Image Credit: Joseph Heaven www.youtube.com/@jozephsky
We have shared this video of Benjamin Zephaniah’s first TV appearance which we discovered recently on YouTube. It gives a fascinating insight into Benjamin’s early work as a performing poet and activist.
YouTube poster, Joseph Heaven, said;
“Benjamin Zephaniah’s first TV appearance just as his performance career started to gather force and his stage shows were becoming very popular my late father Simon Heaven asked him if he’d like to be in a documentary. Family folklore says it was actually even broadcast on Channel 4’s opening week though we need confirmation of that though if anyone can help?
“I did speak to Benjamin about releasing this onto the internet for all to see, and although he was hesitant, as he was maybe a little nervous about how some of his more passionate youthful (he no longer smokes ganja, drinks or eats meat) and radical performances may be seen today, he agreed (I think simply to honour my father who was I think a good friend and they spoke regularly).
“Anyway, here’s to you Benjamin, and here’s to you Dad, and everyone who helped. The mixing was also by Mad Professor too!
“Please spread it before some jobsworth stops us being able to see it!”
A film by Simon Heaven © Compass Films Ltd 1986 all rights reserved.
