Benzokarim (1996) is a poet, spoken word artist and writer. His recitals are musical, rhythmic, dynamic and filled with emotions that only he can express. Karim has found a home in both the spoken and written word. For him, writing is an activist and poetic act. In 2022, he was part of the Dutch Foundation for Literature’s Slow Writing Lab and won the El Hizjra literature prize (Poetry). He is also a coach at Poetry Circle and editor at Mensen Zeggen Dingen. In addition to performing at various venues such as Lowlands, Crossing Border, Read My World, Poetry International, Opera Forward Festival and the Boekenbal, he debuted on 18 November 2022 with his poetry collection El Ghorba, a collection in which conversations with his father – and the commemoration of his mother – are central. Since 30 January 2025, Benzokarim has been the city poet of Rotterdam. On May 20, 2025, his new poetry collection, Ons gaan allemaal, was published by Uitgeverij Thomas Rap.