When we think of people who break barriers, challenge norms, and redefine what it means to inspire, one name stands out — Humble the Poet. Born Kanwer Singh on July 12, 1981, in Toronto, Canada, to immigrant Punjabi Sikh parents, Humble’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From leaving the security of a teaching career to embracing the uncertain path of poetry, music, and self-expression, he has shown the world that vulnerability, honesty, and resilience can become tools of transformation.
Early Life of Kanwer Singh: From Teacher to Truth-Seeker
Humble the Poet’s story began in the heart of Toronto, shaped by the struggles and sacrifices of his immigrant family. Like many children of hardworking parents, he was encouraged to follow a traditional career path. For a while, he did. Singh became a teacher, a respectable and stable profession. But deep inside, his soul was restless. In 2010, he made a daring choice: to leave behind his teaching job and pursue poetry and spoken word full-time. This leap of faith was not easy, but it became the foundation of everything he would go on to build.
Career Breakthrough: Humble the Poet on YouTube
Humble the Poet first began releasing his music and poetry on YouTube in 2008. His raw honesty, coupled with his rhythmic flow and thought-provoking words, quickly set him apart. Independent at heart, he used the digital platform to connect with audiences worldwide. Soon, collaborations followed — most notably with YouTube sensation Lilly Singh (IISuperwomanII) on viral music videos like #LEH and #IVIVI.
His voice wasn’t just about entertainment — it was about empowerment. Every line, every lyric, and every verse carried the message of authenticity, resilience, and self-discovery.
Kanwer Singh: Best-Selling Author – Words That Heal and Transform
One of Humble the Poet’s greatest legacies is his work as a best-selling author. His books have touched readers worldwide, each offering wisdom drawn from his own struggles and triumphs.
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Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life – A collection of insights that helped him through tough times, encouraging readers to question societal expectations.
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Things No One Else Can Teach Us – A raw exploration of heartbreak, failure, and loss, teaching resilience through pain.
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How to Be Love(d) – A beautiful guide on love, emphasizing self-love as the foundation for all relationships.
Through his writing, Humble the Poet invites people to embrace imperfection, find meaning in mistakes, and cultivate love in their lives. His words are not lofty theories; they are lived truths, written in a voice that feels like a friend speaking directly to you.
Musician, Poet, and Creative Director
Beyond books, Humble the Poet continues to create music that blends hip-hop rhythms with spoken-word storytelling. His talent isn’t confined to lyrics alone—he has directed and produced his own music videos, showcasing his artistic vision and eye for storytelling. His involvement in Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” campaign in Canada highlighted his versatility as a spoken-word artist and visual storyteller.
A Voice for Change: Public Speaker & Social Media Influencer
Humble the Poet doesn’t limit his influence to books and music. As a public speaker, he has shared his journey at universities, conferences, and organizations across the world, inspiring audiences to rethink education, leadership, and personal growth.
On social media, his authenticity shines through short, powerful messages that resonate deeply with people. He doesn’t shy away from talking about mental health, heartbreak, or failure. Instead, he uses his platforms to remind others that they are not alone — that their struggles are part of their strength.
His collaborations extend beyond art and into meaningful social causes. For example, his partnership with Cadbury helped raise funds to provide bicycles for underprivileged children in Ghana, transforming long walks to school into opportunities for education.
Philosophy and Style: Honest, Raw, and Relatable
What makes Humble the Poet truly impactful is his philosophy. He challenges conventional wisdom, strips away pretenses, and reminds us that mistakes are not the end of the road but stepping stones to growth. His writing and performances are brutally honest yet deeply relatable — a reflection of his own battles and breakthroughs.
For him, authenticity is everything. He believes the world doesn’t need perfection — it needs real stories, shared openly and unapologetically.
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