Femi the DriFish

Pronouns: he/him

Femi the DriFish is a British-born Nigerian poet, performer, songwriter, lyricist, and teaching artist based in Baltimore, Maryland. Known for his dynamic blend of spoken word, hip-hop, and theatrical expression, Femi has graced hundreds of stages across the country — from concert halls and colleges to classrooms, music festivals, and community centers.
A self-described “rhythm rhyme and poetry” artist, Femi uses his words to educate, entertain, and inspire. As a longtime teaching artist with Arts for Learning Maryland, he’s spent over a decade engaging students through arts-integrated residencies that blend creative writing, literacy, and music. His programs help young people find their voices, build confidence, and express ideas through rhyme, metaphor, and performance.
Beyond the classroom, Femi is one-half of the acclaimed spoken word duo The 5th L and former frontman of the alternative hip-hop rock band Out of Water eXperience (OWX Music). Through his art, he continues to uplift audiences and empower communities with a message rooted in creativity, integrity, and self-expression.

Artist Statement

As an artist, my work lives at the intersection of rhythm, rhyme, and reflection. I use spoken word poetry, hip-hop lyricism, and performance as tools to connect, educate, and inspire. My mission as a teaching artist is to help students discover the power of their own voices — to realize that words can move people, shape ideas, and change how we see ourselves and the world around us.
Creativity has always been my language. From sketching superheroes as a kid to writing verses that blend metaphor, rhythm, and emotion, I’ve learned that art is both expression and translation — a way to turn experience into story. In the classroom, I bring that same energy, using poetry and music to translate academic content into something students can feel, remember, and relate to.