Season 1 Episode 14: Passions, Publishing & Performing Arts with Elliott Ajai-Ajagbe Daley

In this compelling episode of The Ethnically Podcast, host Adarsh Ramchurn interviews Elliott Ajai-Ajagbe Daley, a multifaceted artist, educator, and founder of Pyro's Publishing and Literary House. Elliott discusses his transformative journey from overcoming childhood struggles with reading and writing to finding his voice in the performing arts, inspired by his mother's career in theatre. He shares pivotal moments from his life, including his shift from top salesperson to spoken word artist, performing at the Olympics, and teaching drama and poetry to youth.

 

The episode delves into Elliott's creative process in playwriting, the significance of understanding historical narratives, and his mission to decolonise history through education.

 

Elliott emphasises the importance of accessibility in publishing for underrepresented writers and reflects on his personal experiences with racial biases and his passion for storytelling. Tune in for enriching discussions on creativity, resilience, and cultural legacy, and join our vibrant community dedicated to diverse voices and stories.

 

01:16 Meet Elliott: A Multi-Talented Artist

02:29 Elliott's Early Challenges and Inspirations

05:57 From University to the Stage: Elliott's Journey

09:41 Discovering Poetry and Teaching

12:21 Performing at the Olympics and Beyond

15:16 The Power of Writing and Publishing

18:04 Elliott's Creative Process and Teaching Philosophy

24:58 The Legacy of Words: Why Writing Matters

30:19 Inspirations and the Impact of Black History

35:45 Black History and Its Importance

37:43 Understanding Police Bias

45:51 The Power of Historical Knowledge

57:42 Heroes and Inspirations