British poet Benjamin Zephaniah dies Arrivalderci Silk Road: Italy abandons Chinese project

British poet Benjamin Zephaniah has died, the artist, known for the series ‘Peaky Blinders’, died at the age of 65, the PA news agency reported on Thursday, citing his management.

Eight weeks ago he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The artist published several books and appeared in the series “Peaky Blinders” in the role of “Jeremiah Jesus”.

“Benjamin was a true pioneer,” his family said, according to PA. With poems, literature, music and television performances he leaves behind a fantastic oeuvre.

The Black Writers’ Guild honored him as a ‘titan of British literature’. “Benjamin was a man of integrity and an example of how to live your values,” said a statement on the short message service X.

Zephaniah was born in Birmingham, Northern England. At the age of 13 he was expelled from school. Various media write that he could not read or write properly. Later he went to London, where his first book, ‘Pen Rhythm’, was published. His poetry is inspired by Jamaican influences. He also performed with the musical group The Benjamin Zephaniah Band.

In 2003 he refused to be admitted to the Order of the British Empire, citing the history of the British Empire and the slave trade. He often took a stand on racism and education, PA wrote. A few years ago he published his autobiography “The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah”. He also wrote the children’s book “Talking Turkeys”. (sda/dpa)