Benjamin Zephaniah

Benjamin Zephaniah was born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham. By the age of fifteen he had gained a reputation as a young poet who was capable of speaking out on local and international issues. His poetry was strongly influenced by the music and poetry of Jamaica and what he called 'street politics'. He was also a musician and the first person to record with the Wailers after the death of Bob Marley. As well as writing poetry, novels, screenplays and stage plays, he has also written and presented documentaries for television and radio, and he has been awarded nineteen honorary doctorates in recognition of his work. Benjamin died on 7th December 2023, leaving a joyful legacy of literature for people of all ages.