Yemi Yohannes is a multidisciplinary artist working at the intersection of poetry, live performance, and music. As a performance poet, actress, and writer, her practice is rooted in a commitment to truth-telling, with a focus on vulnerability as a tool for connection and disruption.
Yemi’s work challenges traditional forms, using raw emotion and lived experience to shape narrative and create space for deeper dialogue and reflection.
Her company, THEGDNEWSCHANNEL was founded as an extension of her mission to cultivate a creative culture and community built on authenticity and expression.
Her performing credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, Southbank Centre and more.She is also a member of the Bush Theatre Young Company, and will be performing in their second show in August 2025.
My inspiration comes from…
I try to take inspiration from as much of life as possible.
My own journey of self-discovery, nature, conversations with friends, family, strangers.
The Story…
I wrote this piece for an annual conference with the GLA (Greater London Association) and the Mayor of London's office. I was tasked with writing and performing something on the theme of London, which I initially struggled with because I have a kind of love-hate relationship with London.
It's great for opportunity, but can sometimes be a little too transactional and fast paced for my liking. Eventually, I decided on writing what London meant for me and my family.
My family and I are foster carers and have been for years now, and surprisingly, a lot of the children placed with us were from Ethiopia and Eritrea like us and had come to the UK underage.
This was a hugely eye-opening experience and taught me how privileged I am to be born here, and to have access to all the things I do, including choosing to be an artist; which is a luxury many people around the world can't afford. So as much as I might complain about London, this poem is a reminder to myself to not get too wrapped up in this First World Fantasy.
A Hidden Hero to Highlight…
Hanumankind - he is a South Indian Hip-Hop Artist, and he is breaking the mould and stereotypes of South India. I'd say we are still a very disrespected race globally and artistically, so the fact that his songs include parts of Keralan culture musically and visually (e.g. Chenda drums) is big for our scene. Definitely one to watch.
Arthi - she is a Chennai-born multi-genre DJ who fuses sounds from London and across the world, from Dancehall, Reggaeton and Afrobeats to UK Funky, Garage and Bass. As a young South Indian woman in a scene that being a female of the global majority is already rare, she is waving our flag proud and high.
