Journalist Samira Ahmed speaks with poet, writer, and activist Benjamin Zephaniah about his journey from troubled youth to celebrated poet, the topic of violence in Caribbean households, childhood memories of expressing the desire to be a poet, the importance of the speaker's mother in their journey, and challenging the system and changing paths.
Benjamin Zephaniah's love for poetry was nurtured by his Jamaican mother and the rich oral tradition of storytelling in their community.
Zephaniah's journey involved confronting stereotypes, embracing his identity, and actively fighting against racism and injustices.
Deep dives
Benjamin Zephaniah's Journey: From Adversity to Art
Benjamin Zephaniah, a renowned poet and writer, shares his remarkable life story in this episode of the How I Found My Voice podcast. Growing up in racially hostile 1960s Britain, Zephaniah experienced violence from both the police and his own family. Despite these challenges, he was determined to become a poet. Zephaniah discusses his breakthrough in the mainstream, his influence on young minds, and his advocacy against racism. From rejecting honors to fighting for equality, Zephaniah's journey is one of resilience and artistic expression.
The Power of Oral Tradition and Inspiration from Family
Zephaniah attributes his love for poetry to his Jamaican mother and the rich oral tradition of storytelling in their community. He recalls his mother sharing Jamaican folktales and using rhymes to teach life lessons. These stories and rhymes sparked his own creative thinking and inspired him to create his own poetry. Zephaniah also reflects on the influence of his family, particularly his mother, in shaping his values and finding his voice as an artist.
Challenging Stereotypes and Embracing Identity
Zephaniah's journey involved confronting stereotypes and embracing his identity. As a black man with dreadlocks, he faced discrimination and misconceptions. He rejected societal expectations and stood up against racism and injustices. Zephaniah's bold choices, including becoming a vegetarian at a young age and embracing his Rastafarian beliefs, reflect his commitment to living authentically and challenging societal norms.
Fighting for Social Change and Inspiring Future Generations
Zephaniah's artistic and activist journey led him to fight against apartheid in South Africa, openly discuss racism, and advocate for social change. He encourages young people, including those with dyslexia, to think for themselves, challenge the status quo, and use their creative voices to make a difference. Zephaniah's experiences, from meeting Bob Marley to his encounters with racism, have shaped his mission to inspire and provoke thought in others.
The poet, writer and activist Benjamin Zephaniah sadly passed away this week, aged 65. In this archive discussion from 2019, journalist Samira Ahmed speaks with Zephaniah about his life's work and the journey that took him from his youth in Birmingham to becoming one of the UK's most distinct and relevant voices harnessing the power of poetry and the spoken word.