UK poet, actor, academic, and writer Benjamin Zephaniah passed away earlier today, Thursday, December 7, 2023.
Benjamin Zephaniah was born to a Barbadian postman and a Jamaican nurse in Birmingham, England on April 15, 1968. He was one of the pioneers of the performance poetry ‘scene’ in Britain. He was part of the ‘school’ known as the ‘Dub Poets’, these were poets that worked alongside reggae music. He has spent most of his life performing around the world in schools, universities, concert halls, and in public spaces. His poetry is noted for mixing serious issues with humour, and being accessible to a wide range of people. He performed in children’s nurseries or political rallies, and his strongest area of interest is looking at how poetry works in performance and its relationship to music.
His first book of poetry was Pen Rhythm (Page One Books, 1980). His next two collections were The Dread Affair: Collected Poems (1985), containing poems attacking the British legal system and Rasta Time in Palestine (1990), an account of a visit to the Palestinian-occupied territories, contained poetry and travelogue. His other poetry collections were City Psalms (1992), Inna Liverpool (1992), Talking Turkeys (1994), Propa Propaganda (1996), Funky Chickens (1997), School’s Out: Poems Not for School (1997), Funky Turkeys (1999), White Comedy, Wicked World! (2000), Too Black, Too Strong (2001), The Little Book of Vegan Poems (2001), and Reggae Head.
Here is the poet performing Big Brother
Some of his novels were Face (1999), Refugee Boy (2001), Gangsta Rap (2004), Teacher’s Dead (2007), and Terror Kid (2014). He also wrote plays, biographies, and books for children. He also had several acting roles including in the popular TV series Peaky Blinders.
He was also writer in residence at Keats House (London), Memphis State University, Ohio State University, and also worked at Shanghai Tongji University, The Women’s University Seoul, Pyongyang University North Korea, University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, and visiting professor at De Montfort University. He has also worked with The University of Birmingham and The Open University encouraging young people to take up higher education. He was working at Brunel University.
The popular writer passed away today due to a brain tumour according to a statement by his family; the tumour was diagnosed eight weeks ago.
Messages have come from across the literary community which include;
Such terribly sad news. RIP Benjamin Zephaniah, trailblazing poet, force of nature and colleague @Bruneluni, which we both joined in 2011. I first saw him perform at the Albany Empire, as it was then called, in 1982.
Bernardine Evaristo
Very much saddened to learn about the passing of the great Benjamin Zephaniah – he was a great champion of my work and for so many others too. A true innovator.
Alex Wheatle
Very sad to read this. Loved Benjamin Zephaniah’s work. Met him when the @BritishCouncil flew him to Lagos to hang out with Nigerian writers and talk about his poetry. May all who knew and loved him be comforted. Rest in Peace, Bard.
Lola Shoneyin
Rest in Power. #BenjaminZephaniah
Molara Wood
We lost a real one. Brum legend. Rise in Power Benjamin Zephaniah 🙏🏿✊🏿
Kehinde Andrews
When an elder dies, a library burns to the ground.
Benjamin Zephaniah freed many minds with his pen. He has now ascended to join our ancestors, leaving behind a legacy that will travel longer than each of us have on this earth.
Thank you for all that you gave, rest in power 🕊️
Sofia Akel
I don’t really know what else to say, other than thank you for a life lived unapologetically.
Thank you for opening doors and setting such a brilliant example of what it is to use your gifts & presence to make the world a better place.
RIP Professor Benjamin Zephaniah. 🙏🏿💚
Dapo Adeola
Such heart breaking news to hear of Benjamin Zephaniah’s passing. He was giant, and it was his shoulders we stood on. His poetry influenced me enormously, especially his pro-Black, anti-monarchy, radical stance. Rest well Benjamin. Your light will shine always ✨
JJ Bola
Loved loved loved Benjamin Zephaniah – never forget his kindness, his bravery, his beauty. The world was a better place with him in it. So sad. He changed things! 🥃🥃🙏🏿🌟🌟
Jackie Kay
“I’ve been fighting against empire and colonialism all my life…not to impress governments..”
The Benjamin Zephaniah we knew and loved.
Lowkey
Heartbroken about Benjamin Zephaniah. I really don’t know what to say. he opened up literature for us. he used his words to guide and reach out and they were full of integrity. was raw and truthful and integral to not just black British literature but culture. a profound loss
Bolu Babalola
We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Benjamin Zephaniah, a pioneering Dub Poet and Author whose energy, vibe, and unapologetic work paved the way for Black British Writers. We’re forever grateful for his contributions and commitment. He’s legacy will live on forever.
British Black Book Festival
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