Author: Benjamin Zephaniah
publisher name: Scribner UK
ISBN: 9781471168956
The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah is an autobiography that unfolds the remarkable life story of Benjamin Zephaniah, a prolific poet, musician, and humanitarian. Born in the early 1980s during a time of social and political unrest marked by protests against unemployment, homelessness, and racial issues, Zephaniah's poetry became a powerful voice heard at demonstrations, police stations, and dance floors. His mission was to make poetry accessible to everyone, especially those who didn't typically engage with traditional literary forms.
As the 1990s unfolded, Benjamin Zephaniah's poetry took him on a global journey, with performances on every continent in a single year. His work resonated with audiences worldwide, and his commitment to spreading poetry extended to collaborations with artists like The Wailers, making him the first artist to record with the band after Bob Marley's passing.
The autobiography delves into Zephaniah's extraordinary life, emphasizing the political, musical, and radical aspects of his poetry. It also explores his significant relationship with Nelson Mandela, who was inspired by Zephaniah's tribute and later collaborated with him on humanitarian efforts in South Africa. The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah is a celebration of the power of poetry and the importance of pushing artistic boundaries.
