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Benjamin Zephaniah Day

 

 

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Saturday 12 April

Benjamin Zephaniah Day

Benjamin Zephaniah Day: A Festival of Rhythm, Unity and Revolution

The first ever Benjamin Zephaniah Day to celebrate the late poet's life and legacy is fixed for Saturday 12 April 2025, at Brunel University of London. Led by Qian Zephaniah, Benjamin's wife, the gathering falls on the beloved poet, writer, actor and activist's birthday weekend. Treasured as ‘the people’s laureate,’ the pioneering dub poet used his work to fight injustice, and blazed brightly in post as Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel. 

Join us for a celebratory day of family-friendly festivities that champion the art, activism and advocacy of Benjamin. Expect celebrity tributes, music, martial arts, literary performances, workshops and tasty vegan street food. It’s free and open to all ages. Join us for A Festival of Rhythm, Unity and Revolution in the main square of campus, recently renamed Benjamin Zephaniah Square in his honour.

The evening will include a high-profile showcase of the extraordinary love and talent that surrounded Benjamin, with tributes from renowned writers, musical guests, and some of the many voices that he inspired. Special guests include Adjoah Andoh, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Hannah Lowe, Daljit Nagra, Michael Rosen, Lemn Sissay, with more to be announced…

Register your details here to be the first to know more!

 

Highlights include...

Adjoah Andoh 700

Adjoah Andoh

Linton Kwesi Johnson 700

Linton Kwesi Johnson

Hannah Lowe 700

Hannah Lowe

Daljit Nagra 700

Daljit Nagra

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Community Spotlights

Michael Rosen 700

Michael Rosen

Lemn Sissay 700

Lemn Sissay

When Benjamin was asked what he wanted his legacy to be, he said simply, "love". Benjamin Zephaniah Day is one of the ways we honour that legacy.  It will be a day that shows what was close to Benjamin's heart, and people who loved him will be there to show that, too. We invite everyone who, like Benjamin, believes that love is one of the greatest gifts we can offer to one another. It will be an annual event dedicated to continuing the celebration of Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah and the legacy of his work and love.
Qian Zephaniah
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In Memoriam

Professor Benjamin Zephaniah, Brunel Professor of Creative Writing

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BenjaminZephaniah.com

For more information about Benjamin and his legacy

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Benjamin Zephaniah Foundation

To be announced

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Organising an activity that celebrates the legacy of Benjamin Zephaniah? Get in touch
We're eager to champion the many activities taking place, from classroom to community workshops and beyond.