Benjamin Zephaniah, the writer and poet who was an essential voice in the world of British literature, has passed away at the age of 65.
His family took to his Instagram page to share the news this morning (December 7), which revealed that the writer had been battling with a brain tumour, after being diagnosed eight weeks ago.
The post reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the dearth 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 an 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. Thank you for the love you have shown Professor Benjamin Zephaniah.”
After becoming involved in a worker’s co-operative in Stratford, Benjamin Zephaniah published his first book of poetry, Pen Rhytmn, in 1980. He was often described as a ‘dub poet’, and always hoped to reach people that wouldn’t necessarily pick up a book, instead carrying out lively and engaging reading nights. His work tackled political injustice and racism in society, and he remained active in his work right up until his illness, publishing We Sang Across The Sea: The Empire Windrush And Me last year, and appeared in Peaky Blinders as Jeremiah Jesus between 2013 and 2022.
Zephaniah has received awards including the BBC Young Playwright’s Award, and has been awarded multiple honorary doctorates from institutions, including the University Of Birmingham, the city he was born and raised in. He also rejected an OBE in 2003, citing links to the British Empire and its history.
Tributes and outpourings of love have been posted online in the minutes since the announcement, with Aston Villa FC, the football team he supported, tweeting that everyone at the club was “deeply saddened” by the news. Subsequently, they posted a quote from the poet that read: “Form is temporary, boys and girls but class… That is permanent and you know what? We have class.”
Benjamin Zephaniah April 15, 1958 – December 7 2023.