The announcement of the death of poet and pioneering writer, lyricist and musician Benjamin Zephaniah in December 2023, prompted an outpouring of tributes from people in Newham (and beyond) who had the privilege to know him and were influenced by his work.
Working closely with Zephaniah’s siblings, the University of East London hosted a heartfelt tribute event on 7 December 2024, honouring the life and legacy of the iconic poet, writer, and activist Benjamin Zephaniah in Newham, East London, where he lived for much of his adult life.
This special tribute event featured readings of Zephaniah’s poems by renowned figures such as poet and children’s author Michael Rosen, and other influential artists, writers, musicians, such as Levi Tafari, The Riddim Squad and Zita Holbourne, as well as public figures, who shared their reflections on his influence. There was also be an exhibition celebrating Zephaniah’s role as a pioneer in Black British culture and his contributions to human rights advocacy, alongside a range of stalls from community organisations and enterprises.
The Film Launch Online:
The memorial film will be publicly released on 14 March 2026 @ 11:45pm (a day before what would have been Zephaniah’s 68th birthday).
Click image to view the film on or after the above date and time.
The film was produced by Flexible Films with input from the family and Zephaniah’s estate.
The family of Benjamin express their deepest thanks and appreciation to the University of East London, Newham Monitoring Project, Newham Council, all the performing artists and speakers, volunteers, attendees and many others, for making the memorial event a huge success and the film possible.
Brother, Tippa Naphtali, said; “We are committed to sharing the legacy of our brother in our own way, and will continue working with friends, colleagues and organisations to do so well into the future – One Love to all.”
Related Event Details:
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- Honouring Benjamin Zephaniah: Stratford Library Plaque & Film Unveiling
- Date: Saturday 21 March 2026 (World Poetry Day)
- Location: Stratford Library, Newham, East London
- Time: 2pm – 4pm (Including the launch of community film poetry, ‘Finding My Inner Peace’)
