Mensah's work challenges dominant modes of masculinity, and disrupts the elitism of poetry through its accessible, honest, raw and intimate language and rhythms. Free from the constraints of convention, Mensah writes in his own, unique voice, layered with rhythm and surreal imagery, unified by its fearless commitment to emotional honesty and its openness about the power and cost of creativity.

Safe Metamorphosis explores the transformations experienced in everyday life and the unspoken traumas caused by the uprooting of self as we are thrusted from one identity-building state to another. The trauma of leaving school, 'growing up', the demise of a romantic relationship, the loss of faith in a purpose: common, formative experiences too often dismissed. The poems in this striking and original collection explore metamorphoses at different points of our journey into adulthood, addressing the ways in which the associated upheaval of change and lost identity alters our sense of self and relationships with others.

For Mensah, poetry and hip hop are a stimulus for philosophical reflection and introspection, and the poems in Safe Metamorphosis welcome us into the imaginative and highly observant mind of an artist committed to the healing and unifying power of communication.

'Mensah's voice orbits the poetics of hip-hop and spoken word, moving through modes of story-telling, social commentary, reflection and meditation...Here we find the beginnings of an urgent and dynamic new writer who brings to the page an innovative and acute sense of self' - Anthony Anaxagorou

About the Author
Otis Mensah, self-proclaimed mum's house philosopher and rap psalmist, offers an alternative take on contemporary Hip-Hop and spoken word. Endeavouring to shed light on existential commonalities through vulnerable expression, Otis's work reads like a stream of consciousness, using aesthetic language to paint worlds of thought. Otis continues to release music independently, taking creative projects like Rap Poetics to the stage, around the UK and Europe, as well as making his debut at Glastonbury Music Festival. Throughout his career, Otis has opened for heavyweights like Benjamin Zephaniah, Arrested Development, The Sugarhill Gang, Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Killah Priest, Lowkey, Open Mike Eagle, Chali 2na, and Blu & Exile. Describing Otis as 'dynamic, skilful and radical', former Lord Mayor and MEP Magid Magid appointed Otis Mensah as the first poet laureate of Sheffield. 'As the first Hip-Hop artist to be awarded a poet laureate title in the UK, he wants to use the position to break down barriers, smash the stuffy stereotype, and remind people that poetry is meant to be for the people.' The Guardian


Book Information
ISBN 9781913513023
Author Otis Mensah
Format Paperback
Page Count 80
Imprint Prototype Publishing Ltd.
Publisher Prototype Publishing Ltd.
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 4mm