Spike Zephaniah is a multi-disciplinary artist, author, and spoken-word poet whose work spans visual art, performance, music, and storytelling.

Known for his dynamic and highly engaging style, Spike also raps and puppeteers, sometimes simultaneously. He has toured festivals with his rapping puppet project Runchtacular, using humour, rhythm, and live performance to captivate audiences of all ages. His work is particularly effective at engaging pupils who respond best to performance, sound, and creative expression.

Alongside his performance work, Spike is an accomplished visual artist. For many years, he worked as a portrait artist for the O2 Arena, painting some of the most recognisable figures in contemporary music. This experience gives him a unique perspective on creativity and storytelling across art forms, which he brings directly into his work with young people.

Spike is the author of the When Dickens Met series, a playful and imaginative re-imagining of classic literary figures that helps pupils connect with literature in a fresh, accessible way. His work encourages children to see classic texts as relevant, creative, and open to interpretation.

In school settings, Spike’s sessions combine spoken word, live performance, storytelling, and visual art, inspiring pupils to explore language, develop confidence, and find their own creative voice. His visits are energetic, memorable, and particularly impactful for pupils who thrive through expressive and performance-based learning.