Benjamin Zephaniah photographed in London on July 13, 2022.Photo:David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
Benjamin Zephaniah, a renowned British author and poet who also appeared on the television seriesPeaky Blinders, died Thursday at the age of 65.
The announcement of Zephaniah’s death came from hisofficial Instagram account. According to the posting, Zephaniah was diagnosed with a brain tumor eight weeks ago.
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At age 22, he moved to London and published his first book of poetry,Pen Rhythm,The Guardianreported. Since then, he has put out 13 more poetry books, seven plays and seven albums,CNNadded.
Zephaniah’s works were responses to historical and current events,The Guardiannoted, and he was credited with bringing dub poetry to the British mainstream.
In an excerpt from his poem, “We Refugees,” Zephaniah wrote:
I am told I have no country now
I am told I am a lie
I am told that modern history books
May forget my name.
In 2003, Zephaniah declined to accept the honor of the Order of the British Empire. In an interview 17 years later withThe Big Narstie Show, he explained, per the BBC: “I’ve been fighting against empire all my life, fighting against slavery and colonialism all my life. I’ve been writing to connect with people, not to impress governments and monarchy. Could I then accept an honor that puts the word Empire on to my name? That would be hypocritical.”
Zephaniah further heightened his profile as an actor when he appeared on the popular television seriesPeaky Blindersas Jeremiah “Jimmy” Jesus for 14 episodes.
Upon the announcement of his death, several notable personalities have paid tribute to Zephaniah, includingPeaky BlindersstarCillian Murphy, who said, perThe Guardian: “Benjamin was a truly gifted and beautiful human being – a generational poet, writer, musician and activist. A proud Brummie and a Peaky Blinder.”
On X (formerly known as Twitter), British singer-songwriter Joan Armatradingwrote, “I am in shock. Benjamin Zephaniah has died age 65. What a thoughtful, kind and caring man he was. The world has lost a poet, an intellectual and a cultural revolutionary. I have lost a great friend. RIP Benjamin.”
“So sad to hear about the death of poet Benjamin Zephaniah. A great man and a trailblazer,” sharedDiane Abbott, another member of Parliament.
source: people.com
