Rise & Rhyme

Join award-winning spoken word Hip Hop artist Jaysus Zain, as the lead facilitator, along with a team of poet co-facilitators for this poetry workshop for youth. Students can either bring original poetry to perform at the youth open mic or perform the poem they create at the workshop.

Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills and perform their piece to an invited audience after the workshop. This workshop is open to aspiring poets aged 12-17 years, and there is no cost for participation. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, 20 October.

Jaysus Zain

Jaysus Zain is a poetry grand slam champion known for his intricate word play and complex perspectives on subjects from love to self-identity. The creative director and poetic engineer is known to incorporate poetry, spoken word, and hip-hop to weave visions and dreamscapes. Jaysus Zain is of Sudanese origins and is well established in the UAE, where he currently resides. In addition to his numerous community involvements, including with NYU Abu Dhabi. Hope and faith are themes that permeate Jaysus Zain’s work. The artist likes to say that a story is the language the human heart understands. Being an educator, he often explores how community and friendship can become strong instruments to help overcome obstacles.

The multifaceted artist is now getting ready to publish his first book: a compilation of 15 years worth of poems and musings. Through his book, Jaysus Zain says readers will be able to accompany him on the journey of finding faith within yourself.