Benjamin Zephaniah, poet, activist and Peaky Blinders actor, dies aged 65
- Born in England to a Jamaican nurse and Barbadian postman, Zephaniah was known for fighting racism and social injustice
- Zephaniah turned down the offer of an OBE in 2003, citing the honour’s association with the British Empire and slavery
British poet, musician and actor Benjamin Zephaniah, known for fighting racism and social injustice, has died at the age of 65, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, his family said on Thursday.
Zephaniah’s poetry, often backed by dub reggae music, was influenced by the culture of Jamaica and sought to make the art form accessible to all, while breaking down social barriers.
“It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the death of our beloved husband, son and brother in the early hours of this morning, the 7th December 2023,” a family statement posted on Zephaniah’s official Instagram said.
“We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news.”
Born in Birmingham, England, in 1958 to a Jamaican nurse and Barbadian postman, Zephaniah often spoke out about issues including racial abuse and educational inequality.