Peaky Blinders star Benjamin Zephania has passed away at the age of 65.
According to Sky News, the poet and writer was diagnosed with a brain tumor only eight weeks before his death.
A heartbreaking post on social media referred to him as ‘a true pioneer and innovator’ who ‘gave the world so much.’
“It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the death of our beloved husband, son and brother in the early hours of this morning,” his family said in a statement.
His devastated wife was reportedly by his side during his final moments.
“We shared with him the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news,” the post continued.
“Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves with us a joyful and fantastic legacy.”
According to the news outlet, five novels and fourteen collections of his poetry were published.
He was also a dub poet and appeared on Peaky Blinders as Jeremiah Jesus.
In 2003, he turned down an OBE and said: “Benjamin Zephaniah OBE – no way Mr Blair, no way Mrs Queen. I am profoundly anti-empire.”
The poet also revealed that he begged Tony Blair to see him so they could discuss crime in Britain.
He was nominated for autobiography of the year at the National Book Awards for ‘The Life And Rhymes Of Benjamin Zephaniah.”
In 2018, it was shortlisted for the Costa Book Award.
The Black Writers’ Guild also said that Zephaniah was a ‘deeply valued friend,’ adding that he was a ‘titan of British literature.’
Michael Rosen, a children’s author and poet, said he was ‘devasted’ by the news, adding that he had ‘loved him’ and ‘learnt from him.’
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