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Benjamin Zephaniah
1958 - 2023
Benjamin Zephaniah
1958 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1958
DIED
2023
Benjamin Zephaniah Obituary
Benjamin Zephaniah was a celebrated British poet, author and playwright who regularly appeared on the period crime drama "Peaky Blinders."
We invite you to share condolences for Benjamin Zephaniah in our Guest Book.
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(Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
28 Entries
M Phillips
December 28, 2023
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 lasts. I felt really special and very proud. Wondering if my face stood out in the maddening crowd. After the film showing was over, I made my way to speak to Benjamin Z, hustling through fans to share words and discover. Unfortunately this was not to be, when I caught sight Benjamin Z, had passed by me. I ran to the lift, then me out of breath, sighting his co-worker he stated, sadly Benjamin had left. I never got to say Benjamin Zephaniah you are legend to all people upon that last for me day. Rest in poetic peace are my words, to say. I shall plant some sunflowers honouring you and pray that your wife and family gain comfort to know you are an inspiration today, yesterday and tomorrow too. We weep, mourn with them in sorrow. Yet through the planting of new life, happy thoughts and beautiful plant life will bloom and your legacy shall live on, forever to follow. @Melloveswisdom ©
Beè Maat
December 26, 2023
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
AKEEM Busari
December 25, 2023
Truely a magnificent man ! You will be missed tremendously but your legacy will always be in many lives for ever..RIP brother.
Newton
December 23, 2023
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
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December 21, 2023
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.
Sarah Hobbs
December 19, 2023
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.
Sandra Bowie
December 19, 2023
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 ❤
Kana Walkingshaw
December 18, 2023
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.
Teresa Gates
December 18, 2023
RIP, and God bless your soul.
Denise Hennessy-Mills
December 16, 2023
I met you, we chatted like friends, a beautiful soul, such talent, such humility, you held onto your principles, I will miss you so much. Sleep well my friend. Love Denise x
Sean Watson
December 14, 2023
Benjamin lived in my next village and shopped in my local record store. I really wanted to meet the great man as I loved his work and knew that he was a real gentleman. He will be missed, we have lost yet another fantastic icon.
Sarah James
December 13, 2023
I am really devastated by the loss of such a beautiful soul. I have admired and loved him since discovering his poetry when I became a teacher in '99. The children and young people I have taught over the years have all loved his poetry and his performances- and especially those in my class with SEND.
Rest in peace and love, Benjamin- and sincerest condolences to his family and friends. You will always be cherished and adored.
Sharon Dixon
December 13, 2023
You will be sadly missing
Siân Finn
December 13, 2023
I first learnt of Benjamin Zephaniah while I was a student at The College for International Citizenship, where he was a patron. Then I heard his poetry and saw him speak out against social inequality and racism in the UK. I loved seeing him act in the Peaky Blinders and got to meet him on the red carpet at one of the premiers, where he met my dog and was such a friendly and open person. May he Rest In Power knowing he made an impact and left an inspiring legacy which will live on in the hearts and minds of others
Charlie and Suzan
December 12, 2023
My best friend and I met Benjamin when he asked us to do to repairs to his home. A very private man we respected him in as much as we never asked for photos or autographs, but we did get a loving welcome, amazing conversation, lots of laughs and I even instructed him on how to level a loose garden gate. True to himself and his beliefs, morals and history we learned so much about him and black peoples struggles in the short time we knew him. Passionate and compassionate, this man we barely knew has touched us both so deeply we cried when we found he was ill and cried some more when he left us. He has left a big Benjamin shaped hole in our lives and we cant believe such a healthy, kind, determined man is not still "just down the road" or waving to us as we drove by each other... It was a complete honour to meet and become friends with Benjamin and we miss him terribly. And we send our love to all those who were touched and influenced by his work and his soul. And Special love to his family. The legacy will live on. He changed and will change so many lives for the better; only a chosen few can attest to that in honesty. What an amazing person... rest in power our friend, rest in love Benjamin.
