Benjamin Zephaniah

Benjamin Zephaniah was a revolutionary world laureate whose words were for children, prisoners, the oppressed and abused, animals, teenagers, health workers and freedom fighters. He was decades ahead of his time from the start, an electrifying live performer rooted in dub poetry – either solo or with his band – anti-racist, anti-establishment, anti-corruption, and pro justice and humanity.

Funny, lyrical, angry, truthful, his work changed British poetry profoundly and for the good. He was essential and he was loved and this is a sad, sad day for poetry.

-Carol Ann Duffy: ‘He was decades ahead of his time’

Scottish poet and playwright, and former poet laureate