London-based Olumide Popoola is a Nigerian-German writer. Her publications include essays, poetry, the novella this is not about sadness (Unrast, 2010), the play text Also by Mail (edition assemblage, 2013), the short story collection breach, which she co-authored with Annie Holmes (Peirene Press, 2016; French translation 2021, Belleville éditions), as well as recordings in collaboration with musicians. Her critically acclaimed novel WHEN WE SPEAK OF NOTHING was published by Cassava Republic Press in 2017 in the UK and Nigeria, and in April 2018 in the US. The Danish translation was published by Rebel With a Cause in 2020. Her second novel LIKE WATER LIKE SEA will be released in May 2024.

Olumide has a PhD in Creative Writing and has lectured in creative writing at various universities. In 2004 Olumide won the May Ayim Award in the category Poetry, the first Black German Literary Award. 

In 2018 Olumide curated Berlin’s inaugural international African Bookfest, Writing in Migration, which saw more than 35 authors come to the city. She created and is leading the creative writing and mentoring scheme ‘The Future is Back’ for emerging LGBTQ+ writers, funded by the Arts Council England. Olumide presents internationally as author, speaker and facilitator. 

In 2019 Scottish Makar Jackie Kay named her as one of ten notable Black and brown writers in Britain.