Yaya Azariah Clarke
London-based writer, researcher and cultural producer.


Open to writing, creative and music research, programming and speaking comissions.
Email: yayaazariahclarke@gmail.com
Instagram:
@theyarchives
Newsletter:
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Current Projects: curating London Black Short Film Library and curator for Phantasy Saturday School’s ‘A Carnival Symposium’ archive.   

Yaya Azariah Clarke is a British-Jamaican writer and cultural producer, specialising in
Black visual and sonic cultures. Their research currently centres the
contextualisation of Black short film ecosystem in their home base of London, as well as the underheard histories of reggae and dub in both Jamaica and the UK. They also have a particular focus on sound systems and their use as means to foster greater inter-generational connection in Black Britain.

Yaya was previously staff writer at It’s Nice That, specialising in art, film and photography. Artist/collective profiles include Quil Lemons, Rashaad Newsome, wuruwuru, Anya Paintsil and Marc Padeu. This role also included programming for the publication’s monthly talk event, Nicer Tuesdays, bringing a diverse range of creatives to the stage.

They have  worked on a number of freelance research, community and culture projects for Dulwich Picture Gallery, Barbican, Roundhouse, Space Black Studios, Tag Agency and Pop Brixton. Other bylines can be found in WePresent, Elephant Magazine and more.
 

Yaya is also the curator of the Black Short Film Library currently existing in spreadsheet form. Its website and physical space will open in 2025, connecting London’s filmmakers to a genuine audience outside of the industry while also expanding our thought around short films and its crucial place in the advancement of a Black British visual culture. 


Selected Writing

Quil Lemons explores queerness and the Black male form in new series Quiladelphia
It’s Nice That


Smuggler director Andre Muir on how his video for Mick Jenkins tells a story of toxic masculinity

It’s Nice That


Marc Padeu’s Le baptême de Roxane is a painted play highlighting the impacts of religious imagery

It’s Nice That


Lindsay Perryman’s film Tops explores the intimate experience of African American people with top surgery
It’s Nice That


Cato.ink — Pairing painting and collage to explore belonging and Black culture
WePresent


Abdou Cissé’s Festival of Slaps plays on our tendency to associate Black mothers with corporal punishment
It’s Nice That

“It’s imperative that we be the architects of our narrative”: Adraint Khadafhi Bereal on documenting Black college life
It’s Nice That


Wheels of Freedom: Nayquan Shuler takes us on a visual journey of Myrtle Beach’s Black Bike Week
It’s Nice That


Album Cover Bank traces over 70 years of Nigeria’s album design and visual culture

It’s Nice That  

Iggy London’s Area Boy shows us the reality of being stuck between two worlds
It’s Nice That

Can AI be used for the greater good? Rashaad Newsome shows us how with his community-healing robot
It’s Nice That

© Yaya Azariah Clarke, 2024