Saul Williams

Spoken Word Artist

Saul Williams

Spoken Word Artist

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Biography

Saul Williams is a Writer, Musician, Poet, Director, and Actor who came into public attention with the release of the internationally acclaimed film Slam (dir. Marc Levin), which Saul co-wrote and starred in, introducing the world to the Slam Poetry movement, and winning Sundance's Grand Jury Prize and the Cannes Camera D'Or, in 1998.

As an actor, Saul was a series regular as “Sivad” on the CW's Girlfriends and has appeared in a handful of films including: K-Pax, Lackawanna Blues, New York, I Love You, and most recently the French-Senegalese Aujourd'hui- TEY (dir. Alain Gomis) which won 2013's L'Etalon D'Or at FESPACO, where Saul was the first African-American to win Best Actor in the largest and oldest African film festival. TEY was also awarded The Prize of the City at The Venice Film Festival. In 2014, Saul made his Broadway debut as the lead in Broadway's first hip-hop musical, Holler If Ya Hear Me, based on the lyrics and poetry of Tupac Shakur. He starred in the 2021 film Akilla’s Escape, for which his performance earned him a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Actor. His Directorial Debut Neptune Frost premiered at Cannes 2021 and saw theatrical release in June 2022. It has been lauded by critics worldwide.

Saul has performed in over 30 countries and read his poetry at more than 300 universities, with invitations that have spanned from the White House, the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, The Louvre, The Getty Center, Queen Elizabeth Hall, to villages, townships, community centers, and prisons across the world. Saul has published five books of poetry which have been translated into several languages. Saul’s writings and lesson plans surrounding his work have been added to the curriculum of schools and universities around the world.

As a musician, Saul has released six albums and toured or collaborated with dozens of artists including: Nas, Janelle Monae, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against The Machine, The Roots, Mos Def, The Mars Volta, David Cross, Allen Ginsburg, Amiri Baraka, Gil Scott-Heron, Jose James, Arthur H, Camille, Ayo, TV On The Radio, System Of A Down, KRS ONE, DJ Krust, DJ Spooky, Cold Cut, Matisyahu, Blackalicious, K'naan, K-OS, and Erykah Badu.

Speech Topics

An Evening of Poetry

The Evolution of Hip-Hip

The Connection Between Hip-Hop & Poetry

My Experience Living Abroad: A Black American Artist & Afro-Futurism

Testimonials

"The event was the best event we had all year. His performance was amazing and he interacted well with everyone. It was a shame he had to leave for his flight but he went beyond expectations."

- University of Colorado Denver

"We had almost 900 students and campus community attend, which for us is an indescribable success. Moreover, the feedback from the event was fantastic. Students left feeling inspired, informed, and transformed."

- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

"Saul Williams was enlightening, funny, poignant, and just down right talented! At the culmination of the evening, Saul signed autographs, shook hands, and took photos with audience members. We’ve heard nothing but positive feedback about his humility, knowledge, and thought-provoking insight. We were so fortunate and humbled to be given the opportunity to host such an amazing individual."

- Babson College

"Yes, everything was fantastic! Actually, it was the best attendance we have Ever had on this campus... so, we are MORE than pleased. Awesome show, awesome turnout and Saul was a pleasure to work with."

- Rock Valley College

"Thanks so much for checking in with me. Although I expected Saul's performance to be powerful, I did not expect him to be so incredibly kind. It was truly a delight to work him and the student's an overwhelming response to the program."

- Bridgewater State College

"His performance was spectacular. We had a huge turnout, much larger than we’ve had in a while for an event like this at Santa Clara. He completely surpassed the expectations of everyone in attendance, including myself—he was absolutely phenomenal. The crowd was blown away."

- Activities Programming Board, Santa Clara University

"Saul was phenomenal and we couldn't have asked for a better poet. In fact, during my four year affiliation with the university, I would have to say he was the best performer we have had over that time. I thank you for your assistance in getting Saul to come to Notre Dame."

- Notre Dame

"I would just like to say that having Saul as our guest was one of the best experiences I have had at the university. He was down to earth and "real" and was willing to interact in a very real way with the students. They are used to having speakers that are separated from them, but Saul was not in any way like that. I would recommend him to any group or school that wants a great experience. Thanks."

- University of Michigan Ann Arbor

"Saul's presentation was incredible! We were extremely pleased with his performance. Everyone in attendance was positively impacted. I know that I was deeply motivated both personally and professionally. Saul took time to visit with any students that were interested after the program. As you might imagine, that was quite a few. I was truly impressed with his willingness to take time to visit with so many students.

This was a very uplifting and necessary event for our university. I appreciate all you did to help make this happen. Bill Magner was also extremely helpful in the process. Thank you as well, Bill. We look forward to working with your agency in the future."

- A&M University

"We had an absolutely incredible event. Saul was a wonderful guest, and among the best speakers we have had in Charlottesville that I can remember."

- University of Virginia