Poet and campaigner Benjamin Zephaniah dies aged 65

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  • čas přidán 24. 05. 2024
  • "A truly gifted and beautiful human being", "a generational poet, writer, musician and activist" and "a proud Brummie". Just one of the tributes to Benjamin Zephaniah, who has died at the age of 65 - eight weeks after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
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    The dub poet was known for his works on racism, poverty and refugees. He also starred in the hit show Peaky Blinders. His family said he leaves a joyful and fantastic legacy.
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Komentáře • 287

  • @kiri101
    @kiri101 Před 5 měsíci +114

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

    • @Jamie-hs7vr
      @Jamie-hs7vr Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @Mumra2K
    @Mumra2K Před 5 měsíci +51

    This is such sad news. What a loss 😢

    • @user-id6bu4ib2s
      @user-id6bu4ib2s Před 5 měsíci

      Sound of my childhood ❤❤
      Rest in peace 🙏

  • @MrPoetemaudit
    @MrPoetemaudit Před 5 měsíci +32

    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.

    • @user-id6bu4ib2s
      @user-id6bu4ib2s Před 5 měsíci +2

      Me too he was so positive. ❤❤❤

    • @ryand141
      @ryand141 Před 5 měsíci

      That could of been Eulogy. You have talent.

    • @SA-ff9uc
      @SA-ff9uc Před 5 měsíci

      @@user-id6bu4ib2s Some would argue that he was a platitudinous race grifter.

    • @MrPoetemaudit
      @MrPoetemaudit Před 5 měsíci

      @@ryand141 Thank you!

  • @normasarsby1350
    @normasarsby1350 Před 5 měsíci +42

    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
      @asa1973100 Před 5 měsíci +2

      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
      @emmabrooker166 Před 5 měsíci +7

      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
      @DamianMoody Před 5 měsíci +1

      "philosophy degree in post colonialism" made up subject.

    • @davidz3879
      @davidz3879 Před 5 měsíci +1

      He was a burglar & rioter.

  • @MrACOUSTICPETE
    @MrACOUSTICPETE Před 5 měsíci +20

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

  • @missqt48
    @missqt48 Před 5 měsíci +55

    A legend to many.
    Rest in power Mr Zephaniah 🕊️

    • @RobdeKlerk-qg6lc
      @RobdeKlerk-qg6lc Před 5 měsíci

      Legend mmmmm , the bar is low in black community obviously

    • @eebehuur
      @eebehuur Před 5 měsíci

      ​​​​@@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.

    • @user-sj1wj5nj4z
      @user-sj1wj5nj4z Před 20 dny

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

  • @emmabrooker166
    @emmabrooker166 Před 5 měsíci +99

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

    • @davidz3879
      @davidz3879 Před 5 měsíci +1

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

    • @RobdeKlerk-qg6lc
      @RobdeKlerk-qg6lc Před 5 měsíci

      Haha

    • @Ri57490
      @Ri57490 Před 2 měsíci

      ​@@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

  • @MoebiusUK
    @MoebiusUK Před 5 měsíci +24

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

  • @miguelcpt
    @miguelcpt Před 5 měsíci +46

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

  • @markhayward7400
    @markhayward7400 Před 5 měsíci +6

    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.

  • @cleo4652
    @cleo4652 Před 5 měsíci +29

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

  • @hyltonforeman8532
    @hyltonforeman8532 Před 5 měsíci +10

    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 ❤️

  • @pinkysands
    @pinkysands Před 5 měsíci +66

    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
      @DannyWaring Před 5 měsíci +4

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

    • @iamthecrispconnoisseur
      @iamthecrispconnoisseur Před 5 měsíci +1

      Beautifully said

    • @pinkysands
      @pinkysands Před 5 měsíci +5

      @@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
      @pinkysands Před 5 měsíci +3

      @@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
      @SA-ff9uc Před 5 měsíci +1

      Why was he so obsessed about his race?

  • @chopperharris32
    @chopperharris32 Před 5 měsíci +27

    Very sad day, he was a true national treasure

  • @timharrap7500
    @timharrap7500 Před 5 měsíci +23

    “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
      @Kellycreator Před 5 měsíci +4

      ❤ he knew. Free Palestine 🙏🏻🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

  • @janemissmoo
    @janemissmoo Před 5 měsíci +10

    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

  • @mikescott4008
    @mikescott4008 Před 5 měsíci +30

    RIP to an amazing man ❤

  • @Relax-pg6nz
    @Relax-pg6nz Před 5 měsíci +4

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

  • @lprice5583
    @lprice5583 Před 5 měsíci +8

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

  • @RiaDonita
    @RiaDonita Před 5 měsíci +7

    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
      @SA-ff9uc Před 5 měsíci +1

      He found his level haha.

