Renowned British Rastafarian poet Benjamin Zephaniah passes away at 65

In a sombre announcement, the family of British Rastafarian poet Benjamin Zephaniah confirmed his passing at the age of 65.

Zephaniah, known for his impactful poetry influenced by the rich cultural heritage of Jamaica, succumbed to a battle with a brain tumour, a diagnosis he received eight weeks ago, according to a statement released by his family on Instagram.

The versatile artist, not confined to the realm of poetry and literature, also made a mark in the acting world. His portrayal of the character Jeremiah Jesus in the sixth series of the popular show “Peaky Blinders” showcased his multifaceted talent to a global audience.

His unwavering principles often marked Zephaniah’s life and work. In a notable incident in 2003, he made headlines by rejecting an Order of the British Empire (OBE) award from Queen Elizabeth II.

The poet, who used his platform to address issues of injustice and historical oppression, declined the honour due to the term “empire” and its association with the painful history of slavery.

Expressing his sentiments at the time, Zephaniah remarked, “I get angry when I hear that word ’empire’; it reminds me of slavery, it reminds (me) of thousands of years of brutality — it reminds me of how my foremothers were raped and my forefathers brutalized.”

This principled stand resonated with his commitment to justice and acknowledgement of the deep-rooted scars of historical injustice.

Born in 1958 in Birmingham, a city central to the setting of “Peaky Blinders,” Zephaniah was the son of a Barbadian postman and a Jamaican nurse.

His journey was marked by challenges, including dyslexia, leading him to leave school at the age of 13. Despite these obstacles, he embarked on a remarkable trajectory, using dub poetry—a Jamaican style—to convey his artistic expressions.

His relocation to London in his twenties marked a pivotal phase in Zephaniah’s career, where he began to establish himself as a prominent poet. His early years were not without difficulties, as he served a prison sentence for burglary as a young man.

However, his resilience and commitment to his craft eventually propelled him into the literary and cultural spotlight.

Benjamin Zephaniah leaves behind a legacy of words resonating with Jamaica’s rhythms, challenging societal norms and advocating for justice.

As admirers and the literary community mourn his loss, his impact on both the artistic and socio-political spheres will undoubtedly endure, ensuring his place in the annals of British cultural history.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members