Poet and campaigner Benjamin Zephaniah dies aged 65

[@kiri101]

He inspired me to actually care about reading, writing and speaking when I saw him as a child.

[@Jamie-hs7vr]

No war but the class war .not black v white bit rich pool ŕ,

[@MrPoetemaudit]

I heard him on 'Poetry Please' with Roger McGough a week ago. I met him once in Charing Cross Road about 20 years ago. I remember someone once saying, "When a poet dies, the voice remains." His voice will long stay with me. His poetry was a beautiful affirmation of the human spirit.

[@LucyLeonty]

Me too he was so positive. ❤❤❤

[@ryand141]

That could of been Eulogy. You have talent.

[@SA-ff9uc]

@@LucyLeonty Some would argue that he was a platitudinous race grifter.

[@MrPoetemaudit]

@@ryand141 Thank you!

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

Very sad . He has left us but his love and wisdom stay with us .

[@emmabrooker166]

What a loss. Man was a true legend. 👊🏾

[@davidz3879]

He was a rioter & served a prison sentence for burglary.

[@RobdeKlerk-qg6lc]

Haha

[@Ri57490]

​@@davidz3879 The royal family have done more criminal acts (Andrew and his family who covered for him). And you will uncover more criminal acts if you do research

[@normasarsby1350]

Benjamin was a beautiful soul. He inspired me to dig deep into my history, find myself and pursue my philosophy degree in post colonialism. 💔💔💔. Rest in Power. Your legacy will endure forever.

[@asa1973100]

Lovely bloke, remember when he battered he’s pregnant, girlfriend half to death and was arrested for it and sent to prison !! Real salt of the Earth wasn’t he…..

[@emmabrooker166]

He was infertile, actually. He did speak about once hitting a woman with deep regret and shame. People are allowed to do bad things and then grow and change.

[@DamianMoody]

"philosophy degree in post colonialism" made up subject.

[@davidz3879]

He was a burglar & rioter.

[@Joseph-mf3yi]

​@@DamianMoody words of a man who has never even grasped an ounce of self awareness

[@missqt48]

A legend to many. Rest in power Mr Zephaniah 🕊️

[@RobdeKlerk-qg6lc]

Legend mmmmm , the bar is low in black community obviously

[@eebehuur]

​​​​@@RobdeKlerk-qg6lc😂 What a dumb comment that you have made, when the Western World reveres and mourns the death of actors, musicians, comedians, and calls them legends.

[@wretcher65]

@@RobdeKlerk-qg6lc you’re opinion on the black community* what a clown you are 🤣

[@Mumra2K]

This is such sad news. What a loss 😢

[@LucyLeonty]

Sound of my childhood ❤❤ Rest in peace 🙏

[@pinkysands]

The British literary scene has a lot a giant. What I loved about him was how conscious he was of our historical and racial past and yet hopeful. He genuinely loved people and talked about race without racism and excluding anyone. Peace to his family and friends.

[@DannyWaring]

"British".........no "Our past"..........again, no

[@iamthecrispconnoisseur]

Beautifully said

[@pinkysands]

@@auroraborealis-zm1or I am a professor of English and Africana Literature in the US and I disagree. You don't have to like him but the scholarship on his work, his inclusion in curricula (one of the few writers of BAME background on UK sec. sch syllabi, his influence on music, manipulation of form etc) marks his place in literature. Dare I add that he was once the British Council literary ambassador, so yes, people "outside of the British Black African community" knew him. Have a good day! :)

[@pinkysands]

@@auroraborealis-zm1or Please read my post carefully. I didn't say your critique was racist. I merely wanted to express that as a Brit working in the US and as a scholar of the genre he wrote in, it is certainly not true that he is only known by his community in the UK. He was globally published; had ambassadorial role traveling around the world with the BC. This makes it impossible to be known by only the Afro-Cab community in the UK. Likewise his "badly written prose", as you expressed, is what scholars call manipulation of form, a subject of much scholarship hence his inclusion in curricula. If you don't like him/his work, that is perfectly fine but he made his mark on the UK(and global) literary scene . That was the point I was making not assumptions about you. :)

[@SA-ff9uc]

Why was he so obsessed about his race?

[@MoebiusUK]

R.I.P Mr Benjamin Zephaniah Thank you for all your work.

[@miguelcpt]

Sad news, indeed. A British treasure. Rest in Power.

