At 65 years old
British poet Benjamin Zephaniah dies
Benjamin Zephaniah is dead. The British poet died at the age of 65. photo
© John Stillwell/PA Wire/dpa
The Black Writers’ Guild honored him as a “titan of British literature”. Eight weeks ago, the all-rounder was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
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 appeared in the series “Peaky Blinders” in the role of “Jeremiah Jesus”.
“Benjamin was a true pioneer,” his family said, according to PA. With poems, Through literature, music and television appearances he leaves behind a fantastic body of work.
The Black Writers’ Guild honored him as a “titan of British literature.” “Benjamin was a man of integrity and an example of how to live your values,” said a statement on the short message service X.
Zephaniah was born in Birmingham, northern England. At the age of 13 he was expelled from school. Several media outlets write that he could not read or 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 musical group The Benjamin Zephaniah Band.
In 2003 he refused induction into the “Order of the British Empire” citing the history of the British Empire and the slave trade. He often took a stand on racism and education, PA wrote. 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 Black Writers’ Guild statement Times report