ABOUT ME

Desree is an award-winning spoken word artist, writer, facilitator, and producer based in London and Slough. Artist in Residence for the EMPOWORD Slough, Desree was the sole creative director and producer of Slough's ground-breaking poetry festival EPF Poetry Fest.

Desree's talents have earned her accolades, including second place in the Hammer and Tongue national finals at the Royal Albert Hall in 2018. She was also shortlisted for the performance and film category in 2020 and was the recipient of the 2019's and 2022’s “Highly Commended” Out-Spoken Performance Prize.

Her work has taken her to stages across the UK and beyond, including Glastonbury Festival 2019, Bowery Poetry Club New York, and Royal Albert Hall. She was Poet in Residence for Glastonbury 2022, part of the 2021/22 Jerwood Poetry In Performance cohort and a member of the BORN::FREE writers collective 2023 and Obsidian Foundation alumni.

A familiar voice on BBC Radio Berkshire, Desree has been featured in various publications and broadcasts, showcasing her versatile skills. Desree has also had her work published in; Spoken Word London Anti-Hate Anthology, Wetgrain Poetry, Poetry In The Pandemic, Ink, Sweat and Tears and more, and broadcasted on London Live and Life and Rhymes with Benjamin Zephaniah.

Beyond the spotlight, she drives live events through WORD UP! LDN and Word of Mouth LDN, seamlessly blending live performances with online videos. Collaborating with HOME Slough and Certain Blacks, she produced community-led projects like LOVE SLOUGH festival and Ensemble Festival 2023.

Desree's commitment to using art for positive impact is evident in her TEDx talk at Bath University, titled "Poetry and Self-Esteem: Finding Truth with Words" As a facilitator, she engages diverse audiences, partnering with organisations like Synergy Theatre Project, National Literacy Trust, and Eastside.

Commissioned by Half Moon Theatre and Apples & Snakes, Desree co-wrote and performed in the spoken word play "CROWDED" which received widespread acclaim and an OFF-WEST END award.

In 2019, she collaborated with visual artist Siannon Saunders on her first zine, "Find Yourself A Place." Venturing into music, Desree released her debut single, "Home," in 2020, alongside Brighton-based artist and producer, Bessi and has she has a forthcoming collaboration with Asphere.

Following the sell-out success of her self-published pamphlet, "I Find My Strength In Simple Things" (2017), Burning Eye Books published the pamphlet in May 2021. Her debut collection set to release in 2025 with Bad Betty Press.