Episode 36: Y.A on starting again after a mini stroke, motherhood and daring to be excited about life

Episode 36: Y.A

Yasmin Ali, also known as Y.A is South Asian Lyricist, International Slam Champion, Performance Poet, Spoken Word Artist and Writer from South East London. Renowned for delivering the kind of poetic lyricism that immediately captivates an audience, Y.A’s words transcend beyond expectation deeming her to be one of the most highly sought after spoken word artists on the UK scene.

Y.A featured in the US hit “I Got the Mic” produced by Tina Knowles and has headlined on Sky Art's BAFTA award winning TV series “Life and Rhymes” hosted by the late Benjamin Zephaniah. Y.A’s clients include well known brands such as Dove, Red Bull UK, The Big Idea Media company, Snap.inc and PwC US to name a few. 

Y.A recently hosted the Money 20/20 “50 years of Hip Hop Icons” concert at the famous Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas presenting the likes of Rev Run, DJ Ruckus and DJ Spinderella. Y.A performed a spoken word piece before the legendary Grand Master Flash’s set as an ode to those who pioneered the music genre.

Y.A also became the first spoken word artist on the highly regarded Color’s platform with an editorial on her poetic interpretation of Palette 1’s primeval colors.

Y.A has been mentored by the formidable Kae Tempest and 7 x Grammy nominated, Natalie Floacist Stewart of Neo Soul duo Floetry.

Some of Y.A’s previous commissions and performances include Vegas Money 20/20, Amsterdam Money 20/20 FinTech Summit, SNAPS DEI innovation Summit 2020, London Fashion Week, Universal Studios, Breaking Conventions, The Tate Modern, Greater London Authority and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Y.A has also featured on BBC radio London and Reprezent radio and hosted on BBC Radio 6 Music, as-well as previously hosted a weekly spoken word show (The Word) on Soho radio.

Y.A has facilitated workshops for various organisations such as the Princes Trust, Lewisham Young Advisors, The Greater London Authority, Albany Theatre, Lewisham Council as well as at numerous schools, community groups and charities.

Y.A leads the Lewisham Music Lyricist Collective and the Alchemy Spoken Word Collective. She also founded the Young Wordsmith Project for young people in South East London. 

Y.A has toured internationally in Europe and the US. She is a proud mental health advocate, youth participation advocate and women’s rights activist. Y.A has worked with The Million Women Rise and the Women's Equality Party to campaign for an end to gender-based violence against women and girls.

Y.A challenges some of the most common misconceptions of poets, women and mothers, all whilst continuing to represent South Asian female creatives in the UK. 

#hygystpod #YA #YApoet

Have You Got Your Sh*t Together? with Caitlin O’Ryan, is a podcast that celebrates not having your sh*t together! In each episode, Caitlin interviews guests who seemingly “have their sh*t together” - be that in life/love/work/hobbies. Throughout the conversation, the questions unveil whether they actually do, or whether the whole concept is a lie! With a mix of guests from various backgrounds, the podcast is sure to be relatable, honest, and an antidote to Instagram culture. 

Producer - Ant Hickman (www.ahickman.uk)

Artwork - Tim Saunders (www.instagram.com/timsaunders.design)

Photography - Patch Bell (www.patchstudio.uk)

Music - Cassia - 'Slow' (www.wearecassia.com)

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