Overview

Thalassic contains poems Malaika wrote in response to songs by the band Jakabol with whom she has frequently collaborated. Inspired by their swirling, oceanic riffs, the stories that played out between the strings. Dark and Light, deft and delicate, falling into heavy, raucous noise. Matched with colour illustrations by Andreea Diana Stan, the poems were written during the autumn of 2018. Thalassic was first published as a limited edition in 2020.

Full Product Details

9781911570981

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Reviews

In Thalassic, Malaika Kegode doesn't just illuminate the eternal marriage of music & poetry, she breathes it. These poems are both an anthem, free of restriction or page, but also a study in line breaks, showcasing the value of taking a moment before moving on. Kegode hides rhyme like easter eggs, wedged in the middle of rhythmic prose and lyrical movement-when the reader emerges, they are bound to be singing these poems aloud. - Olivia Gatwood; Malaika has made a concise collection with an intimate ease that slowly reveals many subtle profundities. The stories within are complicated: full of grief, sadness then finally, grace. Its form is playful and experimental, never letting the reader rest on their laurels. If you've ever had to redefine what love and life mean to you, these poems beg to be read again and again. - Vanessa Kisuule

Author Information

based in Bristol. Her work is focused on uplifting and celebrating the voiceless, overlooked and misunderstood. She is especially passionate about challenging common narratives about working class and rural communities through stories told across mixed disciplines. Beginning her creative career as a performance poet in 2014, Malaika has since developed her practice to encompass theatre and radio writing, teaching, producing and film curation. Her radio drama Tribe of Two (produced by Afonica for BBC Radio 4) was shortlisted for the prestigious Imison Award by the Society of Authors. In 2025, she was a mentored writer as part of Channel 4’s 4Screenwriting course. Malaika’s work has been featured on a variety of stages, including Southbank Centre, Lyric Hammersmith, University of Austria and The Scottish Storytelling Centre. In addition to her writing, Malaika works as a mentor, dramaturg and editor. Malaika is a vocal advocate for creativity as a tool for healing, connection and collaboration. She is dedicated to helping people to tell their stories and find healing through the creative process through teaching workshops, mentoring individuals and producing accessible events. Malaika is a proud Trustee for mental health & arts charity Many Minds.

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