Poetry Poem - The poems of Benjamin Zephaniah
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Benjamin Zephaniah is probably one of the most popular Dub poets in the world. He is particularly popular with school children because he gives them poetry in a language they understand, he has rapport with them and he offers them a fun way to be creative with poetry.
Benjamin Zephaniah is also renowned for his music through his band.
The Facts:
- Benjamin Zephaniah was born in Birmingham, England.
- His poetry is influenced by Jamaican music and 'street politics'.
- By the age of 15 he had developed a reputation as a young outspoken poet.
- His work became popular within the African-Caribbean and Asian community.
- At 22, he headed to London where Page One Books published his first book 'Pen Rhythm'.
Although 'Pen Rhythm' sold well, it was in performance that this Dub (Reggae) Poet would cause a revolution, injecting new life into the British poetry scene and attracting many mainstream publishers. Even publishers who had previously rejected his work took an interest in Benjamin Zephaniah.
In the early Eighties when Punks and Rasta's were on the streets protesting, Zephaniah's poetry could be heard on the demonstrations, at youth gatherings, outside police stations, and on the dance floor.
Because of his ability to perform not only on stage but in front of the television cameras, Benjamin Zephaniah became one of Britain's most filmed, photographed, and identifiable poet, bringing Dub Poetry straight into British living rooms.
Zephaniah's mission is to take poetry everywhere, he hates the dead image that academia and the establishment had given poetry and declared that he was out to popularize poetry by reaching people who did not read books, those that were keen on books could now witness a book coming to life on the stage. His poetry was political, musical, radical, relevant and on TV.
What If
If
you can keep your money when governments about you
Are losing theirs and
blaming it on you,
If you can trust your
neighbour when they trust not you
And they be very nosy
too;
If you can await the
warm delights of summer
Then summer comes and
goes with sun not seen,
And pay so much for
drinking water
Knowing that the water
is unclean.
If you seek peace in
times of war creation,
And you can see that oil
merchants are to blame,
If you can meet a pimp
or politician,
And treat those two
impostors just the same;
If you cannot bear
dis-united nations
And you think this new
world order is a trick,
If you've ever tried to
build good race relations,
And watch bad policing
mess your work up quick.
If you can make one heap
of all your savings
And risk buying a small
house and plot,
Then sit back and watch
the economy inflating
Then have to deal with
the negative equity you've got;
If you can force your
mind and body to continue
When all the social
services have gone,
If you struggle on when
there is nothing in you,
Except the knowledge
that justice can be wrong.
If you can speak the
truth to common people
Or walk with Kings and
Queens and live no lie,
If you can see how power
can be evil
And know that every
censor is a spy;
If you can fill an
unforgiving lifetime
With years of working
hard to make ends meet,
You may not be wealthy
but I am sure you will find
That you can hold your
head high as you walk the streets.
Dis Poetry
Dis poetry is like a riddim dat drops
De tongue fires a riddim dat shoots like shots
Dis poetry is designed fe rantin
Dance hall style, big mouth chanting,
Dis poetry nar put yu to sleep
Preaching follow me
Like yu is blind sheep,
Dis poetry is not Party Political
Not designed fe dose who are critical.
Dis poetry is wid me when I gu to me bed
It gets into me dreadlocks
It lingers around me head
Dis poetry goes wid me as I pedal me bike
I've tried Shakespeare, respect due dere
But did is de stuff I like.
Dis poetry is not afraid of going in a book
Still dis poetry need ears fe hear an eyes fe hav a look
Dis poetry is Verbal Riddim, no big words involved
An if I hav a problem de riddim gets it solved,
I've tried to be more romantic, it does nu good for me
So I tek a Reggae Riddim an build me poetry,
I could try be more personal
But youÕve heard it all before,
Pages of written words not needed
Brain has many words in store,
Yu could call dis poetry Dub Ranting
De tongue plays a beat
De body starts skanking,
Dis poetry is quick an childish
Dis poetry is fe de wise an foolish,
Anybody can do it fe free,
Dis poetry is fe yu an me,
Don't stretch yu imagination
Dis poetry is fe de good of de Nation,
Chant,
In de morning
I chant
In de night
I chant
In de darkness
An under de spotlight,
I pass thru University
I pass thru Sociology
An den I got a dread degree
In Dreadfull Ghettology.
