Takunda Muzondiwa took first place at the 2026 Roundhouse Poetry Slam, held on April 9, in the main space of the Roundhouse as part of the Roundhouse Three Sixty festival. Bristol’s Tia-zakura finished as runner-up, while Kynda from Liverpool took third place.
Muzondiwa was one of ten finalists who delivered powerful spoken word performances, impressing both judges and the audience in a packed room.
She 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.”
Judges for the final included musician and poet Jordan Stephens, award-winning playwright and poet Inua Ellams, and poet and playwright Nikita Gill.
Mr Ellams 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.”
The event was hosted by radio presenter Anita Rani and poet Toby Campion, with DJ sets from Latekid and KMNC. Muzondiwa will receive a cash prize, professional development support, and a performance or commission opportunity through the Roundhouse.
The competition is part of Roundhouse Three Sixty, a festival of music and culture that runs until the end of April. This year marks 20 years since the Roundhouse reopened as a youth charity and independent multi-arts space.
Now in its 21st year, the poetry slam received a record number of entries from poets and performers aged 18 to 25, with 73 poets selected to perform across seven heats held nationwide and online.
