The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah cover art

The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah

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The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah

By: Benjamin Zephaniah
Narrated by: Benjamin Zephaniah
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About this listen

 *A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week*

Benjamin Zephaniah, who travelled the world for his art and his humanitarianism, tells the one story that encompasses it all: the story of his life.

In the early 1980s when punks and Rastas were on the streets protesting about unemployment, homelessness and the National Front, Benjamin’s poetry could be heard at demonstrations, outside police stations and on the dance floor. His mission was to take poetry everywhere, and to popularise it by reaching people who didn’t read books. His poetry was political, musical, radical and relevant.

By the early 1990s, Benjamin had performed on every continent in the world (a feat which he achieved in only one year) and he hasn’t stopped performing and touring since. Nelson Mandela, after hearing Benjamin’s tribute to him while he was in prison, requested an introduction to the poet that grew into a lifelong relationship, inspiring Benjamin’s work with children in South Africa. Benjamin would also go on to be the first artist to record with The Wailers after the death of Bob Marley in a musical tribute to Nelson Mandela.

The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah is a truly extraordinary life story which celebrates the power of poetry and the importance of pushing boundaries with the arts. ©2018 Benjamin Zephaniah (P)2018 Simon & Schuster UK Activists Art & Literature Authors Entertainment & Celebrities Politics & Activism Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Social justice

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All stars
Most relevant
At times the racism experienced and shared by Zephaniah in this story is harrowing and heartwrenching. It doesn't mean don't listen to it, however. Listen to it all the more. Incredibly insightful and textured. Highly recommend.

Hearbreaking

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brilliant book read by a legend. from one poet to another im gutted i never got to meet benjamin but i waa lucky enough to meet his brother

AMAZING

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What a man and what a life he has lived. I loved this book and everything in it. His honesty compassion and insights are compelling. Took me back to the days of my youth as I recognised so many of the people and happenings.

Brilliantly written and read. I did not want to stop listening. Simple, deep and utterly brilliant.

Brilliant book

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I loved it . Thank you Benjamin for the insight to a lad from Brum who done good, real good .. and still faces the disgusting ignorance of racism today.
A beautifully crafted account told by the man himself of course ❤💛💚

Easy listening & inspiring

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I don’t normally leave a review but in this case I had to. A life that could of ended tragically he was strong enough to turn it around for the better. Gangsters, politicians, racism, punks, reggae & of course poetry all contained in this book. The book itself narrated by Benjamin himself was an absolute joy from start to finish. Highly recommended 10/10.

LIFETIME OF RHYMES

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