The writing awards is a major highlight in the SMHAF programme and one of our most enduring successes. This year we are excited to be teaming up with WayWORD at the University of Aberdeen to present a live literary showcase and our annual prizegiving, hosted by poet Jo Gilbert.
The competition is an opportunity for new and experienced writers to be recognised for their work, which this year explores mental health and the theme of Comfort & Disturb. Writers from across Scotland, the UK and further afield have submitted pieces to our competition in three categories: Fiction, Poetry and Creative Non-Fiction. Shortlisted writers will be invited to read on the night and have their work published in a collection illustrated by local artist Rosa Eisenberg.
The live literary showcase, guest curated by Ica Headlam of We Are Here Scotland, will feature performances by Aberdeenshire folksinger Iona Fyfe, whose work is rooted deeply in the singing traditions of the North East of Scotland, queer poet and spoken word artist Mae Diansangu, improvisational multi-instrumental singer-songwriter Nuna, and hip-hop artist Jackill performing alongside emerging 17-year-old rapper JH.
At the end of the evening, we will invite shortlisted writers, guests and audience members to join us for a reception.
Event Partners:
Host
Jo Gilbert
Jo Gilbert is a spoken word artist and writer from Aberdeen, writing in Doric, Scots and English. Their work has been widely published in journals, magazines and anthologies and was featured on BBC Radio 4. Past projects and commissions include StAnza Poetry Festival, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums, Look Again Festival, the National Theatre of Scotland, Aberdeen Performing Arts. Jo’s poem ‘Speirin’ was commissioned as one of the Scottish Poetry Library’s Burns Night Skies feature in 2025 and they are currently working on their second collection ‘The Department of Stuff and Things’ due out with Seahorse Publications late 2025.
Performance Line-Up
Iona Fyfe
Aberdeenshire folksinger, Iona Fyfe, is one of Scotland’s finest singers, rooted deeply in the singing traditions of the North East of Scotland. In 2021, she became the first singer to win the coveted title of Musician of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Honoured at the Scots Language Awards with the title of Speaker of the Year in 2021, Iona performs both folk and pop songs in the Scots language, remaining true to her rooting in tradition.
Mae Diansangu
Mae Diansangu is a queer poet and spoken word artist from Aberdeen. She has performed at literary festivals across Scotland and appeared on BBC Scotland’s Big Scottish Book Club and BBC Radio 4’s Tongue and Talk. Mae writes in both English and Doric, and her first poetry collection BLOODSONGS (Tapsalteerie) is available now.
Nuna
Nuna is a Nu-jazz/Soul-Funk musician currently based in Aberdeen, Scotland, whose innovative sound seamlessly blends the sophisticated harmonies of jazz, the emotional depth of R&B, and the irresistible grooves of funk. Originally from Gary, Indiana, Nuna brings a unique transatlantic perspective to Scotland’s vibrant music scene.
Jackill & JH
Jackill is a rapper and producer from Aberdeen, Scotland. One of the founding members of SAMA nominated Hip-Hop group “The Ill Collective”, Jackill has been a prominent figure in the Aberdeen and wider Scottish hip-hop scene, performing alongside artists such as Loki, Hector Bizerk and Old Blind Dogs. As well as focusing on his own music, Jackill also works in various capacities in the local communities around Aberdeen teaching workshops in schools, community centres and prisons.
JH is a rapper/MC from Aberdeen. At 17 years old he is a relative newcomer to the local hip-hop and rap scene but has immersed himself in the culture in a short space of time, performing alongside notable rappers from Aberdeen at venues such as Drummonds, The Lemon Tree, Krakatoa and more. He draws influence from other local MC’s and uses his music to vent about the life he’s experienced in Aberdeen and talks about social issues faced by many like him growing up in the city. He raps over all manners of genres within hip-hop, as well as performing poignant and well thought-out lyrics he is also adept at freestyling.
