Benjamin Zephaniah: Writer, poet and Peaky Blinders actor dies aged 65

The esteemed writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah passed away at the age of 65, following an eight-week battle with a brain tumor, as revealed in a statement on his Instagram account. He departed in the early hours of Thursday, with his wife by his side.

Born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham, to a Barbadian postman and a Jamaican nurse, Zephaniah overcame dyslexia and left school at 13, later moving to London at 22. His literary journey began with the publication of his first book, “Pen Rhythm,” and he gained recognition for his use of dub poetry, evolving into a prominent figure on British television.

In addition to his prolific writing career, Zephaniah contributed to children’s literature, achieving success with “Talking Turkeys” in 1994. He ventured into acting, notably appearing in the BBC series “Peaky Blinders” from 2013 to 2022.

Zephaniah’s principled stand against the British Empire led him to reject an OBE in 2003, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to fighting against slavery and colonialism. He used his voice to address issues like racial abuse and education, drawing from personal experiences, including a period of incarceration for burglary.

A multifaceted artist, Zephaniah released the album “Rasta” in 1982, featuring the Wailers’ first recording post-Bob Marley, and paid tribute to Nelson Mandela. Throughout his career, he received accolades, including nominations for the National Book Awards and the Costa Book Award.

The statement announcing his passing hailed Zephaniah as a pioneer, leaving behind a rich legacy in poetry, literature, music, television, and radio. Tributes poured in from various quarters, with fellow writers, actors, and musicians expressing their grief and admiration for his impactful contributions.