Saul Williams

To thousands of youth across America, Saul Williams has defined and redefined poetry as an accessible and living art form. His diverse expressions vary by mod, mood, and mode, encompassing writing, acting, and performing. As a pivotal figure in the spoken word/slam poetry movement, his work in the critically acclaimed film "Slam" (Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize '98; Cannes’ Camera D'Or '98) marked a significant milestone. Williams's influence extends beyond poetry; he is a true multidisciplinary artist.

Williams's career in performing arts includes his role as a series regular as “Sivad” on the CW's "Girlfriends" and his Broadway debut in "Holler If Ya Hear Me" — a musical inspired by Tupac Shakur’s lyrics. His acting prowess was further demonstrated in the French-Senegalese film "Aujourd'hui- TEY," which won 2013's L'Etalon D'Or at FESPACO and The Prize of the City at The Venice Film Festival. Recently, he starred in the film "Akilla’s Escape," earning a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Actor in 2021. His directorial venture, "Neptune Frost," premiered at Cannes in 2021 and saw a theatrical release in June 2022.

As an author, Williams has penned five books of poetry, including "said the shotgun to the head.," "She," "The Seventh Octave," "The Dead Emcee Scrolls: The Lost Teachings of Hip-Hop," and "Chorus: A Literary Mixtape." His works, which have been translated into several languages, explore the interconnections of global cultures and personal identity. In music, his six albums feature collaborations with notable artists such as Nas, Janelle Monae, and Erykah Badu, reflecting his eclectic style and profound lyrical insights. His musical debut, "Amethyst Rock Star," was produced by Rick Rubin and was critically acclaimed.

Williams has shared his insights and poetry at over 300 universities worldwide and has performed in more than 30 countries. His contributions to cultural and humanitarian efforts include his role in the Not in Our Name pro-peace initiative and headlining the MTN Bushfire Festival of the Arts in Swaziland, demonstrating his commitment to global citizenship. Through his work, Williams invites audiences to embrace self-expression, underscoring the transformative power of art in fostering understanding and compassion.