Benjamin Zephaniah, the British poet and campaigner known for his work addressing political injustice, has died at the age of 65. He passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, according to a statement on his Instagram page.
His wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he died. The statement described Zephaniah as a 'true pioneer and innovator' who leaves behind a 'joyful and fantastic legacy' through his poetry, literature, music, television and radio work.
Tributes poured in from writers, musicians and politicians. Author Bernardine Evaristo called him a 'trailblazing poet' and 'force of nature', while former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was a 'devoted friend of the marginalised and dispossessed' and a 'beacon of hope'.
Zephaniah was born in Handsworth, Birmingham in April 1958. He had dyslexia and left school at 14. He moved to London in 1979 and published his first collection, Pen Rhythm. He performed at demonstrations and youth gatherings, often protesting against racism and apartheid.
His poetry collections include The Dread Affair, Rasta Time in Palestine and Talking Turkeys. He also played Jeremiah 'Jimmy' Jesus in the television series Peaky Blinders. Co-star Cillian Murphy said he was 'so saddened' and described Zephaniah as a 'truly gifted and beautiful human being'.
Zephaniah was also an animal rights activist and ambassador for the Vegan Society. He rejected an OBE in 2003, stating that the word 'empire' reminded him of slavery and brutality. He is survived by his wife.
