Bassey Ikpi
PoetWriter
AdvocateNigeria
Bassey Ikpi is a Nigerian-born poet, writer and advocate who became widely known through HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. She later wrote the essay collection I’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying, which became a New York Times bestseller and explores memory, identity and her experience of living with bipolar II disorder. [2]
Career and work
Ikpi first became widely known as a spoken-word poet, appearing on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and later joining the touring company of its Tony Award-winning Broadway production. She performed on stages internationally and published essays in outlets including The New York Times, The Root and OkayAfrica. [3]
In 2019, she published I’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying, a collection of autobiographical essays about memory, identity and mental health. The book became an instant New York Times bestseller. [2]
What has been publicly discussed
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Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
Engage Africa FoundationBassey Ikpi on mental-health advocacy Bipolar II, advocacy and perspective.
Google BooksI’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying Book publication and bestseller status.
AudibleBassey Ikpi biography Spoken-word career.
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WNYC Studios“Bassey Ikpi Didn’t Enter the World Broken” Diagnosis and early warning signs.
AudibleBassey Ikpi memoir interview Early secrecy and disclosure.
Longreads“‘The Survivor’s Edit’” Depression, hospitalization, treatment and perspective.
NPR IllinoisBassey Ikpi interview Severe depression and later stability.
Essence“Sound Off: I Was Diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder” Hospitalizations and medication.
EssenceBassey Ikpi interview Hypomania and memoir writing.
MSNBC“Meet Bassey Ikpi, mental health advocate” The Siwe Project.
The Adroit JournalBassey Ikpi interview Therapy and medication during severe depression.
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