It was following a burnout that Lisette Lombé discovered the world of slam poetry — or vice versa. A multifaceted artist who transcends boundaries, she has now become a key figure on the contemporary literary scene.
In 2017, she was named ‘Honorary Citizen of the City of Liège’ for her work as an ‘artivist’ and ambassador for slam poetry throughout the French-speaking world. In 2020, she received a Golden Afro Artistic Award for her novel ‘Venus Poetica’ and the Grenades/RTBF Prize for her collection ‘Brûler brûler brûler’ (Burn burn burn).
Her writing and worldview are based on her own mixed heritage and her experiences as a woman, mother and teacher. The author dares to talk about everything: social justice, feminism, anti-racism and emancipation infuse her writings and performances. Her commitment, stage presence and words are powerful and incisive. They leave a lasting impression on those who meet her for the first time, spectators who see her come alive and embody poetry with her whole being.
This artivist is also the co-founder of L-SLAM, a multicultural and intergenerational collective of female poets that organises workshops and slam poetry events based on the principle of mentoring.
Poetic, theatrical, visual, militant and educational: Lisette Lombé’s practices are cross-disciplinary and open. They convey a message that is both disturbing and unifying.
Lisette Lombé is Belgium’s national poet for 2024 and 2025. She has just been voted ‘Namur Citizen of the Year 2024’.
Les Belges Histoires
The production of « Les Belges Histoires, les talents de Wallonie-Bruxelles » is an initiative of Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
