About

From Mogadishu to Poet Laureate.

Ahmed “Knowmadic” Ali is an award-winning spoken word artist, educator, and civic leader. Edmonton’s 7th Poet Laureate, he builds bridges between classrooms, stages, and communities.

Ahmed Knowmadic Ali performing on stage

The work

Poetry as public practice.

Ahmed’s work moves between art, education, and civic imagination. His performances carry the presence of spoken word stages; his workshops translate that energy into literacy, confidence, critical thinking, and belonging.

His public record includes Canadian Spoken Word Champion, Edmonton Top 40 Under 40, Human Rights Champion Award, and service as Edmonton’s 7th Poet Laureate from 2017 to 2019.

Recognition

Poet Laureate

Edmonton’s 7th Poet Laureate, appointed for the 2017-2019 term.

National Champion

Canadian Spoken Word Champion with more than a decade of performance and education work.

Civic Builder

Arts, equity, and education work across schools, festivals, boards, and community spaces.

Know More. Roam More.

The name is a philosophy: curiosity with movement, knowledge with purpose, poetry with public responsibility.

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