Music, poetry, joy and laughter: the first Benjamin Zephaniah Day, in pictures

The first Benjamin Zephaniah Day was held yesterday on campus at Brunel University of London, where the celebrated poet, actor, activist and 'people's laureate' had worked as a professor of creative writing until his death at the age of 65 in 2023.

Held on the weekend that would have marked the BAFTA-winning Peaky Blinders star's 67th birthday, the free, family-friendly festival – billed as A Festival of Rhythm, Unity and Revolution – was hosted by his wife Qian Zephaniah and by Brunel.

Qian, dressed in one of her husband's old suits and a hat, officially opened the day's proceedings in Brunel's newly named Benjamin Zephaniah Square. "When Benjamin was asked what he wanted his legacy to be, he simply said, 'love'," she said, adding that the event will show what was close to Benjamin's heart.

Michael Rosen and Qian Zephaniah in front of Brunel’s Lecture Centre

Renowned poets Michael Rosen and Linton Kwesi Johnson took to the stage to recite some of Benjamin's work. Speaking later to the PA news agency, Rosen said how it felt "unbelievably important and special" to take part, adding: "[Benjamin] meant so much to me. I learned a lot of things from him – ways of writing, ways of thinking and even ways of being. I feel I kind of owe it to him [to be here]."

Michael Rosen

Rosen remarked how Benjamin was somebody who "could speak with passion, wisdom and beauty about the way life is, the way he wanted life to be and the way he saw us all as human beings.

"He could not stand hierarchy. He could not stand discrimination, oppression or exploitation. He wanted to say that and he could say it in so many different ways – ironically, humorously, angrily and he could say it to children, adults, on television, radio. He could go all around the world and say it – that is what was so special about him."

 
Linton Kwesi Johnson

Basil Gabbidon, a founding member of the band Steel Pulse, sang a new song he had penned in tribute to Benjamin called True Revolutionary, which touched upon the poet's Birmingham upbringing: “He was a Handsworth man, a cultured man, peace and love was his intention.”

Those attending the day enjoyed poetry workshops and creative writing master classes led by leading poets, translators and emerging artists, as well as community-focused sessions funded by Arts Council England. Like Brunel, the government-funded agency is committed to sustaining Benjamin’s legacy, and Benjamin Zephaniah Day marked the start of their upcoming programme of workshops with local community groups and libraries to help disenfranchised communities discover the power of creativity. 

Alongside the workshops, attendees were entertained by music, vegan street food, panel discussions, outdoor games and performances. Speakers’ Corner gave emerging voices a platform to share their talents, with stage takeovers from members of the Black Writers' Guild, Writers Mosaic and Rebels and Pilgrims, as well as spoken word and performance poetry from Apples and Snakes - England’s leading spoken word organisation.

Alex Etchart leading Fire Choir’s outdoor performance

Twelve of the poets, writers and musicians who took to the stage at Benjamin Zephaniah Day, including those from the Black Writer’s Guild, WritersMosaic, Apples and Snakes, and Rebels and Pilgrims

A panel discussion

Soaking up the atmosphere in Benjamin Zephaniah Square at the heart of Brunel’s campus

Speaking to event attendees, Prof Andrew Jones, Brunel’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “I can’t think of a better way to show our love and appreciation for everything Benjamin achieved in his life.

“As a Professor of Creative Writing here at Brunel, he empowered our students, challenged them, championed them, and helped them believe that their stories mattered. He had a rare gift in that he could connect with anyone, anywhere and he never lost sight of the power of words to make change.

“To Benjamin’s wife Qian Zephaniah, I would like to say a huge thank you for opening our very special event today, here in Benjamin Zephaniah Square. Today’s celebration is the culmination of a lot of hard work by Qian, her and Benjamin’s friends, and the English and Creative Writing department at Brunel. Your continued work to uphold Benjamin’s legacy is inspiring.

“Among his many achievements, Benjamin helped shape so many talented students into powerful writers and poets, giving them the skills and confidence to follow their dreams. In that respect, he was made for Brunel’s Creative Writing Department. He was a hugely influential member of the team.

“Today, thanks to support from Arts Council England, this is also the beginning of something bigger – a programme of workshops with libraries and community groups, reaching those who don’t always get invited into the creative conversation. Just as Benjamin would have wanted.”

Prof Andrew Jones, Brunel’s Vice-Chancellor and President, during a drumming workshop

Benjamin's legacy also continued with the posthumous publication of two new books. His upcoming selection of poems and lyrics, Dis Poetry, was available to purchase ahead of its publication date on 15 April, his birthday, and his new picture poem book, Leave the Trees, Please, had been released earlier in the week.

Reported by:

Joe Buchanunn, Media Relations
+44 (0)1895 268821
joe.buchanunn@brunel.ac.uk