[@cleo4652]

Absolute legend! So sad you beautiful human. Rest in peace and power you great man! ❤️

[@chopperharris32]

Very sad day, he was a true national treasure

[@hyltonforeman8532]

What a great human being who will never be forgotten, stood up against the system ,racism and the stood up for the oppressed people all this with smile on his face and talking to alot if people who just didnt understand or didn't want to ,peace and love to all family ❤️

[@DannyWaring]

Oh please

[@janemissmoo]

He came to sime schools i worked in, he was just so kind. He had just such warmth. I am surprised how much i am affected by his death. Its so so sad

[@timdownunder]

“I have wrote poems about these places [Bradford, Brixton] because the riots to me were the fulfilment of a prophecy by Marcus Garvey. The prophecy is simple, when there are many hungry and many without food, many in bad housing then uprising is bound to come.” Benjamin Zephaniah RIP

[@Kellycreator]

❤ he knew. Free Palestine 🙏🏻🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@markhayward7400]

I met Benjamin Zephaniah once, about 20 years ago. I approached him when I saw him in a book store and said how much I admired his work. He was humble and surprised in response. I have never forgotten this. RIP.

[@mikescott4008]

RIP to an amazing man ❤

[@Relax-pg6nz]

R.I.P. Champion. We hail you from Jamaica. Blessed love, our brother. Walk good!

[@ReeRee_Donita]

He came to my primary school to perform. He performed to my year (year 4 at the time) and I remember the thunderous round of applause he received. RIP 🕊️

[@SA-ff9uc]

He found his level haha.

[@jeongbun2386]

@@SA-ff9ucbro this man is a staple of English literature, who are you 💀

[@SA-ff9uc]

Or was he a race grifter who wrote doggerel?@@jeongbun2386

[@BR-qf3wq]

Proper human with respect and love whilst fighting for injustices. RIP....YNWA

[@asa1973100]

Lovely bloke, remember when he battered he’s pregnant, girlfriend half to death and was arrested for it and sent to prison !! Real salt of the Earth wasn’t he…..

[@johnappleseed366]

​@@asa1973100he was arrested for burglary

[@johntrew1597]

Any time he was on any programme I would watch him, intrigued & fascinated in equal measure by his sharp wit & generosity of spirit. I never once saw him put anyone down or respond with an insult to an insult, no -just a wry smile & a biting quip

[@lprice5583]

65 is not very old at all anymore. It is too bad. I feel like he had a lot left in him.

[@decoyfox]

Nicest guy ever, my parents knew him, I still remember him smiling down at me when I was a toddler

[@asa1973100]

Lovely bloke, remember when he battered he’s pregnant, girlfriend half to death and was arrested for it and sent to prison !! Real salt of the Earth wasn’t he

[@cheryl5994]

​@@asa1973100 SHAME!

[@jujutrini8412]

@@asa1973100No I don’t remember that at all. When did this supposedly happen? What was the name of the woman? What prison did he get sent to for that crime?

[@Amanojaku8]

@@asa1973100 This isn't an excuse it is of course terrible and he was sent to prison for his crimes. It is worth noting that he volunteered this information (no one had to dig) and spent the rest of his life attempting to atone by bringing people together. Tell me, do you have the same energy for Sean Connery, Boris Johnson and John Lennon (all of whom beat their partners and are/were unapologetic about it in their lifetimes). If not, why not?

[@jesusisapisces]

​@@asa1973100what???

[@ginamitembe8935]

May he rest in peace 🙏 thanks for your contribution to AFRICAN history!! 😢😢😘

[@DannyWaring]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@caltreloar9328]

Good hearted person. Sensitive. Probably hurt by what is happening now

[@meredithwheeler6752]

A light has gone out....but he leaves a beautiful legacy.

[@TransdermalCelebrate]

As a young man, thankfully he was given a voice

[@janewright2800]

Such a beautiful fierce and compassionate spirit and we need people like this on this planet right now! Thankyou Ben🙏💚

[@weatherwitchandfelinefamiliars]

What a wonderful man he was ❤

[@kazkazzie3906]

Rest now Sir. You did your work and you will be remembered for highlighting racial injustice and other injustices for generations to come. Rip.

