Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah, British poet & writer of 'Refugee Boy' Book fiction based on Erit-Ethio war in 1998-2000
Posted: 08 Dec 2023, 20:42
Benjamin Zephaniah, British poet and campaigner, dies aged 65
The dub poet and author of collections including Talking
Benjamin Zephaniah, the British poet whose work often addressed political injustice, has died aged 65.
Zephaniah died in the early hours of Thursday morning after being diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago, a post on his Instagram page stated.
“Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed,” the post read. “We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news. Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much. Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy.”
Benjamin Zephaniah in 2004.
Benjamin Zephaniah in 2004. Photograph: Eamonn McCabe/The Guardian
Writers, poets, musicians and politicians posted tributes to Zephaniah on social media following the news. Author Bernardine Evaristo wrote that he was a “trailblazing poet” and “force of nature” in a post on X. Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour party leader, said that he was “a devoted friend of the marginalised and dispossessed,” “a beacon of hope” and an “inspiration”.
“We lost a real one. Brum legend,” said author Kehinde Andrews. “Rise in Power Benjamin Zephaniah.” Comedian Frankie Boyle added that “the world has lost a strong, strong human being”.
Zephaniah also played the role of Jeremiah “Jimmy” Jesus in Peaky Blinders, appearing in 14 episodes. Upon hearing the news of his death, co-star Cillian Murphy said that he was “so saddened” by his news, adding: “Benjamin was a truly gifted and beautiful human being – a generational poet, writer, musician and activist. A proud Brummie and a Peaky Blinder.”
Refugee Boy Paperback – January 1, 2002
by Benjamin Zephaniah (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,026 ratings
Alem is on holiday with his father for a few days in London. He has never been out of Ethiopia before and is very excited. They have a great few days togther until one morning when Alem wakes up in the bed and breakfast they are staying at to find the unthinkable. His father has left him. It is only when the owner of the bed and breakfast hands him a letter that Alem is given an explanation. Alem's father admits that because of the political problems in Ethiopia both he and Alem's mother felt Alem would be safer in London - even though it is breaking their hearts to do this. Alem is now on his own, in the hands of the social services and the Refugee Council. He lives from letter to letter, waiting to hear from his father, and in particular about his mother, who has now gone missing...A powerful, gripping new novel from the popular Benjamin Zephaniah
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-67655014
The dub poet and author of collections including Talking
Benjamin Zephaniah, the British poet whose work often addressed political injustice, has died aged 65.
Zephaniah died in the early hours of Thursday morning after being diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago, a post on his Instagram page stated.
“Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed,” the post read. “We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news. Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much. Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy.”
Benjamin Zephaniah in 2004.
Benjamin Zephaniah in 2004. Photograph: Eamonn McCabe/The Guardian
Writers, poets, musicians and politicians posted tributes to Zephaniah on social media following the news. Author Bernardine Evaristo wrote that he was a “trailblazing poet” and “force of nature” in a post on X. Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour party leader, said that he was “a devoted friend of the marginalised and dispossessed,” “a beacon of hope” and an “inspiration”.
“We lost a real one. Brum legend,” said author Kehinde Andrews. “Rise in Power Benjamin Zephaniah.” Comedian Frankie Boyle added that “the world has lost a strong, strong human being”.
Zephaniah also played the role of Jeremiah “Jimmy” Jesus in Peaky Blinders, appearing in 14 episodes. Upon hearing the news of his death, co-star Cillian Murphy said that he was “so saddened” by his news, adding: “Benjamin was a truly gifted and beautiful human being – a generational poet, writer, musician and activist. A proud Brummie and a Peaky Blinder.”
Refugee Boy Paperback – January 1, 2002
by Benjamin Zephaniah (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,026 ratings
Alem is on holiday with his father for a few days in London. He has never been out of Ethiopia before and is very excited. They have a great few days togther until one morning when Alem wakes up in the bed and breakfast they are staying at to find the unthinkable. His father has left him. It is only when the owner of the bed and breakfast hands him a letter that Alem is given an explanation. Alem's father admits that because of the political problems in Ethiopia both he and Alem's mother felt Alem would be safer in London - even though it is breaking their hearts to do this. Alem is now on his own, in the hands of the social services and the Refugee Council. He lives from letter to letter, waiting to hear from his father, and in particular about his mother, who has now gone missing...A powerful, gripping new novel from the popular Benjamin Zephaniah
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-67655014