Benjamin Zephaniah: A Man of the People
2025 marks the second year since the death of one of the country’s most loved poets. At the end of April, Bristol’s Lyra Festival will be hosting a celebration of his life, work and his unique connection to Bristol.
As a child growing up in Handsworth, Benjamin was inspired by Jamaica’s poet laureate Louise Bennet, or as she is most affectionately known Ms Lou. Folklorist, scholar and nationalist, Ms Lou brought a dignity and playfulness to Jamaican English which was hitherto described as broken English - this being one of the many legacies of colonialism.
His decision to become a poet came after a period of disruption. Benjamin was a bright, energetic child but struggled to read. Growing up in 1970s Britain dyslexia was often missed especially among children of African Caribbean heritage who were already racially othered by the British education system.
Frustrated, he became involved in petty criminality culminating in a spell in Brixton prison for burglary. Benjamin’s transformation began in earnest from this point. A popular performer, his journey into print began with rejections by major publishers unsure that an audience existed for his work. Reflecting on this period he noted that they "they didn't understand it because it was supposed to be performed."
Indeed, Benjamin was part of the new wave of second generation Black British poets. Along with Jean Binta Breeze and Linton Kwesi Johnson, he pioneered dub poetry – a form of spoken word inspired by the Caribbean orality syncopated to the sound of the drum. Venues such as the Trinity Centre were part of a receptive circuit welcoming new forms of poetry and music arising from Britain’s new youth cultures.
He published his first poetry collection Pen Rhythm by One Books in 1980. Since then, he has been one of Britain’s most prolific writers. As well as writing poetry for children and adults, he has written novels, and memoir. He has been an actor, activist, scholar and musician. It was this in vain that he is best known to Trinity’s audiences. Benjamin’s 2017 performance at the Centre was one of the standout gigs of the year. His lyricism and energy were enthralling; his combination of charisma and generosity truly unique, and his humour heartwarming. The iconic image of Benjamin skanking freely locks flowing will live in the memories and digital files of all those who attendance.
But, away from the stage, to Trinity’s staff he was the star who came to earth. During his second visit Benjamin met with young people taking part in Trinity’s flagship initiative Making Tracks. He spent far more time than was originally agreed speaking candidly about his life, art, and the challenges of dyslexia. The memory of this encounter still lingers among the young people who came that day.
Generations have been disarmed by his accessible verse, and amiability disarmed because belying his wide toothed smile and Midland's patter was an intense passionate commitment to humanity. He was a spiritual giant and a man of the people.
By Dr Edson Burton
Images © Khali Ackford, KoLAB Studios
