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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  
It was wonderful to hear about the interesting and varied life of this inspiring man.

Brilliant book! So sad to finish it.

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A brilliant and honest account. Benjamin Zephaniah takes you on the journey of his life.

I loved it!

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as a black man who came to England after the Brixton riots and by the time I got here a lot of the practices used by the police was in withdrawal its nice to hear first hand of what did happen to our warriors on the front line both blacks and whites alike

outstanding

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Brilliant book definitely recommend this read, well written was really hard not to continue listening.

Brilliant book

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One of the best autobiographies that I've listened to and one that actually gives meaningful insight into the person writing it. BZ outlines the key events and people that have shaped his life. He's honest and frank about his motivations and interests: he's so much more than just a revolutionary poet. His innate curiosity and need to do the right thing shine through. My only tiny criticism is that he doesnt deliver prose as well as he does poetry. Definitely a keeper on my virtual bookshelf.

Thoughtful and thought provoking

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Benjamin has such a lovely style, but his experiences in the UK that we should all be exposed to. Many aspects of these are very familiar to me and his book was one that I was looking forward to picking up

An experience we must all read

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A book that is so much better in audio thanks to Benjamins beautifully calming voice.

What a man.

What a man!

JOY! Absolute joy

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Wonderful, fascinating, illuminating autobiography and as it happens final statement. So glad it was read by himself. That made it perfect.

His Dance. His joy. His submission into being fully human.

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I have enjoyed Benjamin Zephaniah’s book on so many levels … His honesty about his life journey is filled with the clarity and wisdom of someone who truly lived his life !

Shining so brightly !

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I loved the honesty, the ideas and life of a truly inspirational man. What a legacy he’s left and a true legend of our time. Well worth a read.

A wonderful human being

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