Renowned writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah has passed away at the age of 65 after a recent diagnosis of a brain tumour. The news was confirmed through a statement on his Instagram account, revealing that he died in the early hours of Thursday with his wife by his side. Born in Handsworth, Birmingham, Zephaniah overcame dyslexia and left school at 13, eventually becoming a prominent figure in literature, dub poetry, and the music scene.
Zephaniah’s contributions extended to acting, with a notable role in the BBC drama series Peaky Blinders. He famously declined an OBE in 2003 due to his stance against the association with the British Empire’s history of slavery. Throughout his career, he addressed issues such as racial abuse and education, utilizing his art as a medium for connection.
His impact reached a global scale, featuring collaborations with influential figures like the Wailers and dedicating a tribute to Nelson Mandela in his album “Rasta.” Zephaniah’s legacy includes novels, poetry for children, and a commitment to social justice causes.
Tributes have poured in from various personalities, acknowledging his profound influence on literature, music, and activism. The Black Writers’ Guild, which Zephaniah helped establish, expressed mourning for the loss of a valued friend and literary titan. Colleagues, friends, and fans alike have paid homage to his multifaceted contributions, describing him as a generational poet, activist, and proud Brummie.
