Benjamin Zephania dead.

[Bluebirdman Of Alcathays]

Re: Benjamin Zephania dead.

What I think of him is neither here nor there although it's interesting what passes for "great" these days. What stood out for me was that he was diagnosed 8 weeks ago and he went as quick as the seasons change. Made me pause. Maybe I'll take up poetry.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: Benjamin Zephania dead.

Well done sludge for getting your favourite word (Tory) into a rip thread…..smashing stuff

Thank god its not Thatcher who died eh

When she due to go ?

[Swiss Peter]

Re: Benjamin Zephania dead.

I'll bow to the general view that he was a great poet. It didn't really do much for me. I always thought Linton Kwezi Johnson portrayed the black British experience better.

It's a sad loss. I must admit I made the same comparison.

LKJ recorded some incredibly powerful stuff, especially late 70s/early 80s, which certainly made a big impression on me at the time. Maybe with his dub poet/reggae style, he was more niche though.

[A Quiet Monkfish]

Re: Benjamin Zephania dead.

By the sanctimonious guff of two tory boys further up analysing the poetic skills of a legend of modern multicultural Britain



I reserve the right to reply

"..a legend of modern multicultural Britain". I doubt many would have known who he was, and even fewer if it wasn't for his appearances in Peaky Blinders as the 'token black'.

[jon1959]

Re: Benjamin Zephania dead.

"..a legend of modern multicultural Britain". I doubt many would have known who he was, and even fewer if it wasn't for his appearances in Peaky Blinders as the 'token black'.

I think you're wrong about the level of name recognition for Benjamin Zephania.

Although I agree most people won't know much or anything about him - a black poet, musician and activist that has never appeared on Strictly - many do. I first noticed his name in the early 80s when 'Rasta' was released.

I hope and expect that Villa will do something to mark his passing at the game against Arsenal tomorrow.

[NinianOpinion1927]

Re: Benjamin Zephania dead.

He was a strong advocate for multiculturalism, not cultural uniformity as seen here in his piece on the Eisteddfod

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cymrufyw/33841602?s=09

A pro immigration piece from the Beeb, i'm shocked.
When taken to it's logical conclusion Multiculturalism ends up in a nondescript gloop, as distinct cultures merge and disappear.
Do you honestly think an immigrant cares enough to keep the Welsh culture as we know it alive? If you answer yes i think you're full of wishful thinking.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: Benjamin Zephania dead.

A pro immigration piece from the Beeb, i'm shocked.
When taken to it's logical conclusion Multiculturalism ends up in a nondescript gloop, as distinct cultures merge and disappear.
Do you honestly think an immigrant cares enough to keep the Welsh culture as we know it alive? If you answer yes i think you're full of wishful thinking.

The world is better off for inter racial sex , marriage and coffee coloured kids

[RichardM]

Re: Benjamin Zephania dead.

Nice article in the Guardian
As we mourn Benjamin Zephaniah’s death, learn this lesson from his brilliant life

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/08/benjamin-zephaniah-death-brilliant-life-progressive-views?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

[jon1959]

Re: Benjamin Zephania dead.

I think you're wrong about the level of name recognition for Benjamin Zephania.

Although I agree most people won't know much or anything about him - a black poet, musician and activist that has never appeared on Strictly - many do. I first noticed his name in the early 80s when 'Rasta' was released.

I hope and expect that Villa will do something to mark his passing at the game against Arsenal tomorrow.

Benjamin z villa park.jpg