Sonny Green, a dynamic 30-year-old performer from Southend, recently made headlines by having a passage from his new poem, “What England Means To Me,” featured in a high-profile global event. This moment marked a significant personal milestone for him, as he reflected on having watched such events as a child without ever imagining that his own voice would be part of the celebration.
Sonny, known for his contributions to the local creative arts scene, not only has a thriving music career but also manages enterprises such as Southend House Removals and Southend Furniture Warehouse. His deep passion for spoken word poetry ignited during his school days, and he has since become an influential figure in his community.
In his poem, Sonny expresses a heartfelt desire for unity, celebrating the United Kingdom’s cultural diversity and the beauty of togetherness. He shared his exhilaration, stating, “I’m still buzzing knowing 20 million people were watching and going into 2026 listening to my work, my voice – I keep pinching myself as if I’m dreaming.” He emphasized the significance of his role, saying, “It’s a lot bigger and deeper than me – I got to speak for the voiceless,” highlighting the importance of individuals in Southend using their voices to advocate for themselves and others.
The initial video of Sonny performing the poem garnered six million views on Instagram and drew support from notable figures like Ian Wright and Jessie J. This viral success caught the attention of Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, leading to the inclusion of an excerpt from his work in the New Year’s celebration.
As he watched the event unfold alongside friends and family, Sonny initially feared his segment had been cut when it aired after midnight. However, the pride and joy expressed by those around him confirmed the significance of the moment. “Everyone was so proud and happy for me – it’s huge, everyone was watching all across the world,” he added, reflecting on the impact of spoken word poetry in his life. He plans to release a compilation of 20 of his spoken word pieces in late January to early February, promising to continue sharing his artistry and message with a broader audience.
Sonny’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of creativity and the importance of using one’s voice to uplift others, reinforcing the notion that art and culture can thrive and evolve within communities.