    • @jeongbun2386
      @jeongbun2386 Před 4 měsíci +1

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

    • @SA-ff9uc
      @SA-ff9uc Před 4 měsíci

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

  • @TransdermalCelebrate
    @TransdermalCelebrate Před 5 měsíci +1

    As a young man, thankfully he was given a voice

  • @ginamitembe8935
    @ginamitembe8935 Před 5 měsíci +16

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

    • @DannyWaring
      @DannyWaring Před 5 měsíci +2

      😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

  • @BR-qf3wq
    @BR-qf3wq Před 5 měsíci +7

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

    • @asa1973100
      @asa1973100 Před 5 měsíci +3

      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
      @johnappleseed366 Před 5 měsíci

      ​@@asa1973100he was arrested for burglary

  • @meredithwheeler6752
    @meredithwheeler6752 Před 5 měsíci +6

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

  • @caltreloar9328
    @caltreloar9328 Před 5 měsíci +3

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

  • @decoyfox
    @decoyfox Před 5 měsíci +34

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

    • @asa1973100
      @asa1973100 Před 5 měsíci +3

      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
      @cheryl5994 Před 5 měsíci

      ​@@asa1973100
      SHAME!

    • @jujutrini8412
      @jujutrini8412 Před 5 měsíci +4

      @@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
      @Amanojaku8 Před 5 měsíci

      @@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?

    • @Gay-Icon
      @Gay-Icon Před 5 měsíci

      ​@@asa1973100what???

  • @kazkazzie3906
    @kazkazzie3906 Před 5 měsíci +4

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

  • @janewright2800
    @janewright2800 Před 5 měsíci +2

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

  • @bazanderson8283
    @bazanderson8283 Před 5 měsíci +3

    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❤🙏

  • @johntrew1597
    @johntrew1597 Před 5 měsíci +1

    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

  • @omniascompany8657
    @omniascompany8657 Před 5 měsíci +1

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

  • @johnmurphy6556
    @johnmurphy6556 Před 4 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @alexmacleod3728
    @alexmacleod3728 Před 5 měsíci +5

    Rest In Power Benjamin 👊🏻

  • @rssiddharth3134
    @rssiddharth3134 Před 5 měsíci +2

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

  • @dolceanstar
    @dolceanstar Před 5 měsíci +4

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

  • @kalkhan816
    @kalkhan816 Před 5 měsíci +5

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

  • @_LilacRoses
    @_LilacRoses Před 5 měsíci +2

    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
    @fintamaria2429 Před 5 měsíci +3

    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❤

  • @PsalmsPoetic
    @PsalmsPoetic Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @jujutrini8412
    @jujutrini8412 Před 5 měsíci +5

    RIP Benjamin, you will be missed.

  • @Faircafe98
    @Faircafe98 Před 5 měsíci +3

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

  • @damiandellarosa3604
    @damiandellarosa3604 Před 5 měsíci +4

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

  • @JugglinJellyTake01
    @JugglinJellyTake01 Před 5 měsíci +13

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

  • @annap8420
    @annap8420 Před 5 měsíci +2

    So sad, what a great poet we have all lost

  • @suzieb8366
    @suzieb8366 Před 5 měsíci +6

    Too Young.... RIP Dude x

  • @nicolaablett7790
    @nicolaablett7790 Před 5 měsíci +1

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

  • @drsuryarajumattimalla2616
    @drsuryarajumattimalla2616 Před 5 měsíci +4

    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.

  • @DaNiyaHodge
    @DaNiyaHodge Před 5 měsíci +3

    Rip Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah, you will be missed

  • @giovannaiozzi238
    @giovannaiozzi238 Před 5 měsíci +2

    What an amazing man, what a loss.

  • @TransdermalCelebrate
    @TransdermalCelebrate Před 5 měsíci

    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

  • @claytonmclean6544
    @claytonmclean6544 Před 5 měsíci

    Rest peacefully brother, you are free now ✊🏾🙏🏾

  • @MarieRose-mo4kd
    @MarieRose-mo4kd Před 5 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @dianeglanville
    @dianeglanville Před 5 měsíci +1

    what a true man rest in peace

  • @fionalewendon9101
    @fionalewendon9101 Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @francesfletcher7595
    @francesfletcher7595 Před 5 měsíci +1

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

  • @MostlyLoveOfMusic
    @MostlyLoveOfMusic Před 5 měsíci +5

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

  • @shelmc8459
    @shelmc8459 Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @Gomes719
    @Gomes719 Před 5 měsíci +1

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

  • @thomasi2768
    @thomasi2768 Před 5 měsíci

    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. 💔

  • @ozogula64
    @ozogula64 Před 5 měsíci +1

    What a legend…….rest easy.

