A black-and-white photo of Benzokarim reciting a poem.Een zwart-witfoto van Benzokarim, terwijl die een gedicht voordraagt.

Benzokarim (NLD)

Back to poets
Back to poets

Benzokarim (NLD)

Benzokarim (1996, NLD) is a poet and performer whose work explores family, grief, and experiences familiar to many people with a migration background. His debut collection, El Ghorba (2022), reflects on conversations with his father and mourning his mother, and was accompanied by a short poetic documentary. His second collection, Ons gaan allemaal (2025), included a collaborative video series and a one-time exhibition with Mourah Sakr. He is currently the poet laureate of Rotterdam.

How you might know this poet

  • Poet laureate of Rotterdam (2025–2026).
  • Debut collection El Ghorba (2022) and second collection Ons gaan allemaal (2025).
  • Winner of the El Hizjra Literature Prize 2022 and the Jan Campert Prize 2025.
  • Coach at Poetry Circle 070 and curator of Mensen Zeggen Dingen.
A black-and-white photo of Benzokarim reciting a poem.Een zwart-witfoto van Benzokarim, terwijl die een gedicht voordraagt.
© Rosa Quist

Programs