THE PEN REALLY IS A SWORD, REARRANGE THE LETTERS AND IT'S A WEAPON OF WORDS.
About
"Writing has always been about expressing how I feel; being real, raw, and honest with the page. My most authentic self. Weaving creative, interesting, and unique concepts and themes into my work really excites me. Doing something different. Pushing the boundaries of the norm. Writing something that is not only passionate, but that connects with others on a deeper level. I create to relate-to and educate."
DUKE AL's work is rooted in three creative pillars:
Create. Relate. Educate.
I create meaningful art.
I relate through lived experience.
I educate through emotion and truth.
DUKE AL is more than just a name - it's a mission:
- D - Defies (Challenges the norm)
- U - Unifies (Brings people together)
- K - Kinetic (Moves minds and hearts)
- E - Electrifies (Inspires action)
- A - Amplifies (Voices that deserve to be heard)
- L - Leaves a lasting legacy
Spoken Word
DUKE AL is an award-winning spoken word artist, published poet, hip hop artist and creative practitioner. Writing rhymes is his therapy. From a young age, he would scribble raps and poems in his old lyric book. It was his way of expressing himself; an escapism to challenge his OCD. A passion of words, flow and rhyme flared. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 23 the pen became even more vital, helping him process and articulate his emotions.
Now, DUKE AL uses his craft to create impactful change, one rhyme at a time.
His work has been featured in Go.Compare Six Nations 2025, FAW, Cardiff Rugby, Creative Cardiff, TNT Sports, BBC Wales, FujiFilm UK, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and BBC Scrum V.
'Sensational' John Cooper Clarke on DUKE AL.
Author
DUKE AL's latest collection - IMAGINE WE TRADE BODIES WITH SHEEP - was published by Lucent Dreaming in 2025.
"I've always felt a passion, an urge to write about how I feel. To shine light upon the hatred that can often consume our society, in all of its tragedy, injustice and corruption.
I wanted to write about this as if we had the bodies of sheep, to show how ridiculous, absurd and cruel humanity can be. Morals, ethics and values seem to be drifting away from society. Selfishness is leading the way.
However, it was important for me to sprinkle the good and the love that humanity, by nature, still has. A little bit of good and a little bit of love go a long way, showing how powerful and needed they both are." - DUKE AL
Are you ready to remove the wool from your eyes?
Purchase the collection directly from the publisher Lucent Dreaming, or from Waterstones.
Commissions
With over 20 years of experience writing poetry, from page to performance, DUKE AL offers impactful, bespoke spoken word commissions that are shaped by your brief and powered by purpose.
Whether you're an organisation, brand, charity, or individual, I'll work closely with you to create something empowering, memorable, and true to your voice. Poetry with a purpose.
Workshops
The Power of the Pen
DUKE AL has extensive experience facilitating creative writing workshops across a range of settings, working with underrepresented groups, young people, and communities facing challenges. He runs workshops called POWER OF THE PEN which are poetry, spoken word and creative writing-based. He works with all ages, from primary school children to the elderly, and can tailor these workshops to numerous themes, including mental health, imagination, perspective, race, and identity. Any topic can be woven into the sessions, with the overarching aim shaped by the chosen theme.
Music
"Hip hop raised me. Poetry saved me.
Inspired by hip hop and driven by lived experience, I picked up the pen to fight back against OCD. Now, I use it to create meaningful music that people can relate to, connect with, and feel.
Join me on a journey through sound, where spoken word meets beats, and every rhyme aims to make an impact.
Let's make a difference. One rhyme at a time.
Love, always." - DUKE AL
Live
DUKE AL has spoken live at events across the UK for a range of organisations - from mental health conferences and inspirational keynotes to TEDx stages. His performances are rooted in lived experience and powered by purpose.
Each talk is uniquely crafted and interwoven with original spoken word, making every appearance both moving and memorable.
Are you ready to bring DUKE AL to your stage?
