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: Capital Letters
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
It’s Nice That
It’s Nice That
It’s Nice That