About Me
Dornel Phillips · D-Nice Keoma
It started with spoken word at a university talent show.
Before the books, the clothing, and the music, there was Diverse Expressions—a student talent exhibition that introduced me to spoken word poetry. I was hooked. In 2008, in my dorm room, I wrote my first poem.
I’m Dornel Phillips, creatively known as D-Nice Keoma: a poet, author, spoken word and recording artist, and the creator behind KEOMA.
Finding my voice
Not long after writing those first pieces, I shared them with a friend who saw potential and encouraged me to keep going. Four years later, another friend encouraged me to take the next step: performing.
In the years after university, I continued writing, performing, and sharing my poetry on social media. I even briefly joined a poetry collective. Poetry became a permanent part of my identity, and many people came to know me through it.
From the page to the stage—and beyond
Poetry became a catalyst for my other creative endeavours. I started fusing my melodic writing style with old R&B classics like Distant Lover.
Wanting to stand out onstage led me to create custom tops and hats. I designed a logo, and each top was uniquely me. Others were instantly intrigued, and I felt I was onto something. The clothing grew out of the same desire to express myself that had drawn me to poetry.
How Museum of My Soul found its name
After years of sharing my work, people began asking when a book was coming. I was intrigued but reluctant, so I kept the idea in the back of my mind.
Then I unintentionally stepped away from poetry for over a year. You know how life gets in the way. By the end of 2019, with a new decade approaching and life changes behind me, it felt like the right time to return—and finally write a book.
But what would be the theme? People had grown to enjoy my poems about relationships. After going through my own ups and downs, it seemed the theme had decided itself.
The working title was The Time It Took, a nod to how long it had taken me to write a book. While searching through my poems, I stumbled upon an unfinished piece containing the words Museum of My Soul. They resonated with me and captured what the book was about.
I was, after all, granting others access to my life through this book.
Each poem became an artefact from a moment in my life and relationships. Together, they formed Museum of My Soul (M.o.M.S).
The many sides of KEOMA
More ways I create and connect
Poetry is one part of my story. My skills also span design, photography, videography, technology, and bringing people together.
- Words and performance: poet, author, spoken word artist, and recording artist.
- Design: fashion, graphic, web, and UX design.
- Visual storytelling: photography and videography.
- Events and connection: facilitation, hosting, event planning, and DJing.
- Technology: IT professional.
Where poetry, music, and style meet
Today, my creative work spans 15 books, three audiobooks, and four albums. KEOMA brings those worlds together: poetry to read and hear, music to feel, and clothing that celebrates self-expression.
This store is an invitation into my world. Explore the books, listen to the music, and find a piece of KEOMA that speaks to you.
