10 April 2026
Takunda Muzondiwa was last night crowned the winner of the prestigious 2026 Roundhouse Poetry Slam, in partnership with Taylor Wessing.
Takunda, from London was one of ten exceptional young performers to reach the Final, which took place on Thursday evening in the Roundhouse’s iconic main space.
Winning the audience and judges over, Takunda secured the Slam title in front of a packed crowd. Tia-zakura, from Wales was named runner-up, with Kynda, from London, taking third place.
The Final was judged by musician, poet and activist Jordan Stephens, Inua Ellams, award-winning poet, playwright, and curator and poet and playwright Nikita Gill. The evening was hosted by radio presenter Anita Rani and award-winning poet Toby Campion, with music from DJs Latekid and KMNC.
As Slam champion, Takunda receives a cash prize, a professional performance or commission opportunity via the Roundhouse, as well as professional development support and mentoring from an award-winning poet.
Takunda said: “As a young person, poetry is where I met myself. I am so grateful that poetry is now the vehicle and the tool through which I and so many amazing poets confront the world with the truth that would otherwise be turned away from.
“Poetry is one of the greatest joys of my life so just getting to be here tonight is one of the highlights of my year. Being on stage with other amazing poets was a dream come true, as I have followed their journeys and I look up to them, so getting to say I performed alongside them is a career highlight for me.”
Inua Ellams, award-winning poet, playwright, and curator, said: “What I enjoyed the most was that the judges and the audience members were united today in who we thought was able to align all their energies in order to share poetry that spoke to the moment.”
Kirstie McGuigan, Partner at Taylor Wessing, who announced the winner on the night, said: “It is always remarkable to witness how the Roundhouse Slam brings together emerging voices whose words challenge, question, and inspire. This year’s finalists have demonstrated an exceptional ability to distil complex issues into moving performances that truly resonate. As a law firm dedicated to meaningful progress and purposeful practice, our values remain closely aligned with the Roundhouse’s inspiring mission, and we are delighted to continue supporting emerging talent, ensuring exceptional voices have a platform to be heard year after year.”
The Roundhouse Poetry Slam forms part of Roundhouse Three Sixty, a festival of music and culture running until the end of April. This year also marks 20 years since the legendary Camden venue reopened as a youth charity and independent multi-arts space. Now in its second year, Roundhouse Three Sixty presents a dynamic programme of performances, world exclusives and collaborations spanning the past, present and future of Roundhouse artists.
The 21st edition of the Slam saw a record number of entries from poets and performers aged 18–25. A total of 73 were selected to perform across seven heats held nationwide and online. The Final was broadcast live on the Roundhouse YouTube channel by young creatives from the Roundhouse Behind the Lens course in live TV broadcast and content creation.
Renowned for championing emerging spoken word talent, the Roundhouse continues to provide a vital platform for young voices to share their perspectives, experiences and creativity.
Finalists of the 2026 Roundhouse Poetry Slam:
Joshua Turton (Leeds heat)
Thea (London heat)
Takunda Muzondiwa (London heat)
Ro Dodgson (London heat)
Rain Spiegel-Johnson (London heat)
Oscar W Isaacs (London heat)
Thomas Kenechi (London heat)
Binta Yade (Online)
Tia-zakura (Bristol heat)
Kynda (Liverpool heat)