Benzokarim was officially appointed as the new city poet at the Library Theater by councilor Said Kasmi. Benzokarim is a poet, spoken word artist, and writer.
Elfie Tromp. Link opens an external page stepped down as city poet on Thursday, passing the torch to Rotterdams tenth city poet. The city poets task is to write and present several city poems annually about Rotterdam, its residents, and its current events.
About Benzokarim
Benzokarim is a poet, spoken word artist, and writer. His performances are musical, rhythmic, dynamic, and filled with emotions that only he can express. Benzokarim has found a home in both spoken and written word. Writing is an activist and poetic act for him.
In 2022, he was part of the Literary Funds Slow Writing Lab and won the El Hizjra Literature Prize (Poetry). He is also a coach at Poetry Circle and an editor at Mensen Zeggen Dingen. He has performed at events like Lowlands, Crossing Border, Read My World, Opera Forward Festival, and the Boekenbal, and debuted his poetry collection El Ghorba on November 18, 2022. This collection centers on conversations with his father and the remembrance of his mother.
Building bridges between cultures, languages, and traditions
Councilor Said Kasmi (Education, Culture & Events): Benzokarim brings a new voice to Rotterdam with his unique voice and poetic power. His work builds bridges between cultures, languages, and traditions, reflecting the soul of our diverse city. I look forward to seeing how he will capture the city in words and inspire as Rotterdams city poet.
Seeking a shared language
Benzokarim is searching for a shared ground and language in Rotterdam: I am convinced that poetry is a powerful tool to create stories and ideas that offer more than just a Western perspective and enter other cultures and traditions, says Benzokarim. By engaging in conversations and being receptive to voices and stories unfamiliar to me, I want to search for the shared language.
Another important theme will be co-creation. Benzokarim wants to use his position as city poet to start a collective movement with other poets, spoken word artists, writers, and organizations.
More information about the city poet
All poems and projects of the city poet can be found on stadsdichter010.n. Link opens an external page and on Instagram via stadsdichter010. Link opens an external page.