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- By Steven McIntosh
- Entertainment reporter
An announcement posted on Zephaniah’s Instagram account stated he died within the early hours of Thursday
Writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah has been remembered as a “titan of British literature” after his demise aged 65.
He died early on Thursday along with his spouse by his facet after being identified with a mind tumour eight weeks in the past, an announcement on his Instagram stated.
“We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news,” it added.
Tributes poured in for the “beautiful human being” and “proud Brummie” who “had a lot more to give”.
Zephaniah was born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham, the son of a Barbadian postman and a Jamaican nurse. He was dyslexic and left faculty aged 13, unable to learn or write.
He moved to London aged 22 and printed his first ebook, Pen Rhythm.
His early work used dub poetry, a Jamaican model of labor that has advanced into the music style of the identical identify, and he would additionally carry out with the group The Benjamin Zephaniah Band.
As Zephaniah’s profile grew, he grew to become a well-known face on tv and was credited with bringing dub poetry into British residing rooms.
He additionally wrote 5 novels in addition to poetry for youngsters, and his first ebook for youthful readers, Talking Turkeys, was an enormous success upon its publication in 1994.
“Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator. He gave the world so much,” the assertion saying his demise stated.
“Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy.”
Zephaniah acting on stage in 2003 on the One Big No anti-war live performance, at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London
On prime of his writing work, Zephaniah was an actor and appeared within the BBC drama collection Peaky Blinders between 2013 and 2022.
He performed Jeremiah “Jimmy” Jesus, showing in 14 episodes throughout the six collection.
Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy stated in an announcement: “Benjamin was a truly gifted and beautiful human being.
“A generational poet, author, musician and activist. A proud Brummie and a Peaky Blinder. I’m so saddened by this information.”
Zephaniah famously rejected an OBE in 2003 due to the association of such an honour with the British Empire and its history of slavery.
“I’ve been writing to attach with individuals, to not impress governments and monarchy. Could I then settle for an honour that places the phrase Empire on to my identify? That could be hypocritical.
Watch: Zephaniah recites poem about being a poet
He typically spoke out about points akin to racial abuse and training.
When he was youthful, Zephaniah served a jail sentence for housebreaking and acquired a prison file.
In 1982, Zephaniah launched an album referred to as Rasta, which featured the Wailers’ first recording for the reason that demise of Bob Marley.
It additionally included a tribute to the then-political prisoner Nelson Mandela, who would later turn out to be South African president.
He recalled: “I once asked a friend of mine, ‘What do you do when your dad beats your mum?’ And he went: ‘He doesn’t.’
“I stated, ‘Ah, you come from a type of, like, feminist homes. So, what do you do when your mum beats your dad?'”
Poet Benjamin Zephaniah in 2021: ‘It’s important that kids see themselves’
A statement from the Black Writers’ guild, which Zephaniah helped set up, stated: “Our household of writers is in mourning on the lack of a deeply valued buddy and a titan of British literature. Benjamin was a person of integrity and an instance of find out how to stay your values.”
Others paying tribute included author Michael Rosen, who said: “I’m devastated. I admired him, revered him, learnt from him, beloved him. Love and condolences to the household and to all who beloved him too.”
Actress Adjoa Andoh posted: “We have misplaced a Titan as we speak. Benjamin Zephaniah. Beautiful Poet, Professor, Advocate for love and humanity in all issues. Heartbroken. Rest In Your Power – our brother.”
Zephaniah recited the poem Talking Turkeys on the BBC’s Parkinson at Christmas in 2002
Broadcaster Trevor Nelson said: “So unhappy to listen to in regards to the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah. Too younger, too quickly, he had much more to provide. He was a singular expertise.”
Singer-songwriter and musician Billy Bragg added: “Very sorry to listen to this information. Benjamin Zephaniah was our radical poet laureate. Rest in energy, my buddy.”
Comedian, actor and author Lenny Henry said: “I used to be saddened to study of the passing of my buddy Benjamin Zephaniah. His ardour for poetry, his advocacy for training for all was tireless.”
Writer Nels Abbey said: “To name this crushing information is a large understatement. He was far too younger, far too sensible and nonetheless had a lot to supply. A loss we’ll by no means get well from.”
“Named as certainly one of Britain’s prime 50 post-war writers in 2008, Benjamin was a lifelong Aston Villa fan and had served as an envoy for the AVFCFoundation. Our ideas are along with his household and mates at the moment.”
In 2012, Zephaniah was chosen to guest edit an edition of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
He was nominated for autobiography of the year at the National Book Awards for his work, The Life And Rhymes Of Benjamin Zephaniah, which was also shortlisted for the Costa Book Award in 2018.
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