Dzifa Benson - Writer, journalist, VR artist
- Isobel Arden
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
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Meet Dzifa Benson, a life of storytelling, literature and words.
Dzifa Benson is kind of like if poetry, science, performance art, and history had a party and she showed up wearing a crown made of metaphors and light. She’s a British-Ghanaian multidisciplinary artist who doesn’t really stick to one lane because, honestly, why would she? Her work blends poetry, theatre, immersive tech (yes, like VR), and the kind of deep-dive history you’d expect from someone who actually listens when museums talk.
She was born in London but grew up ping-ponging between Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo, and that multicultural vibe shows up everywhere in her work. She's interested in what it means to be human, especially if you're a Black woman whose identity is shaped by colonial history, digital futures, and art that makes people feel weird in a good way.
Her debut poetry collection Monster (out via Bloodaxe Books, October 2024) is not just poems—it’s an experience. Think: the historical figure Sarah Baartman meets Afrofuturism meets personal trauma meets feminist rage meets hope? It's basically a lyrical explosion of thoughts on what it means to live inside a body that the world doesn’t always treat with kindness. People are already calling it vital and brave and necessary.
Dzifa’s performed at places like Tate Britain and the Royal Festival Hall, and also in cemeteries, which is both poetic and extremely her. She's been onstage in South Africa, Italy, France, and Norway. Her vibe is global but also deeply personal, like if your diary had a passport.
She writes essays and reviews for the Financial Times, The Telegraph, and the Times Literary Supplement (yes, she’s that smart). Plus she teaches workshops and has done fellowships and residencies where she collaborates with scientists, musicians, and other artists who colour outside the lines.
Basically, Dzifa Benson is one of those people you hear speak once and then want to follow down every rabbit hole she digs.
Dzifa Benson's Fantasy Cultural Year
With a magic wand in one hand, a time machine warmed up, and a Star Trek transporter on standby, Mark sat down with writer Dzifa Benson to imagine her dream cultural year. You can watch the conversation in full above— on YouTube or Spotify or SoundCloud.
What followed was a creative, witty, and globe-trotting journey across art, writing and culture.
1. Naples Cathedral Experience
Dzifa described visiting Naples Cathedral in Italy.
She found the exterior restrained, but the interior breathtaking.
Mark imagined her at a nearby café, sipping an Aperol Spritz.
Dzifa prefers the lime-coloured version of the drink over the classic orange.
Mark imagined a book resting beside her, tying into her literary interests.
2. Favourite Books & Reading in Napoli
Dzifa struggled to pick a favourite book but chose Fire Rush by Jacqueline Crooks, a friend and award-winning author.
The novel uses Dub Reggae vernacular and is set in a historic London period.
It was shortlisted for the Women's Prize in fiction and recently won a major international award.
Dzifa expressed her wish to read the book at sunset in Napoli.
Mark confirmed the book is available on Amazon.
3. Polymaths Book Project
Mark discussed a major opportunity for Dzifa: to write a book on the top 50 polymaths globally.
Funded by a Neapolitan family foundation, it would involve:
Global travel & interviews
A TED Talk
A book deal
A TV series
A university lecture tour
Dzifa suggested starting in Paris, highlighting Pharrell Williams as a great polymath example for his work in music, fashion, and sustainability.
4. Music Preferences & Paris Scenario
In a hypothetical where she could only listen to one genre for a year, Dzifa chose Afrobeats for its joyful, pan-African energy.
Mark imagined her meeting Pharrell in Paris, attending a dance performance and sharing dinner.
5. Dance, Theatre & Choreography
Dzifa expressed admiration for choreographer Peanut Balge, citing layered storytelling and inventive sets.
Mark noted Balge has an upcoming show at Sadler’s Wells.
Dzifa also praised Afrobeats choreography and the work of Hofesh Shechter, another celebrated choreographer.
6. Travel, Culture & Sport
The conversation explored favourite destinations:
Paris – where Dzifa craved Italian food
Bangkok – a city she loves
Brazil & New Orleans – for their music scenes
They discussed breakdancing in the Olympics and the artistry in gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics.
Concluded with a plan to virtually visit New Orleans and explore a Digital Art Gallery.
7. Artists & Art Discussions
Focus on the sculptor El Anatsui, known for turning bottle tops into fabric-like sculptures.
Dzifa mentioned her Venice Biennale win and global public installations.
She also praised Artemisia Gentileschi, a 17th-century Italian painter, comparing her bold style to Caravaggio.
Noted that Gentileschi also spent time in Naples.
8. Prince Concert & Musical Icons
Dzifa reminisced about a secret Prince concert in London with £10 tickets—one of her favourite memories.
Mark remembered the Love Sexy tour from the late 1980s.
They both celebrated Prince's musical genius and style.
9. Hypothetical Scenarios & Icons
Dzifa named Ava DuVernay as her ideal lunch guest, admiring her values and artistic work.
She imagined Nina Simone as DuVernay’s guest.
For music, Dzifa chose Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini as a timeless piece she'd enjoy.
Explore some of Dzifa Benson's work.
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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