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The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

Safiya

Our Favourite Places would be nothing without our contributors — a massive thanks to all of them!

Tell us a bit about you.
My name is Safiya and I’m a sixth form student. I’m an aspiring journalist and actress on the side. I’m a Londoner, born and bred. And my interests include theatre, film, fashion and food!

What is your favourite place and why?
I have a deep connection with the London borough of Hackney because I was born there and it is bursting with art and culture.

Share three recommendations of books, films, shows – anything! – that you’ve enjoyed recently.
Number one recommendation is Black is King by Beyoncé Knowles on Disney Plus because it is a masterpiece if I do say so myself.

A book recommendation for pre-teens to adults is the Noughts and Crosses trilogy by Malorie Blackman because you could definitely binge read them in a couple of days (I definitely did).

Third recommendation: the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of anything! The company truly brings his words to life and their cast is always very inclusive.

Safiya is undertaking a week-long online work experience placement with OFP through Arts Emergency – find out more about the organisation's work.

Latest contributions

Warda Yassin

A British-Somali poet born and raised in Sheffield. Winner of the 2018 New Poets Prize, Warda is dedicated to her craft and encouraging young people to reap the benefits of writing.

Pizza Shop Heroes

"An unconventional coming of age story that is totally unfiltered and original," following the journey of four young men from Afghanistan, Eritrea and Albania travelling to the UK with hopes of seeking asylum. Read more in Safiya's review.