[@kalkhan816]

So sad...I feel he brought a lot to his nation, Britain RIP

[@bazanderson8283]

man, a big light has just gone out in the world 😥 we need to read up on his message some more and put that light back X❤🙏

[@dolceanstar]

Benjamin, you have and will always be essential to the heart and soul, Love you Brother 💫

[@rssiddharth3134]

Humanity have lost an worthy son who fought for rights of all...heart felt condolences 🎉

[@JugglinJellyTake01]

What a sad loss , would love to have met this guy.

[@annap8420]

So sad, what a great poet we have all lost

[@Faircafe98]

A breath of fresh air and a very down to earth man. Loved his collection of books and his testimony is so inspiring ❤

[@alexmacleod3728]

Rest In Power Benjamin 👊🏻

[@aprilcumming549]

Rest in power beautiful man. The best of the UK and a true voice for our history and our future ❤

[@_LilacRoses]

Wow, this is sad news. I remember reading his Poetry as a child in the 90's and I'm 32 now. It almost feels like the end of an era. But of course, it's not the end really, as his poetry will live on.

[@fintamaria2429]

This is what humanity really looks like, this is the face of the general good without taking into account the color of the skin or worse if you have blue blood, we thank this generous poet for making our souls happy and planting the seed of good, a good start…Thanks Benjamin❤

[@EccentricGentelman]

I met Benjamin Zephaniah once at a poetry reading. He was one of the guest poets reading out his works, I and my family were serving in the capacity of audience members. I was in the hall between acts and saw Mr Zephaniah there. I admitted to him that I'd never heard of him before but he wasn't at all bothered by this.

[@damiandellarosa3604]

RIP KING my brother my friend you show the world RASTAFARI stand alone

[@johnmurphy6556]

He lives on forever through his contribution to this world and the way he made us think through his observational delivery which was always very enlighting and true.

[@jujutrini8412]

RIP Benjamin, you will be missed.

[@PsalmsPoetic]

I just learned about him today. I never heard of him. But I am impressed with and impacted by his powerful presence. That is the measure of a man, that his legacy fills people after he has passed. Long live King Benjamin Zephaniah. I will see you in the whirlwind brother.

[@BunnyYotsi]

What an amazing man, what a loss.

[@nicolaablett7790]

This man has been n my reading for many years RIP AGENT OF HUGE CHANGE

[@omniascompany8657]

What a great loss. God bless his soul. May he rest in peace😢

[@suzieb8366]

Too Young.... RIP Dude x

[@dianeglanville]

what a true man rest in peace

[@chrissilver7719]

A sad loss to all of us , a true man of the people, all people,

[@DannyWaring]

😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@drsuryarajumattimalla2616]

I love him so much because he never eats any meat. He is a pure vegan who cherishes life, unlike billions of pseudo-intellectuals who eat meat on one side and on the other. They talk of peace, love, and human rights.

[@fionalewendon9101]

Oh gosh, I am so sad, so sorry. God Bless You Benjamin, rest in peace xxx Thank You for sharing your Soul xxx

[@DaNiyaHodge]

Rip Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah, you will be missed

[@TransdermalCelebrate]

I miss my good man, but I’m not about to forget a kind man and his intellectual prowess, We push forward, because we’re kind and considerate, we should all appreciate the benefits of knowledge, understanding, I’ll always push forward, but recognise my mistakes

[@ozogula64]

What a legend…….rest easy.

[@dark_lovely100]

He came to my school when I was a child, he will be missed.

[@TheCinderellaman10]

Top man he was. I'm from East Ham and I knew a few friends who had close links to Mr Zephaniah. Very lovely man. 😊❤

[@francesfletcher7595]

His spirit, words, courage & perseverance live on - Jah Rasta Fari ❤️💚💛🙏🏽

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

So sad,he was due to perform at vegan campout next year

[@cheryl5994]

GOD BLESS YOU SIR, THE WORLD HAS LOST A WARRIOR. MAY YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE. 💙🙏🏻💙

[@Gomes719]

Big prayers to the family raise in peace brother thank you for those great memories 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@philipoconnor4263]

Benjamin was rather a nice and astute man, a kind man with innate and learn respect for others and self dignity. He knew his Boris well!

[@tiam-u8d]

What!! 😢 I'm shock to see this but I didn't see it on the news. I met him years ago before he became famous. He was always such a humble yet outspoken guy. This is such a horrible shock. I'm still trying to process this. Sleep in peace brother. His words will live on forever in the hearts of those who wish to keep his memories alive. 💔

[@Dylanesque]

Sleep well, Benjamin.

