British actor, poet and actor Benjamin Zephaniah who played the character role of Jeremiah Jesus in the television series Peaky Blindersdied this Thursday at 65 years. This was communicated by his loved ones in an Instagram post who mourned the death of the artist who He dedicated his life to activism against racism.

Benjamin Zephaniah, of Jamaican origin, born in the English city of Birmingham, was diagnosed with a brain tumor eight weeks ago, explained the note published on his Instagram account. “Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave so much to the world. In an incredible career, which included an enormous amount of poems, literature, music, television and radio“Benjamin leaves us a joyful and fantastic legacy,” the family noted.

Zephaniah was one of the first artists to develop the so-called ‘dub poetry’ in the United Kingdom, a movement born in Jamaica that combines reggae rhythms with social and political themes, and which evolved into a style of music of the same name. In this sense, he often explored refugee issues and promoted healthy eating with his verses, while in recent years he also enjoyed acting through his role as Jeremiah Jesus in the television series Peaky Blinders.

Among other recognitions, The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah She was a candidate in 2018 for the autobiography of the year at the National Book Awards, as well as the prestigious Costa awards. Despite his dyslexia, which forced him to leave school at 13 years of age, he published his first book, Pen Rhythmat 22, after moving to London.

His beginnings in ‘dub poetry’ also evolved years later to the world of music, with the formation of the group The Benjamin Zephaniah Band, with whom he delved into the social theme. This activism led Zephaniah to reject the decoration of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) due to its association with slavery.