Arji Manuelpillai

Arji Manuelpillai is a London-based poet, performer, and educator whose work sits powerfully at the intersection of spoken word, community engagement, and social commentary. His poetry explores themes of identity, mental health, masculinity, and belonging, drawing from his British-Sri Lankan heritage and lived experiences in London.

His debut pamphlet, Mutton Rolls, published by Out-Spoken Press, was shortlisted for the 2020 Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry. His full collection Improvised Explosive Device (Penned in the Margins, 2022) marked a profound step forward, merging political urgency with lyrical dexterity.</p>

<p>Alongside his literary career, Arji is a dedicated youth mentor and creative facilitator, having delivered workshops across schools and youth organisations around the UK. He has performed at venues such as the Southbank Centre, Barbican, and Latitude Festival.

Arji Manuelpillai is a multi-faceted poet, writer, and performer whose work continues to carve deep and relevant conversations in modern British poetry. Drawing from his British-Sri Lankan heritage and lived experiences in London, Arji’s work often tackles themes of cultural identity, urban masculinity, mental health, migration, and youth voice.
His style blends the rhythmic power of spoken word with the intimacy of personal storytelling, making his performances both hard-hitting and deeply human.
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His debut pamphlet, Mutton Rolls, published by Out-Spoken Press, earned critical acclaim for its visceral honesty and bold thematic exploration. It was shortlisted for the 2020 Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry, while his full collection Improvised Explosive Device (Penned in the Margins, 2022) marked a profound step forward in Arji’s career—merging political urgency with lyrical dexterity. The book was praised for its ability to delve into radicalisation, identity, and masculinity with depth, tenderness, and insight.
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Alongside his literary career, Arji is a dedicated youth mentor and creative facilitator, having delivered workshops across schools, youth organisations, and institutions around the UK. His belief in the transformative power of poetry has seen him working extensively with marginalised communities, helping young people find their voice through creativity and storytelling.
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He has performed at venues such as the Southbank Centre, Barbican, and Latitude Festival, and his work has appeared in publications including Poetry Review, Magma, The White Review, and The Rialto. He is also a respected voice in interdisciplinary projects, working with musicians, dancers, and visual artists to bring his poetry into new spaces.