Benjamin Zephaniah ADD

Rest In Power Benjamin Zephaniah (April 15, 1958 - December 7, 2023)

12/07/2023

Professor Benjamin Zephaniah [April 15, 1958 - December 7, 2023]

"It is with great sadness and regret that we anounce the death of our beloved Husband, Son and Brother in the early hours of this morning the 7th December 2023. Benjamin was diagnosed with a brain tumor 8 weeks ago.

Benjamin's wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed. 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 a body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy.

Thank you for the love you have shown Professor Benjamin Zephaniah." 
[Official statement posted on Facebook - December 7, 2023]

TRIBUTES

MAD PROFESSOR: "Sad news of the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah on December 7th 2023
We worked on his debut release in 1984 alongside the Lionheart Band from Wolverhampton with his unique style of Dub Poetry. The night I saw Lady Di and You’re under Arrest was amongst the first recordings we did in 1984. Later we worked again in 1996 on his only Album for Ariwa “the Belly of the Beast” Trod on soldier, Trod on"

THE WAILERS: "The Wailers express their deep sorrow over the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah, a celebrated poet, musician, and activist. Although many current members did not personally know him, they honor his significant impact on music and social justice. Zephaniah's collaboration with the Wailers in the 1980s, especially on the 'Rasta' album, is a cherished part of their history, highlighting his talent and commitment to social issues, including a tribute to Nelson Mandela. His role in the 1996 Two Nations Concert, requested by Mandela, underscores his influence and dedication to positive change. The Wailers extend condolences to his loved ones and acknowledge his global influence, confident that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. "

MOBO AWARDS: "RIP to the great Benjamin Zephaniah. One of Britain’s most prolific literary voices. We lost a legend today. Sending our deepest condolences out to his family & friends."

JOHN MASOURI: "I'm so very sorry to hear that Benjamin Zephaniah has died. I had the pleasure of interviewing him several times and greatly admired his intelligence, compassion and humanity. With his passing we have lost a rare spirit - someone who contributed a tremendous amount to the cultural life of this and many other countries, and who remained true to his principles no matter what. RIP Benjamin, you will be missed.2

Boston BOOK Festival UK:"We here at Boston Book Festival are saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah. The Professor was the headliner of our 2021 festival and spoke so eloquently of his life and his work.We send condolences to his family and friends and encourage everyone who isn’t familiar with his work to go and seek it out. RIP Professor Benjamin Zephaniah."

IN THE PRESS

BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH OBITUARY [The Guardian - December 7, 2023]
"Poet, performer and actor hailed as one of Britain’s most outspoken and original literary voices"

BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH: WRITER, POET AND PEAKY BLINDERS ACTOR DIES AGED 65 [BBC - December 7, 2023]

BRITISH POET BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH DIES AGED 65 [The Guardian - December 7, 2023]
"The dub poet and author of collections including Talking Turkeys has died of a brain tumour"

BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH DEATH [Independent - December 7, 2023]
British writer and poet known for his work on race and racism dies, aged 65 [Independent - December 7, 2023]

BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH DIES AGED 65 AFTER BRAIN TUMOUR DIAGNOSIS  [Daily Mail - December 7, 2023]
"Poet and Peaky Blinders star passes away after eight-week health battle as family pay tribute to 'true pioneer who gave the world so much'" 

POET BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH HAS DIED, AGED 65 [NME - December 7, 2023]
"His passing comes after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year."

BRITISH RASTAFARIAN POET BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH DIES AGED 65 [Jamaica Observer - December 7, 2023]
"British Rastafarian poet Benjamin Zephaniah, whose work was greatly influenced by the music and poetry of Jamaica, died on Thursday at the age of 65, his family said."