Tributes were paid to Benjamin Zephaniah today after his death aged 65, as he was described as ‘our radical poet laureate’ for his fearless body of work.
His passing – just weeks after a brain tumour diagnosis – left behind works that attacked racism and shone a light on the plight of some of society’s disadvantaged.
News of the Birmingham-born poet’s death, who also starred in Peaky Blinders, stunned artists, poets and musicians shaped by his work.
The Repair Shop‘s Jay Blades said: ‘RIP Benjamin Zephaniah, my heart and prayers are with your Family in this time of Great Sadness’
Children’s author Michael Rosen – Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009 – called Zephaniah’s death ‘tragic terrible news’.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: ‘I’m devastated. I admired him, respected him, learnt from him, loved him.
News of the Birmingham-born poet’s death, who also starred in Peaky Blinders, stunned artists, poets and musicians shaped by his work
Zephaniah, who rejected an OBE in 2003 due to the association of such an honour with the British Empire and its history of slavery, was often outspoken on racial abuse and education
Many took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their shock at the poet’s sudden death
‘Love and condolences to the family and to all who loved him too.’
DJ and presenter Trevor Nelson said Benjamin Zephaniah was a ‘unique talent’ as he paid tribute to the poet and author.
In a post to X, formerly Twitter, the BBC radio host wrote: ‘So sad to hear about the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah. ‘Too young, too soon, he had a lot more to give. He was a unique talent R.I.P.’
‘Very sorry to hear this news. Benjamin Zephaniah was our radical poet laureate. Rest in power, my friend’, tweeted fellow musician Billy Bragg.
Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh said the world had lost a giant.
She remarked: ‘We have lost a titan today. Benjamin Zephaniah. Beautiful poet.
His first writings used dub poetry, a Jamaica style of work that has evolved into the music genre of the same name, and he would also perform with the group The Benjamin Zephaniah Band
‘Professor, OBE, advocate for love and humanity in all things.
‘Heartbroken. Rest In Your Power – our brother.’
He was kicked out of school at the age of 13, unable to read or write and had dyslexia.
In his 20s he travelled to London where his first book Pen Rhythm was published by Page One Book.
His first writings used dub poetry, a Jamaica style of work that has evolved into the music genre of the same name, and he would also perform with the group The Benjamin Zephaniah Band.
Zephaniah, who rejected an OBE in 2003 due to the association of such an honour with the British Empire and its history of slavery, was often outspoken on racial abuse and education.
The Black Writers’ Guild, of which Zephaniah was a founding member, said it is in ‘mourning at the loss of a deeply valued friend and a titan of British literature’.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the group also wrote: ‘Benjamin was a man of integrity and an example of how to live your values.
‘His life was a testimony to the transformational power of reading and the importance of craft.’
During his music career, Zephaniah worked with Irish singer Sinead O’Connor on Empire and British musician Howard Jones and drummer Trevor Morais on his album Naked.
As a children’s poet, he wrote Talking Turkeys, We Sang Across The Sea: The Empire Windrush And Me and Nature Trail.