Nandi Jola

Growing up surrounded by the rich oral traditions of her culture, Nandi developed a profound love for language and storytelling, influenced significantly by her grandmother's tales. After moving to the United Kingdom in 2001, she began to explore themes of identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience in her poetry, weaving together her African roots with her life in the diaspora. Her work, known for its lyrical quality and emotional depth, often reflects the complexities of belonging and cultural identity, resonating with readers and audiences worldwide. She founded the ‘nandijproject’ in 2010 with the vision of tackling women trafficking and sexual exploitation.

In addition to her poetry, Nandi is a dynamic performer and community advocate. She conducts workshops and mentorship programmes, particularly focusing on empowering young people from marginalised backgrounds through the arts. Her collection "Home Is Neither Here Nor There" is particularly celebrated for its exploration of displacement and the concept of home. Nandi Jola continues to live in the UK, balancing her artistic career with her roles as a mother and community leader, while remaining deeply connected to her South African roots.

Nandi said: “I knew from a young age that my voice was important, and I'm compelled to speak so as not to be othered. Founding the nandijproject was a way to turn my passion into action, addressing issues of women trafficking and exploitation. Thanks to the support of many, we’ve been able to empower communities through the arts. It’s my hope to show others that through shared stories, we can find strength and the power to transform our world"