Liyou Libsekal

Liyou Libsekal (born 1990) is an Ethiopian poet and writer. Her poems were featured in the 2015 African Poetry Book Fund's New Generation African Poets series. She is winner of the 2014 Brunel University African Poetry Prize.[1]

Liyou Libsekal
Born	1990 (age 31) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Occupation	Poet, writer
Alma mater	George Washington University
Notable works	Bearing Heavy Things
Notable awards	Winner of 2014 Brunei University African Poetry Prize

Biography

Liyou Mesfin Libsekal spent her childhood traveling around East Africa with her family before returning to Ethiopia in 2005.[2] She later moved to the United States to attend George Washington University where she obtained a BA in Anthropology in 2012.[3] She returned to Africa, after living a short time in Vietnam.[4]

Liyou's poetry explores themes of home, identity and displacement. Liyou's chapbook, Bearing Heavy Things, is included in the African Poetry Book Fund's New Generation African Poets series.[5] Her work has been included in Missing Slate Magazine, Badilisha Poetry and Cordite Poetry Review. Libsekal is winner of the 2014 Brunel University African Poetry Prize.[6][2]

Liyou lives in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.[3] She writes about Ethiopian culture for the Ethiopian Business Review.[7]

References

1. "Liyou Libsekal wins 2014 Brunel African Poetry Prize | Brunel University London". www.brunel.ac.uk. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
2. "Previous Winners African Poetry Prize". African Poetry Prize.org. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
3. "New Generation Africa Poets". African Poetry Book Fund. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
4. "Ethiopian Poet Liyou Libsekal wins 2014 Brunel African Poetry Prize". BuzzEthiopia. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
5. "Liyou Libsekal". Badilishpoetry.com. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
6. "Liyou Libsekal: "Revival"". Cordite Poetry Review. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
7. "Contemporary Ethiopian Poets:Liyou Libsekal". Missing Slate. Retrieved 30 July 2018.