Zakariye is a poet, playwright and filmmaker from Birmingham. His short poetry film ‘Cages’ was broadcast on BBC 4 and BBC iPlayer. Zakariye later went on to win the audience vote at the 2023 Roundhouse Poetry Slam final, cementing his place as a voice to watch. He has since gone on to perform at Westminster Abbey, Hay Festival and TEDx. He is a member of Birmingham Hippodrome Origins and was a Roundhouse Resident Artist. His play titled Cages is due to go on a 3 show run at the Roundhouse.
Zakariye’s debut poetry pamphlet titled Pulling Faces is out in November 2025 with Bad Betty Press.
A good human from the scene will see you on a Friday walking to mosque dripped out in your favourite thobe.
They will ask you about your clothes.
Yeah man it’s a Friday
so l’m usually dressed like this for prayer.
You will hope they misheard you when they mention
how they do quick shop runs in their PJs too.
Thobe in a tote bag by Zakariye
