Benjamin Zephaniah Bio, Parents, Wife, Children, Siblings, Net Worth

July 2024 · 5 minute read

Benjamin Zephaniah Bio, Parents, Wife, Children, Siblings, Net Worth: Benjamin Zephaniah, a renowned British writer, poet, campaigner, and actor has passed away.

Benjamin Zephaniah died at 65 on Thursday, December 7, 2023. His death which was announced in a statement on his Instagram page comes after being diagnosed with a brain tumour two months ago.

“It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the death of our beloved son and brother in the early hours of this morning, the 7th December 2023. Benjamin was diagnosed with a brain tumor 8 weeks ago”

“Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed. We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news”

“Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television, and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy”

“Thank you for the love you shown Professor Benjamin Zephaniah”; the family announced on the writer’s Instagram page

Born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham, Zephaniah was dyslexic and left school aged 13, unable to read or write.

Growing up, he was given an old, manual typewriter (now in the collection of Birmingham Museums Trust), which he says inspired him to become a writer

Zephaniah moved to London in his 20s, where he published his first poetry book; ‘Pen Rhythm’ and went on to publish several other collections.

He published 14 poetry collections, five novels, a non-fiction biography of Mona Baptiste, five children’s books, and seven plays, among many other works.

His novels include; Refugee Boy, about political asylum, and Face, about a boy who suffers facial injuries after an accident.

His autobiography, “The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah”, was published to coincide with his 60th birthday.

Apart from being a writer, Zephaniah recorded seven studio albums and also acted, notably as the character Jeremiah Jesus in the film ‘Peaky Blinders’.

Zephaniah used his poetic voice for the good of society. He campaigned extensively for antiracism, animal rights, against homophobia, and colonialism.

He was awarded honorary doctorates from seven British universities and was recognized as one of the greatest postwar British writers.

Following the news of his demise, writers, poets, musicians, and politicians have posted tributes to Zephaniah on social media.

Jeremy Corbyn tweeted; “Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah. A devoted friend of the marginalised and dispossessed. A beacon of hope. An inspiration. What a terrible loss to the world — but what a beautiful, powerful and eternal legacy”

Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Zephaniah.

A devoted friend of the marginalised and dispossessed. A beacon of hope. An inspiration.

What a terrible loss to the world — but what a beautiful, powerful and eternal legacy. pic.twitter.com/ceWyKPyFNd

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) December 7, 2023

Michael Rosen wrote; “The tragic terrible news has come to me that Benjamin Zephaniah’s family have announced that Benjamin has died. I’m devastated. I admired him, respected him, learnt from him, loved him. Love and condolences to the family and to all who loved him too”

The tragic terrible news has come to me that Benjamin Zephaniah's family have announced that Benjamin has died. I'm devastated. I admired him, respected him, learnt from him, loved him. Love and condolences to the family and to all who loved him too.

— Michael Rosen 💙💙🎓🎓 (@MichaelRosenYes) December 7, 2023

MeeraSyal said in a statement on X (Twitter); “What a loss. A titan of a poet, a lyrical revolutionary, a proud Brummie, the kindest and loveliest soul every time we met. Love and condolences to his family”

Benjamin Zephaniah Date Of Birth

Benjamin Zephaniah was born on Tuesday, April 15, 1958, and passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023. The writer was 65

Benjamin Zephaniah Height & Weight

Benjamin Zephaniah’s height and weight are currently unknown to us. However, looking at his photos and video, the late writer was a tall gentleman with a great physique.

Benjamin Zephaniah Parents

Benjamin Zephaniah was born to his parents in Handsworth, Birmingham, United Kingdom. He grew up in Wandsworth until the age of nine when his mother, a Jamaican nurse, fled his father, a postman from Barbados.

His parents are reportedly from Jamaica, and he was fond of Jamaican poetry and reggae music even as a young child. The name of Zephaniah’s parents, date of birth, and age are unknown at this time

Benjamin Zephaniah Wife

As of this writing, we do not have any information on whether Benjamin Zephaniah was engaged or married at the time of his death.

The late writer was married for 12 years to Amina Zephaniah. The couple tied the knot in 1990 and divorced in 2001.

In an interview in 2018, Zephaniah admitted that he had been violent to a former partner. Amina was a theatre administrator.

Benjamin Zephaniah Children

As of December 2023, there are no records of Benjamin Zephaniah’s children, making it unknown whether the late British writer, dub poet, and actor, had biological or adopted children.

Benjamin Zephaniah Siblings

Benjamin Zephaniah is said to be the first of eight children of his parents. However, as of this writing, we do not have any information regarding his other seven siblings.

Benjamin Zephaniah Net Worth

Benjamin Zephaniah is regarded as one of the richest poets from the United Kingdom. At the time of his death, he had an estimated net worth of about $12 million. He has accumulated such fortune from his career as a writer, dub poet, and actor

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