In the vibrant world of performance poetry, one voice that resonates powerfully is that of Deborah Johnson. A writer, spoken word artist, and storyteller from Nigeria, Deborah has harnessed her talents to shine a light on social issues while celebrating the richness of African narratives. Her creative journey from local poetry slams to international stages showcases the transformative power of art when wielded with passion and purpose.
A Rising Voice in African Poetry: Deborah’s work first garnered attention through the written word. She was featured in the Frontrunners Poetry Booklet (a collection presented as a gift to the United Nations) and contributed to the acclaimed anthology Bloom. These early milestones set the stage for her emergence as a formidable young voice in African poetry. With a blend of vivid imagery and heartfelt conviction, her poetry speaks to both personal and collective experiences, resonating with readers and listeners alike.
Winning Narratives on the Global Stage: As her voice gained momentum, Deborah embraced opportunities that amplify youth creativity. She became an alumna of the UNICEF Poetry Mediathon, a testament to her skill in crafting impactful narratives for a global audience. Soon after, she won the British Council’s New Narratives Challenge, further cementing her status as a champion storyteller. Not one to shy away from international competition, Deborah also triumphed in the “Doing Things with Stories” Global Playoff Contest, an innovative storytelling competition organized in the Netherlands in partnership with Oxfam, Each of these accolades marked her as an artist to watch one who could stand out even on a world stage.
Art for Advocacy: Beyond the trophies and titles, Deborah dedicates her art to advocacy and education. She lent her creative talents to VOICE X, a U.S. Embassy project focused on mental health awareness, where she crafted compelling learning vignettes that humanized conversations on mental well-being. She also brought her storytelling to the airwaves as a radio voice actor, scripting and narrating pieces that shed light on challenges faced by Nigerian youth. Through these projects, Deborah demonstrates how storytelling can drive social change by giving a voice to critical issues and to those who often go unheard.
From Local Slams to World Champion Finals: Deborah’s talent shines brightly on stage. In 2022, she achieved a remarkable feat by winning both the Abuja Literary Society Slam and the Lagos International Poetry Grand Slam two of Nigeria’s most prestigious spoken word competitions. Riding on this national success, she stepped onto the global arena and earned a third-place finish at the World Poetry Slam competition 2023 in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. Standing among the world’s top spoken-word artists, Deborah’s dynamic performance captivated international audiences and put Nigerian slam poetry on the map.
Inspiring Change Through Art: As a rising leader in her field, Deborah continues to expand her impact beyond competitive stages. She was selected as a 2023 fellow of the See My World program, an international initiative that empowers young creatives. She also serves as a Young Storyteller with RISE Africa, collaborating with fellow artists across the continent to reimagine African futures and sustainable cities through poetry and performance. In these roles, Deborah not only hones her own craft but also inspires other emerging talents to use their voices for positive change in their communities.
Through all her endeavors, Deborah Johnson remains grounded in a core mission: to use art as a catalyst for social change. She is passionate about telling authentic African stories and believes deeply in the power of creativity to foster empathy and understanding. By merging her artistic talents with activism, Deborah exemplifies how one young storyteller can spark meaningful conversations and uplift others. Her journey is a powerful reminder that art, when driven by purpose, can transform hearts, minds, and ultimately, society.