I exist where basketball, poetry, and visual arts intersect, a space where movement, storytelling, and identity collide to challenge norms and inspire change. As a poet, photographer, and athlete, my work is rooted in lived experience, bridging cultures and amplifying underrepresented voices.

 

Born in Sudan and raised in the UK, I grew up navigating multiple identities, shaping my artistic and athletic journey. My poetry explores themes of belonging, resilience, and heritage, resonating with audiences on international stages, from TEDx to global literature festivals. My book Belongings captures the emotional landscapes of displacement, self-discovery, and home.

 

Through photography, I turn the lens toward both self and society, using conceptual imagery to explore identity and representation. My work often examines the ways in which culture, gender, and personal history intersect, offering a visual dialogue on what it means to belong.

 

On the court, I have fought for greater inclusivity in sports, most notably leading the campaign that overturned FIBA’s ban on hijabs in professional basketball. That victory was more than a rule change. It was about redefining who gets to take up space in sport. Off the court, I continue that mission, working with brands, communities, and creatives to shape a more inclusive future.

 

Whether through words, visuals, or movement, I use my voice to tell stories that deserve to be heard and to make sure the next generation sees themselves reflected in the spaces they aspire to be.

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“Whether on film or in the flesh, Asma Elbadawi has an undeniable, almost electrical presence – it’s no wonder that she’s shot to fame over the past year as an outstanding performance poet.”   Verbal Remedy