Benjamin Zephaniah

Upon hearing the sad news that Benjamin Z passed away, I was in Africa on that day. I recall my body went hot and my thoughts did stray. Recall thinking of the last time I saw you in Birmingham University speaking passionately about the community. After we sat in the Auditorium and watched the film he co-wrote about the Handsworth riots. We sat in awe, of his wisdom all listened respectively quiet. You hailed me up when we one another passed earlier smiling brightly as always, a smile that...

Brother Benjamin, your greatness with the word was and is truly magnificent. You are a courageous man, whom held your corner and walked with an armour to be reckoned with. I admired your tenacity for observation and revolution to bring forth change to the empire. You taught with humility and inspiration. You was a beckon of light to the world and will be truly missed. Big up Xx

Truely a magnificent man ! You will be missed tremendously but your legacy will always be in many lives for ever..RIP brother.

You left a great legacy and I personally thank you for the support you gave me you will always be in my heart and thoughts Mr newton Rosex

It was such a shock when I heard of your death. I have never met you, but always loved you and in particular your honesty and fearlessness. I'm an African, born in Africa. You were an African, born in Europe who represented the greater African diaspora with great dignity and humbleness. We're missing you dear bro. RIP.

I first met Benjamin Zephaniah on my 16th birthday at a GCSE anthology reading. Since then we have written to each other, talking on the phone, and I´ve been very fortunate enough to attend several events and perform to him. This is my poem `Oxymoron Poet´ that I had published in the `Sweat Beats for Keats´ that was written in tribute to Benjamins residency at Keats House Museum back in 2011/2012. We have truly lost an amazing human being. Rest in peace my friend.

Thank you Benjamin for all that you gave us.
You blessed us with your poetry.
We will miss you.
The legacy you have left us, will be read by many, inspire many and be loved by all.
Bless you, may you rest in eternal peace ❤

Such a voice, always a message, in all forms he cut straight to the heart of the matter. The words and the rhythms have travelled with me my whole life, and will carry on to, forward ever.

RIP, and God bless your soul.