{"title":"Benjamin Zephaniah","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBenjamin Zephaniah (born 15 April 1958) is a British writer, dub poet and Rastafarian. With his powerful words and captivating performances, *Zephaniah* has become a prominent figure in the world of poetry and music. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics and unique blend of reggae, hip-hop, and spoken word, he has gained a loyal following around the globe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by his Jamaican heritage and experiences growing up in Birmingham, England, *Zephaniah* uses his art to address social issues such as racism, inequality, and injustice. His distinctive style combines rhythmic storytelling with political commentary, creating a powerful platform for change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Zephaniah's* influence can be seen in the work of artists such as Dennis Bovell, Oku Onuora, The Twinkle Brothers, Mutabaruka, Dub Syndicate, Jah Shaka,and many others. His impact on the genre is undeniable; he has paved the way for future generations of poets and musicians to use their voices for activism.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-life-and-rhymes-of-benjamin-zephaniah-the-autobiography","title":"The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah: The Autobiography","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eHis poetry was political, musical, radical and relevant. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Scribner UK","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":50453656830283,"sku":"1120672","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/b20067cb-a815-4a4a-a64d-19c310542f88_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727175121"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_dadc5a48_thumbnail_4096_aff1d524-4dd7-40eb-8cfa-9a6338a1b0dd.jpg?v=1727175100","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/benjamin-zephaniah.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}