Solli Raphael is a precociously talented poet.
The Coffs Harbour local has become a revered slam poet, winning the 2017 National Australian Poetry Slam, all before he turned 13-years old. “I’ve always loved to write,” Solli says.
“Since I could walk I’ve been writing. I thought poetry was another style I could learn to write and from there I enjoyed it more and more and now I love it.”
Solli has wisdom beyond his years, writing about topics like refugees and the environment.
Winning the competition was a shock for Solli, but not just because of his age; it was his first competition and also his debut performance. “It was really amazing. I’ve always wanted to share my work, and to be able to do that on a stage like the Sydney Opera House was pretty special and to meet amazing poets from all around the country was really great.”
The young poet will make his Adelaide Fringe debut as part of the Supermassive festival, the closing event of the Grounded pop-up precinct for kids.
Along with performing his winning poems, Solli will debut two new poems and also be featured in an open-conversation event. “Anyone who wants to come along can ask me about poetry and what it’s about, and if they’ve got any questions about my poetry.
"It’s pretty much an open mic for anyone who has any opinions or wants to know something about poetry.”
As a young artist, Solli understands there aren’t many arts events for young people, which makes him more excited to be involved in Supermassive. “I’m happy that there is an event in Australia that is just dedicated to kids and they can be interactive and have good music and things to do.”