[@amir071]

Had the immense pleasure of meeting Benji in my hometown Sarajevo and spending a whole day with him and my best friend a legendary Bosnian drummer, we were walking talking smoking immense and unforgettable moment in time...my drummer friend also died of a sudden and rapid tumour 5 years ago and now Benji is gone too😢 Farewell and travel easy you dear dear man ❤❤❤

[@shelmc8459]

Rest in perfect peace Professor Benjamin Zephaniah., gone too soon ❤

[@OliviaApple-hf8ig]

Sad to hear that, sending love.xx

[@johnf5476]

an absolutely wonderful human being. I salute you Benjamin

[@MarieRose-mo4kd]

He really is a National Treasure. I say is and not was because I don't think you stop being a National Treasure after death.

[@DivineLove247]

Benjamin Zephaniah Good Man.

[@SkandalouzStyle]

I saw him in Peterborough recently and I was too scared to ask for a photo! I still got to speak to him though. 💯

[@nastropc]

Rest in Power ✊

[@Kryssthealien]

My heart is crying...

[@straightoutofstrat8722]

R. I. P Benjamin. Rhanks for your good work an inspiration to us all.

[@shaneatkinson8933]

RIP my brother you..... dear-to-dream.

[@markawhite888]

We are gonna miss the beautiful Rastafarian Man. A true Black British Icon. RIEP

[@dubstar2922]

Very very sad. Rest in power Benjamin ❤️

[@SairSolidair]

Rip what a legend and inspiration

[@wendythorne25]

What a sad loss for all of humanity😢

[@stephenreggio42]

His refusal to accept OBE should serve as a warning to black people if you really know your history

[@DEVRIMCI2007]

Then why migrate to Britain.

[@jujutrini8412]

@@DEVRIMCI2007 He didn’t.

[@VaucluseVanguard]

Wasn’t always a fan of some of his political views, but he was a genuine man. Rare in many public figure. He believed what he believed because he believed it was right and that’s good enough for me. The country is the poorer for his loss.

[@straightouttacornwall]

From one Villa fan to another - RIP Benjamin

[@katebeatham333]

Rest in peace.💗🙏

[@andydudley1775]

we lost a good man too soon r.i.p. brother .

[@jackiebrown3896]

REST IN POWER, RISE IN GLORY. BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH 🙏🙏💔🏵️

[@cdean2789]

Rest in Power ✊🏿✊🏽✊🏻✊

[@ProDemocracy01]

What a talent 😢

[@davidlamb7524]

Tragically died so young and still with more to offer

[@Tom-g3n]

Proud ,2 say I met the man in Clements pub, Brum, R.I.P.

[@newforestpixie5297]

Love to his family & friends from us old new forest locals in a completely white agricultural / suburban village E of Bournemouth . Very sad to have only learned this today but he definitely lives on 🏴❤️😁

[@wonderwoman5528]

Did anyone else read ‘face’ at school by Benjamin? Classic

[@DannyWaring]

Nope, I was learning useful things like preparing for a life of work

[@wonderwoman5528]

You sound fun@@DannyWaring

[@DannyWaring]

@@wonderwoman5528 I am, thank you

[@Ri57490]

​@@DannyWaring could say the same about learning Shakespeare and 80% of the school curriculum - truly useless for work and life

[@Explorewithlouis]

The first book I read was gangsta rap and it was like a entering whole world what an amazing writer, poet and mind, thanks for what you did bro 🦁🇯🇲🇬🇧❤

[@philipnorris6542]

R.I.P. Benjamin; while I don't go along with some of his more extreme views, I 100% respect the contribution he made, and I am very sorry he is gone.

[@RedRebel-x5q]

This is sad news. My condolences to his friends and family Red Rebel.

[@dainisdeigelis2917]

Great poet and great person.

[@Chris1553]

Can somebody name his best poem without looking it up ?

[@DannyWaring]

Erm.......................no

[@trevordoolan5011]

Ben Zep R.I.P... Beautiful Soul of Resistance 💚🕊🧡

[@yvonnedixon6887]

the foundation is weak拧or getting weak weaker the corner stone说 are missing。rest in poetry!!!my brother😢😢❤❤