Dis poetry stays wid me when I run or walk
An when I am talking to meself in poetry I talk,
Dis poetry is wid me,
Below me an above,
Dis poetry's from inside me
It goes to yu
WID LUV.
De Rong Song
Your house is
Falling down
Around
Your
Feet,
And you got
Nought
To eat,
Don't worry
Be happy.
Your fish
Have drowned
You wear
A frown,
You search
But you don't
Own a pound,
Don't worry
Be happy.
You ain't got
Nowhere to
Play,
Just balconies
And
Motorways,
Don't worry
Be happy.
You meet
Someone
You really like,
They tell you to
Get on your bike,
Don't worry
Be happy.
You're on your bike
And all is fine,
You get caught
In a washing line,
Don't worry
Be happy.
You go to school
The school is
Gone,
The Government
Put pressure on,
Don't worry
Be happy.
Your tea is
Dry
Your ice is
Hot,
Your head is
Tied up in a
Not,
Don't worry
Be happy.
You worry
Because
You're hurrying,
And hurry
Because
You're worrying,
Don't happy
Be worried.
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More facts:
- In 1991, the only way the oral tradition could live was for Benjamin Zephaniah to embark on a 22-day tour where he performed on every continent on this planet.
- Benjamin Zephaniah's only Number One Hit Record, musically, was in the former Yugoslavia where the Rasta LP was released on the Helidon label.
- After Bob Marley's death, Benjamin Zephaniah was the first person to record with the Wailers. They recorded a musical tribute to Nelson Mandela.
- 'Free South Africa' by Benjamin Zephaniah and the Wailers was recorded at Marley's Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston, Jamaica.
- Mandela heard the tribute whilst in prison on Robben Island and after his release he requested an meeting with Zephaniah. As a result of this new friendship, Zephaniah now works with children in South African townships.
Nature Trail
At the bottom of my garden
There's a hedgehog and a frog
And a lot of creepy-crawlies
Living underneath a log,
There's a baby daddy long legs
And an easy-going snail
And a family of woodlice,
All are on my nature trail.
There are caterpillars waiting
For their time to come to fly,
There are worms turning the earth over
As ladybirds fly by,
Birds will visit, cats will visit
But they always chose their time
And I've even seen a fox visit
This wild garden of mine.
Squirrels come to nick my nuts
And busy bees come buzzing
And when the night time comes
Sometimes some dragonflies come humming,
My garden mice are very shy
And I've seen bats that growl
And in my garden I have seen
A very wise old owl.
My garden is a lively place
There's always something happening,
There's this constant search for food
And then there's all that flowering,
When you have a garden
You will never be alone
And I believe we all deserve
A garden of our own.
The British
Take some Picts, Celts and Silures
And let them settle,
Then overrun them with Roman conquerors.
Remove the Romans after approximately 400 years
Add lots of Norman French to some
Angles, Saxons, Jutes and Vikings, then stir vigorously.
Mix some hot Chileans, cool Jamaicans, Dominicans,
Trinidadians and Bajans with some Ethiopians, Chinese,
Vietnamese and Sudanese.
Then take a blend of Somalians, Sri Lankans, Nigerians
And Pakistanis,
Combine with some Guyanese
And turn up the heat.
Sprinkle some fresh Indians, Malaysians, Bosnians,
Iraqis and Bangladeshis together with some
Afghans, Spanish, Turkish, Kurdish, Japanese
And Palestinians
Then add to the melting pot.
Leave the ingredients to simmer.
As they mix and blend allow their languages to flourish
Binding them together with English.
Allow time to be cool.
Add some unity, understanding, and respect for the future,
Serve with justice
And enjoy.
Note:
All the ingredients are equally important. Treating one ingredient
better than another will leave a bitter unpleasant taste.
Warning: An unequal spread of justice will damage the people and cause pain. Give justice and equality to all.
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Benjamin Zephaniah's poetry for children
Benjamin Zephaniah's first book of poetry for children 'Talking Turkeys' went to the top of the children's book list and stayed there for months. At first he wasn't keen on publishing a book for children, he believed that there was just poetry, not children's poetry or adult's poetry, but he was soon convinced that young people did appreciate the fact that he was not afraid to write about the real world where there are bullies, guns, racism and war.
Being a passionate vegan, Benjamin Zephaniah writes a lot about animals but these animals are not all smiley, happy creatures, some may just be waiting for slaughter or losing their habitat, and of course some may be having fun.
