[ad_1]
British writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah dies aged 65
The literary world is in mourning for the poet and author Benjamin Zephaniah, who has died age 65.
The Birmingham-born dub poet, best known for collections such as Talking Turkeys, died on Thursday (7 December). He had been diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago, his family shared.
“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,” a statement posted on his social media channels read.
“Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed. We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news. Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much.”
One of Britain’s most prolific and outspoken literary voices, Zephaniah dealt with themes of racism, poverty, and social injustice in his work.
“Such sad news about the great Benjamin Zephaniah,” wrote author and How to Fail podcast host Elizabeth Day.
“Author of the first poetry collection I ever owned. A magnificent presence in literature and in life.”
Isobel Lewis7 December 2023 12:03
Musician Billy Bragg has tweeted: “Very sorry to hear this news. Benjamin Zephaniah was our radical poet laureate. Rest in power, my friend.”
Isobel Lewis7 December 2023 12:00
Author Nels Abbey wrote: “Our learned and beloved elder, Benjamin Zephaniah is now an ancestor.
“To call this crushing news is a massive understatement. He was far too young, far too brilliant and still had so much to offer. A loss we’ll never recover from. RIP Professor Zephaniah.”
Isobel Lewis7 December 2023 11:58
Radio presenter and DJ Trevor Nelson has honoured Zephaniah as a “unique talent”.
“So sad to hear about the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah,” he wrote. “Too young, too soon, he had a lot more to give. He was a unique talent. RIP.”
Isobel Lewis7 December 2023 11:50
Charlene White, ITV News presenter and Loose Women star, has paid tribute on social media.
Isobel Lewis7 December 2023 11:48
Michael Rosen ‘devastated’ by Zephaniah death
Author Michael Rosen is among the first literary figures to pay tribute to Zephaniah.
“The tragic terrible news has come to me that Benjamin Zephaniah’s family have announced that Benjamin has died,” he wrote on Twitter/X.
“I’m devastated. I admired him, respected him, learnt from him, loved him. Love and condolences to the family and to all who loved him too.”
Rosen has encouraged his followers to send their fondest memories of Zephaniah.
Isobel Lewis7 December 2023 11:45
Benjamin Zephaniah, writer and poet known for his work on race and racism, dies aged 65
In a statement shared on social media on Thursday (7 December), his family shared: “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. Benjamin was diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago.
“Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed. We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news. Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much.”
Isobel Lewis7 December 2023 11:38
[ad_2]
Source link