Pearl Serrano
December 9, 2023
Benjamin - A flame in a cold climate - we didn't get to reason more - Pearl xx
Dina Abbott
December 9, 2023
RIP beautiful soul x
Selina Aktar
December 8, 2023
Benjamin showed me great kindness ,offered me hope and renforced my strengths. my probation officer directed me to contact benjamin as I wanted to write.i still have the email which was sent in response. Benjamin showed me great compassion ,encouragement and trust when he met me.for that i will be forever grateful.
Rest in peace and serenity to your family.i bet you are even putting words together know which I hope to hear one day
Lee Quinney
December 8, 2023
Love dreams and ice creams. You taught us all to remain ourselves to the core
Lucy McILROY
December 8, 2023
I am completely heartbroken by Benjamin's death. He inspired me as a teacher and enthused my pupils, few of who had ever heard poetry or seen a person of colour. I always thought I would meet him and I am devastated for his family. I will ensure his work lives on through my teaching. He is my literary hero and I will always be grateful for his words. Rest well great man.
Sophie Talbot
December 8, 2023
I honestly can't remember my first memory of Benjamin. He was always there, always stripping back to pure, honest, basic truths with warmth, humour, and down to earthness.
Me and my best mate Alison went to see him at The Crucible in Sheffield. There he was, in the middle of that theatre, being Benjamin. There were tears, there was recognition, and there were so many laughs. After, we queued to speak to him in the foyer. I cheekily asked for a hug, and there it was. In friendship even though he didn't know me.
My second hug came outside studios I was rehearsing in for a London fringe play. I didn't know the brother of our director was working with Benjamin. I saw him through the window. So yes, cheekily I left rehearsal and asked for a hug. Friendship, acknowledgement, understanding.
The last time was round the corner from my flat in Kings Cross. For a while a vegan shop/cafe was there. So Benjamin was outside. Oh, my, god. He was going in to buy chocolate. CHOCOLATE. Chocolate is my downfall! I asked for a hug. There it was. One human being to another. Respect. Always.
Benjamin you died from the same thing my beloved partner Simon Castle died of last year. A cruel disease. But, if I believed in heaven (sorry, I don't), he'd be over the moon to meet you.
Billa Eastoe
December 8, 2023
Rest well my old friend. I first met you in the early 1980s. We became friends and saw each other when time permitted. I taught you how to ride a motorbike and accompanied you to several appointments. I joined you in Finsbury Park for a gig and met some of your contemporary artists. We then met again several years later at WOMAD, and then again on your Pen Rhythm tour.
The world has not just lost an amazing talent but a true humanitarian. You had so much more to share.
I will love you for the rest of my days.
Jenny D
December 8, 2023
I am heartbroken, though I never met him. I saw him perform his poetry and interact with people around him. What a special person. He radiated warmth and kindness and empathy for people.
His poems could reach the deep truths about our society and made me want to strive to be a person with his ability to communicate, his modesty, his grace. He was a brilliant example for us all in how to be inclusive. His presence, even on television, made me feel safe somehow. Maybe it was that quiet stillness he had when he was being quiet and still, and then he would fill the place with energy and rye laughter.
What a teacher. I will miss seeing him on TV and hearing him on radio. He has all my respect and admiration and gratitude for what he gave us. His family and friends must be so proud and my deepest condolences go to them.
XX
RAR
December 8, 2023
Benjamin had so many talents, such a creative mind, he will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to the Zephaniah family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you all.
Lena Lena
December 8, 2023
One truly talented and extraordinary man who has left an awesome legacy. Thank you for standing up where others wouldn't. A true radical. Rest in power Benjamin X
Angela Basoah
December 7, 2023
My deepest condolences to family and friends of Benjamin. Although I only met him once fleetingly in the Newham Book shop, I listened to his words and poems. Considered him a true hero, a black big brother and advocate of all of us and a shinning example of African manhood. Rest in Peace. Newham and the world will miss you
Elizabeth Bell
December 7, 2023
R.I.P. Benjamin
Denise Davina Hazell
December 7, 2023
I listened to his poems on his poets show.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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