THE WICKED TEAM
Naniso Tswai
FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
Naniso is a Berlin-based author, academic, and spoken word performer. His work is strongly embedded in broader issues of justice and peace, particularly as these relate to identity. He is the founder of Wicked Projects and the co-founder of Berlin Spoken Word (BSW). Both projects aim to contribute to the intersection between art and politics, and make a positive contribution to the social tapestry through various and different forms of artistic expression. Originally from South Africa, politics has never been far from his thoughts, spoken word being a vessel through which he is able to explore and make sense of the world around him. Since completing his PhD in political science in 2010, he has shifted his focus from academic writing to more artistic pursuits, this has come in the form of storytelling and spoken word. He has performed on various stages across Europe, and also in Australia and South Africa.
Steve Nahaj
AUTHOR / AUDIOVISUAL ARTIST
Steve has been writing and wandering for the past decade. His novels are based on his escapades, which include one year traveling the US via semi truck, and two rambling with bohemians in Paris. Steve’s exploratory approach to creativity has allowed him to foster a broad range of talents. Apart from his literary work, he also hosts The Wicked Podcast and produces non-narrative art films. Regardless of medium, Steve aims to convey spiritual and psychological malaise while offering alternatives for our turbulent zeitgeist..
FESTIVAL MANAGER
Dshamilja is a Berlin-based poet, writer and performer of German-Iranian descent. In their work, Dshamilja paints vivid yet fluid images that examine the complexity of self and social relations. Emerging from a compassionate and honest place, their writing confronts, critiques and questions, it explores possibilities of healing and embarks on constant journeys of transformation.
Having been featured on various international platforms such as Word N Sound, Button Poetry, Berlin Spoken Word and The Wicked Festival, Dshamilja is passionate about growing, connecting and collaborating with different art communities. This includes pushing the boundaries of spoken and written word by merging it with sound and video art. Dshamilja keeps chasing the moving target of consciousness through a queer, feminist, decolonial and anti-capitalist lens.