  • @johnf5476
    @johnf5476 Před 5 měsíci

    an absolutely wonderful human being. I salute you Benjamin

  • @OliviaApple-hf8ig
    @OliviaApple-hf8ig Před 5 měsíci

    Sad to hear that, sending love.xx

  • @chrissilver7719
    @chrissilver7719 Před 5 měsíci +2

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

  • @philipoconnor4263
    @philipoconnor4263 Před 5 měsíci

    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!

  • @Dylanesque
    @Dylanesque Před 5 měsíci +2

    Sleep well, Benjamin.

  • @cheryl5994
    @cheryl5994 Před 5 měsíci +2

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

  • @markawhite888
    @markawhite888 Před 5 měsíci +2

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

  • @amir071
    @amir071 Před 5 měsíci +1

    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 ❤❤❤

  • @Kryssthealien
    @Kryssthealien Před 5 měsíci

    My heart is crying...

  • @shaneatkinson8933
    @shaneatkinson8933 Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @avamira4287
    @avamira4287 Před 5 měsíci +2

    His video explaining why veganism is the ultimate protest and speciesism, changed something within me.
    How can one person have such a strong moral compass in multiple aspects of his life and character! Animal Rights, human Rights, decline an OBE, achieve so much without letting his learning disabilities hold him back? He should be taught in classrooms. I also think his work on animal rights should garner more attention and following from people.

  • @SairSolidair
    @SairSolidair Před 5 měsíci

    Rip what a legend and inspiration

  • @TheCinderellaman10
    @TheCinderellaman10 Před 5 měsíci

    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. 😊❤

  • @nastropc
    @nastropc Před 5 měsíci +9

    Rest in Power ✊

  • @newforestpixie5297
    @newforestpixie5297 Před 5 měsíci

    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 🏴❤️😁

  • @DivineLove247
    @DivineLove247 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Benjamin Zephaniah Good Man.

  • @dubstar2922
    @dubstar2922 Před 5 měsíci

    Very very sad. Rest in power Benjamin ❤️

  • @trevordoolan5011
    @trevordoolan5011 Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @wendythorne25
    @wendythorne25 Před 5 měsíci

    What a sad loss for all of humanity😢

  • @Chris1553
    @Chris1553 Před 5 měsíci +3

    Can somebody name his best poem without looking it up ?

    • @DannyWaring
      @DannyWaring Před 5 měsíci +1

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

  • @dark_lovely100
    @dark_lovely100 Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @ProDemocracy01
    @ProDemocracy01 Před 5 měsíci

    What a talent 😢

  • @katebeatham333
    @katebeatham333 Před 5 měsíci

    Rest in peace.💗🙏

  • @djdelta777
    @djdelta777 Před 5 měsíci

    RIP sir

  • @VaucluseVanguard
    @VaucluseVanguard Před 5 měsíci +4

    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.

  • @wj3755
    @wj3755 Před 5 měsíci +1

    We love you

  • @yvonnedixon6887
    @yvonnedixon6887 Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @sallygreavesbrown1396
    @sallygreavesbrown1396 Před 5 měsíci

    RIP ❤

  • @jackiebrown3896
    @jackiebrown3896 Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @aprilcumming549
    @aprilcumming549 Před 5 měsíci +12

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

  • @straightoutofstrat8722
    @straightoutofstrat8722 Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @cdean2789
    @cdean2789 Před 5 měsíci +5

    Rest in Power ✊🏿✊🏽✊🏻✊

  • @user-el3bw8ck2i
    @user-el3bw8ck2i Před 5 měsíci

    RIP bro ❤

  • @Bison-id5mo
    @Bison-id5mo Před 5 měsíci

    Rip brother 🙌🏿

  • @arsenalmanic
    @arsenalmanic Před 5 měsíci

    Sad 😞 rip !

  • @user-gj2kc3wo6j
    @user-gj2kc3wo6j Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @englishlit0171
    @englishlit0171 Před 5 měsíci

    Rest in peace

  • @FalconBlack
    @FalconBlack Před 5 měsíci +2

    RIP

  • @louiefamouswarrior8432
    @louiefamouswarrior8432 Před 5 měsíci

    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 🦁🇯🇲🇬🇧❤

  • @SkandalouzStyle
    @SkandalouzStyle Před 5 měsíci

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