Radio 4
Home Truths
Listen Again
About John Peel
|
|
|
|
About Benjamin Zephaniah
Poet, novelist and playwright Benjamin Zephaniah is this week's guest Presenter.
Benjamin was born in Jamaica but grew up in the Handsworth district of Birmingham, England, leaving school at 13. He moved to London in 1979 and published his first poetry collection Pen Rhythm in 1980. He became involved in performance poetry and after extensive gigging in the UK & Europe released his album RASTA.
London City Limits magazine declared Benjamin 'Poet of the Year' in 1983 & 1985 and he was shortlisted in 1988 for 'Oxford Professor of Poetry'. Among other recognitions, in 1999 he was seriously tipped as the next Poet Laureate.
In the last few years Benjamin has appeared increasingly on BBC radio & television & public events as performer & cultural commentator and still performs all his work from memory.
|
Useful Links
A Poet Called Benjamin: Benjamin's official website
Contemporary Writers: Benjamin Zephaniah
Guardian Article: Ben on his refusal of the OBE
Workers Playtime UK: Benjamin's recordings
|
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