Wot a pair
I waz walking down Wyefront street
When me trousers ran away,
I waz feeling incomplete
But still me trousers would not stay,
When I found where they had gone
De pair addressed me rather blunt,
And they told me they were sick of being put on
Back to front.
I told dem I would treat dem good
And wear dem back to back,
I promised dem protection
From a friend who is a mac,
Me trousers did not believe a single word I had to say,
And me underpants were laughing
When me trousers ran away.
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Talking Turkeys
Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas
Cos' turkeys just wanna hav fun
Turkeys are cool, turkeys are wicked
An every turkey has a Mum.
Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas,
Don't eat it, keep it alive,
It could be yu mate, an not on your plate
Say, Yo! Turkey I'm on your side.
I got lots of friends who are turkeys
An all of dem fear christmas time,
Dey wanna enjoy it, dey say humans destroyed it
An humans are out of dere mind,
Yeah, I got lots of friends who are turkeys
Dey all hav a right to a life,
Not to be caged up an genetically made up
By any farmer an his wife.
Turkeys just wanna play reggae
Turkeys just wanna hip-hop
Can yu imagine a nice young turkey saying,
'I cannot wait for de chop',
Turkeys like getting presents, dey wanna watch christmas TV,
Turkeys hav brains an turkeys feel pain
In many ways like yu an me.
I once knew a turkey called...Turkey
He said "Benji explain to me please,
Who put de turkey in christmas
An what happens to christmas trees?",
I said "I am not too sure turkey
But it's nothing to do wid Christ Mass
Humans get greedy an waste more dan need be
An business men mek loadsa cash'.
Be nice to yu turkey dis christmas
Invite dem indoors fe sum greens
Let dem eat cake an let dem partake
In a plate of organic grown beans,
Be nice to yu turkey dis christmas
An spare dem de cut of de knife,
Join Turkeys United an dey'll be delighted
An yu will mek new friends 'FOR LIFE'.
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Buying a charity gift helps overcome poverty and unnecessary suffering. Buy a goat, a greenhouse or even some safe water. Give a gift of happiness with Oxfam Unwrapped! Please quote F1311 when placing your order.
The teenage novels
'Face'
was the first of four novels written by Benjamin Zephaniah in 1999. These novels proved that teenage boys would read if
they have access to books that they can relate to. Zephaniah writes
gritty, realistic novels about the lives of teenagers. These novels are
directed to adults as much as they are to teenagers.
Benjamin Zephaniah has inspired many young writers and many generations of rappers, and of all the
performance poets that emerged in the late seventies/early eighties he
is one of the few that is still going strong.
Finally,
I sincerely hope you enjoy this hub. I saw Benjamin Zephaniah perform in Birmingham a few years ago when (as a school) we decided to take year 9, 10 and 11 to see a group of well-known British (and Scottish) poets perform. The poets were all included in an anthology that the children were studying (or about to study). Benjamin had the kids in the palm of his hand from the moment he first opened his mouth. The kids could not believe that this 'rasta' Jamaican in a reggae hat from Birmingham was a world famous poet. They quickly realised the connection between poetry and lyrics and music, raggae, rap, etc. and they didn't stop taking about him for months.
All comments appreciated.
Copyright © Leni Sands 2011
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CommentsLoading...
I couldn't wait to tell you more.I just watched the you tube video of him and I love his style.I want to see more.I find things in my life that I like and I want to enjoy them again and again.I am hooked on him.That is the way I would like to express myself in proper form.He takes talent and style and combines it with passion!What a wonderful hub.We can all learn so much from each other.
Hi Dream on, thank you for your comments.
Benjamin's poetry style is written in 'dialect' so please don't take it that the words are spelled correctly. I saw him perform in Birmingham some years ago when we took a group of students to watch a number of poets perform. Year 9, 10 and 11 were studying an anthology of these particular poets and this proved a useful exercise. Benjamin Zephaniah had the children on the edge of their seats joining in, they loved him and from that moment on I was hooked. The children were still talking about him months later. I love his work. On the other thing - your email, I will give it some thought and come back to you. I am a little busy but am always willing to help. I will read your hubs and let you know if you need to change anything. All the best, Helena
I love this hub!Benjamin's poetic ability is superb.I wish i had a CD of his rhyme to play when i'm on the treadmill.The beat is perfect.Thank you for sharing this unknown to me.
