Diké Omeje

We are very sad to report that the poet Diké Omeje died of cancer at the weekend. Diké was a dynamic and inspirational force on the performance poetry scene in Manchester and beyond. He captivated audiences across the country with his thoughtful words and captivating presence. Diké was a firm favourite in many of the Manchester Poetry Festival programmes and brought his unique brand of wit and poetic dexterity to the first Manchester Literature Festival through his involvement in The Burgess Project and the Mancunian Meander. He had two collections of poems published Crafting the Practice (Crocus Books) and the Mindfield (Cheers Ta), and was published in many anthologies including Poetry Slam (Manchester Poetry Festival).

Diké was highly regarded and well loved amongst his contemporaries. He was always encouraging new poets and was a keen supporter of the many performance nights that have flourished in the city in recent years. We are immensely grateful that he dedicated so much of his 34 years to poetry. He was, in short, an impossible act to follow.

Cathy Bolton & Fee Plumley (Manchester Literature Festival) & The Burgess Project Team

For more information on Diké or to post your own condolences please visit myspace.com/artycoolate

Commonword are raising a memorial contribution towards Dike’s funeral expenses. If you are able to make a donation please let them know by email how much you are able to commit and send a cheque made payable to Commonword Ltd to: Commonword 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS. They will pass on all money received to Dike’s family.

Photograph: Diké Omeje during The Burgess Project development weekend. Credit: Jamie Kennerley, September 2006.