Benjamin Zephaniah
Dr Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah is a poet, author, musician and actor. Starting his career as a poet in his home town of Handsworth, Birmingham, he performed his poetry in a dub style (known as Dub Poetry). He published his first poetry collection ‘Pen Rhythm’ at the age of 22. However, it was in the performance of the poetry that was key to Zephaniah’s success. Zephaniah subject matter was influenced by music and poetry of Jamaica and calls it ‘street politics’. His aim was to ‘take poetry everywhere’ through his performances across the world.
His views on inequality, anti-racism, and animal rights have formed the subject matter of many of his most famous poems. He’s also written poetry and books for children, with is first book of poetry for children called ‘Talking Turkeys’ had to go into an emergency reprint after 6 weeks.
Zephaniah’s anti racism activism weaves through his work and he has drawn on his own and his family’s experiences of racism in Britain. In 2003 he rejected an offer of an OBE (Order of the British Empire) saying ‘I get angry when I hear that word empire’. He set out his reasons in this article.
Zephaniah has been awarded a number of honorary doctorates from various universities and was listed in The Times list of 50 greatest post-war writers.
He’s also released several albums of original music and has described himself as a ‘Rasta Folkie’. He was the first person to record with the Wailers after the death of Bob Marley in a musical tribute to Nelson Mandela. He’s also had a number of acting roles including Peaky Blinders where he plays Jeremiah Jesus.
Poetry performances
Faceless Benjamin Zephaniah Faceless Poem - YouTube ‘Dis Poetry’ Benjamin Zephaniah: Dis Poetry - YouTube
The Death of Joy Gardner The Death of Joy Gardner - YouTube
Talking Turkeys Benjamin Zephaniah Talking Turkeys - YouTube
Further Reading
Home - Benjamin Zephaniah
Benjamin Zephaniah: 'Coppers were standing on my back and I thought: OK, I’m going to die here.’ | Benjamin Zephaniah | The Guardian
GC colleague: Anthony Radcliffe
What’s your role at GC? I’m an advisor on the In Work Support team, with a strong focus on ensuring outcomes are achieved by our participants.
What’s your background before joining us? I have a background in recruitment, welfare to work and careers.
What does Black History Month mean to you? It means so much to me, primarily celebrating the success of black culture and ensuring that history is never forgotten.
The theme this year is ‘Actions not words’, which Black figure do you think encapsulates this and why? I am currently reading ‘The Black Count’ which tells the incredible true story of General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas who rose to power during 18th century France. It chronicles his rapid rise from being born the son of a former slave, to the dizzying heights of becoming one of the greatest military leaders of his time. Incidentally, his son went on to write the literary classics ‘Count of Monte Cristo’ and ‘The Three Musketeers’ - heavily inspired by the exploits of his father.
Who is a source of inspiration to you during BHM?
My 99 year old grandmother, who’s from the Windrush generation, continues to be an inspiration to me.
GC colleague: Charity Mulenga
What’s your role at GC? Employer engagement consultant .
What’s your background before joining us? I was working as an employment specialist - sourcing employment for people with some additional needs.
What does Black History Month mean to you? It reminds me of how far we’ve come and I’m glad to see that things have improved as all ethnic minorities are being included in various prospects of life.
The theme this year is ‘Actions not words’, which Black figure do you think encapsulates this and why? Nelson Mandela. He fought for freedom and rights of those that suffered during apartheid. He promoted love and forgiveness - opposite to vengeance and hatred.
Who’s a source of inspiration to you during BHM?
Miriam Makeba. Even during the harshest times, Miriam inspired others by singing motivational songs and dancing.