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When Rasta poet Benjamin Zephaniah was shortlisted for
Oxford Professor of Poetry, ‘The Sun’ asked
“WOULD YOU LET YOUR DAUGHTER NEAR THIS MAN?”
Now a frequent commentator on TV and radio, in 1999 Benjamin
was a strong contender for Poet Laureate and has the distinction
(!) of being Tony Blair’s favourite poet.
Born in Birmingham in 1958, Zephaniah grew up in Jamaica
and in Handsworth, where he was sent to an approved school
for rebellious behaviour, ending up in jail for burglary.
Turning from crime to music and poetry ‘ because
I didn’t like poetry,’ Benjamin’s work
drew upon his own native patter, comic stories and rhymes.
In the last few years awards and accolades have come flooding
in. He has acted in BBC TV and radio plays and performed
his unique poetry at gigs and festivals all over the world.
He still performs all his work from memory.
Following Benjamin’s performance will be a club night
featuring the best of reggae, dub and ska.
Tickets £7/ £5 Concession available from the
Festival Office on 028 9023 2403
Further Info: www.benjaminzephaniah.com
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