INTRODUCTION

Mohammed Salihu is a Nigerian-born poet based in Scotland, exploring themes of migration, identity, resilience, and cultural heritage. His debut chapbook, Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom, reflects on personal and collective journeys, blending the earthy with the ethereal.

Mohammed’s work has been featured at global platforms such as the UNICEF World Children’s Day, the Orange Poetry Film Festival in Nigeria, and the George Floyd Memorial in the UK. Through his writing and performances, he aims to amplify underrepresented voices and use art to foster empathy and dialogue.

INTERVIEW

How did you get into poetry? What initially inspired you?

I got into poetry during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when I noticed so many young people using their voices and different forms of art to speak out about global issues. I felt inspired to do the same, so I wrote a poem that was eventually selected by UNICEF for World Children’s Day, alongside poems from other young poets around the world. That moment was a huge turning point for me—it made me realize that poetry could be more than just a form of self-expression or healing. It could also be a powerful tool for activism and a way to raise my voice on issues that truly matter.

What themes do you tend to interrogate in your poetry?

I started by focusing on global issues, like the pandemic, but over time, my writing became more personal as I navigated grief and the complexities of being an immigrant. Now, my poetry explores a wide range of themes, including cultural heritage, activism, identity, grief, resilience, and spirituality. I use poetry as a bridge between personal stories and collective struggles, aiming to give voice to emotions and experiences that are often overlooked.

What is your favourite project you’ve ever worked on and why?

One of my favourite projects was performing at the George Floyd Memorial event hosted by Black Professionals Scotland. It was my first-ever poetry performance, and it was deeply emotional. Using poetry to honour George Floyd’s memory and highlight ongoing racial injustices was both powerful and humbling. That experience showed me how art can bridge gaps, foster dialogue, and bring people together for relearning and reflection. It also solidified my belief that poetry can be more than just personal—it can be a way to spark change and raise awareness about important issues.

What advice would you have for creatives of colour looking to get into poetry?

Stay true to your voice and cultural authenticity. As a creative of colour, your unique perspective is a strength. Don’t shy away from exploring your roots and drawing from your lived experiences, even if they aren’t mainstream or widely represented. For example, I recently connected the act of braiding hair to storytelling in a poem, and in another, I used the desert as a metaphor for resilience and grief. Let your work reflect your truth—whether through your heritage, identity, or personal experiences.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently preparing for a reading at the Paisley Book Festival, where I’ll be sharing work from my debut chapbook, Voices from the Soil: Wounds and Wisdom. The chapbook delves into themes of grief, loss, migration, resilience, and cultural heritage. I’m incredibly proud of how far it’s come—it’s now available on global platforms such as Books-A-Million and Barnes & Noble in the USA, Booktopia in Australia, Indigo in Canada, and PCChrome24 in Taiwan, among others.