Hi there, always exploring. I'm glad you like this hub. I am happy you like Benjamin Zephaniah's poetry. I think there are downloaders out there where you can download the audio from youtube as an mp3 try http://free-youtube-to-mp3-converter.en.softonic.c . I have used this before its really good. There are others - just search for youtube mp3 converter. Then you will be able to listen to it while you are on your treadmill.
This is new info for me. Much appreciated. The man definitely had soul and fire. It showed through in his lyrics. Thanks for the great hub.
You're welcome Doug Turner Jr. I am glad you appreciate his lyrics and poetry. He definitely has soul and fire...thanks for your comments.
Very interesting and well written. Well done!
Thank you daydreamer13.
leni,I found BZ on utube.Thank you so much.
Cheers
Very good hub Leni. I have not heard of BZ but judging by his lyrics he is very good. Thank you for sharing
Blessings
always exploring - that's great, enjoy!
Loves to read - there is much more of his poetry that you would enjoy.
Further information:
BZ is educated - Dr Benjamin Zephaniah and he is one of the most down to earth 'stars' I have ever met.
leni sands, Your hub is interesting, informative and absolutely useful. I'm even inspired to write more poetry. Benjamin Zephaniah and you are my newest heroes!Voted up, useful, funny, awesome, beautiful
Thank you Fossillady, your comment is very welcome.
This is very enabling and indeed inspiring.I'll reread it when I have finished all the myriad odd jobs waiting,but I shall dwell on it in my mind whilst doing them
Enjoy, kathryn1000
He is new to me and I am enjoying how his poetry makes me feel! Thank you so much for sharing this - he's wonderful! More than that, I am so glad we connected because now I am exploring all your other hubs and loving it! Thank you so much for sharing YOUR talent, too!
Thank you Grandma's House, welcome hubboard!
Please, can you tell me what is "new"in Zephaniah´s writing? I mean ...consider his style, themes and symbols, etc.? Thank you very much.
Interesting facts about a poet I hadn't yet heard of. thanks for letting me in on it, and sharing with all of us. :D
Thank you for introducing me to this amazing man. What a talent! Excellent hub. Voted up and awesome!
You're welcome. Apologies for the delay in replying I have been working with a writer / editing his crime novel. I'll be back in the fold soon.
Hi leni, i agree with vocalcoach he is amazing and very interesting. I have never heard poetry like his, he's simple but deep, what a poet! Thanks for sharing him with us, hope everything's well with you.
You are very welcome ladyt11. He is a great poet and inspires children....
Beautifully done, and quite noble of you, I can see the work put into do all this. But belief is great. I'll be checking him out more often , never even heard of him before. Thanks for sharing.
Well done.
God Bless.
Nice to here that Sky, he truly is a great poet and one who will get kids interested as well. Kids today don't realise that the songs they love to sing along to started off life as a poem...
He is great . Thanks leni. I stayed playing his poetry all night. Thanks a lot .
Have a blessed day
Enjoy!
Great Hub! Nice mix of info and great succinct summary! ...
What If, I enjoyed that poem very much, when I first read it - a great variation on the Rudyard Kipling poem. He's my local poet, great inspiration for my own poetry, too.
Thank you Zubyre, glad you like it. I love Rudyard Kiplings poetry as well - any well written thought provoking poem is worthy of success. I will check your hubs out, thanks for your comment.
Amazing and so well written and so well presented.
I have to award my up up and away here.
Take care and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Thank you Eddy, your up up and away is very much appreciated.
this man is how I have to do 10 facts on for hw
from Tomlinscote school
Hope this helps with your homework Jesica
like benjamin z doing homework on him could you give us any help?
great hub too!!!
There is a lot of information about BZ on the internet that might help - what is your homework question?
Hi everyone, Does anyone know when "Dis Poetry" was written?
I'm learning as you and I'm so good I wish you much luck whatever you new poems love it
DREAM ON Level 7 Commenter 18 months ago
I am honored to put the first of many comments on this hub.I have so many thoughts running through my head.I love him!I love him!I just have to stop here until I read the hub one more time.Perfect timing for me.I can't wait to tell you why later.Innovate,creative,imaginative are just some of the ways I describe him.What a wonderful hub choice!I would love to spread the word.