Inua Ellams, also known as Phaze, is a Nigerian-born London poet whose new show Black T-Shirt Collection is currently on at the National Theatre.

I met him for at the Espresso bar the day after his first performance. He declines my offer of coffee and opts for some cashew nuts instead. He’s got a calming presence, looking quietly comfortable in a grey jumper and speaking with a measured voice, with a slight Nigerian accent.