At the age of 65 - British poet Benjamin Zephaniah dies
The British poet Benjamin Zephaniah is dead. The artist known from the "Peaky Blinders" series died at the age of 65, the PA news agency reported, citing his management. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor eight weeks ago. The artist published several books and was seen in the series "Peaky Blinders" in the role of "Jeremiah Jesus".
"Benjamin was a true pioneer," his family told PA. With poems, literature, music and television appearances, he left behind a fantastic body of work.
The Black Writers' Guild paid tribute to him as a "titan of British literature". "Benjamin was a man of integrity and an example of how to live your values," it said in a statement on the short message service X.
Zephaniah was born in Birmingham in northern England. He dropped out of school at the age of 13. According to several media outlets, he was unable to read and write properly. He later went to London, where his first book "Pen Rhythm" was published. His poetry was inspired by Jamaican influences. He also performed with the music group The Benjamin Zephaniah Band.
In 2003, he refused to be inducted into the Order of the British Empire, citing the history of the British Empire and the slave trade. He has often taken a stand on racism and education, wrote PA. A few years ago, he published his autobiography "The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah". He also wrote the children's book "Talking Turkeys".
BBC report Guardian report Statement from the Black Writers' Guild Times report
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Benjamin Zephaniah's poetry and music were featured on various Television shows, showcasing his diverse talents in the media. His literature, including his autobiography and children's book, reached audiences beyond just the British Isles, reflecting his global influence in Great Britain's literary scene. Despite his early struggles with reading and writing, he overcame these challenges and later published his first book in London, where he found his artistic home. Known for his strong stance against racism and education injustice, Benjamin Zephaniah's music also contributed to the vibrant British music scene.
Source: www.stern.de
