions about his musical journey and background and he is someone that has been an inspiration in my journey, sharing the same background and being from South East London.
Being from an oppressed community presents many challenges when trying to share your art with the world, and seeking to spread positivity in a society that often amplifies negativity. As a Poet and Spoken Word Artist, one of my missions is to empower people and create an energy exchange that feels powerful and uplifting.
