Born on this day April 15, 1958, in the vibrant Handsworth district of Birmingham, England, Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Springer, known to the world as Benjamin Zephaniah, grew up in a household steeped in Jamaican culture. His parents, Oswald and Leneve, were proud Caribbean migrants who instilled in him a love for music and storytelling. As a child, Benjamin was captivated by the rhythms of Jamaican poetry and the political narratives that echoed through the streets of his neighborhood.
Despite facing challenges with dyslexia and being expelled from school at age 13, young Benjamin’s spirit remained unbroken. An old manual typewriter gifted to him sparked his passion for writing, leading him to perform poetry in local Afro-Caribbean communities by the age of 15. His early experiences shaped his unique voice, blending the oral traditions of his heritage with contemporary themes.
In 1980, Zephaniah published his first poetry collection, Pen Rhythm, after moving to London. This marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see him redefine poetry as a vibrant, accessible art form. He believed poetry should not be confined to academia; instead, it should resonate with the masses. His performances were electrifying, often resembling concerts more than traditional readings, engaging audiences in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Zephaniah’s work reflected his activism. He often addressed issues like racism, social injustice, and animal rights. His second collection, The Dread Affair, tackled the British legal system, while his album Rasta celebrated the spirit of resistance, featuring the Wailers in their first recording since Bob Marley’s passing. This album not only topped charts but also connected him with global figures like Nelson Mandela, who invited him to host the Two Nations Concert in 1996.
As a staunch advocate for anti-racism, Zephaniah’s activism extended beyond poetry. He openly rejected the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) honor in 2003, stating, “I get angry when I hear that word ’empire’; it reminds me of slavery.” His commitment to social justice was unwavering, influencing his writings and public speaking engagements.
In 2018, he published his autobiography, The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah, which offered readers an intimate look at his journey. He candidly reflected on his past, including moments of violence and regret, showcasing his growth and evolution as a person and an artist.
Benjamin Zephaniah passed away on December 7, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that transcends literature. He was not just a poet; he was a cultural revolutionary, a voice for the marginalized, and a champion for change. His works continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the power of words to ignite change and foster understanding.
For more insights into his life and works, explore Benjamin Zephaniah’s official website and dive into his poetry collections that celebrate cultural diversity and social justice.
People will always need people
People need people,
To walk to
To talk to
To cry and rely on,
People will always need people.
To love and to miss
To hug and to kiss,
It’s useful to have other people.
To whom to moan
If you’re all alone,
It’s so hard to share
When no one is there.
There’s not much to do
When there’s no one but you.
People will always need people.
To please
To tease
To put you at ease,
People will always need people.
To make life appealing
And give life some meaning,
It’s useful to have other people.
It you need a change
To whom will you turn.
If you need a lesson
From whom will you learn.
If you need to play
You’ll know why I say
People will always need people.
As girlfriends
As boyfriends
From Bombay
To Ostend,
People will always need people-
To have friendly fights with
And share tasty bites with,
It’s useful to have other people.
People live in families
Gangs, posses and packs,
Its seems we need company
Before we relax,
So stop making enemies
And let’s face the facts,
People will always need people,
Yes
People will always need people.
Curated by Jennifer
