Spotlight

At 12 years of age, Solli Raphael was titled the youngest ever winner of the Australian Poetry Slam held at the Sydney Opera House after he performed 'Australian Air' – a poem about political wisdom, environmental awareness and the importance of social consciousness. He then rose to fame after his winning performance was viewed online over four million times in 24 hours. Now a young adult, Solli is a globally renowned poet and keynote speaker; having led workshops; performed and spoken at conferences, schools and universities. Additionally (and passionately), Solli is an environmental activist and humanitarian who works closely as an ambassador for four charities and organisations. Solli’s books Limelight and Spotlight have received accolades for their capacity to engage students in poetry, with Limelight winning a Nautilus Book Award in 2019 for best middle-grade nonfiction. Solli enjoys writing powerful and emotive pieces to instigate change in the areas he feels are critical for attention and action such as social equality, the environment and animal protection. This inspirational teen thrives to empower the global youth movement whilst redefining the possibilities for a young person.