BIRMINGHAM, 10 October 2026: The life, creativity and enduring legacy of Birmingham-born poet, writer and social activist Benjamin Zephaniah were celebrated at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) in Birmingham on Saturday, 10 October, bringing together poets, musicians, artists and members of the community for an afternoon of artistic expression and remembrance.
The event, titled Benjamin Zephaniah Day: A Festival of Rhythm, Unity and Revolution, was co-hosted by Zephaniah’s widow, Qian Zephaniah, and supported by the Benjamin Zephaniah Foundation. The programme featured live poetry, spoken-word performances, drumming, community participation and creative arts workshops, reflecting the spirit of a man whose work challenged injustice and brought poetry closer to everyday life.
Among the specially invited guests was young Birmingham artist Izaan Ahmed, the Royal Academy of Arts People’s Choice Award winner in 2024, who attended with his family. Izaan brought his acclaimed portrait, A Masterpiece of Benjamin Zephaniah, to MAC and delivered a speech explaining the poet’s influence on his life, the inspiration behind his artwork and the reasons he chose to portray one of Birmingham’s most celebrated cultural figures.
The family was also joined by the Honourable Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner in Birmingham, Mr Sujon Debnath, and his family, whose attendance added a special dimension to the occasion.
A young artist’s tribute to an extraordinary cultural figure :
Izaan’s participation offered a personal and artistic perspective on Benjamin Zephaniah’s influence on younger generations. Through his portrait and speech, the young artist highlighted how Zephaniah’s words, values and distinctive identity can continue to inspire creativity beyond the literary world.
Izaan gained national recognition in 2024 when his artwork depicting Benjamin Zephaniah won the People’s Choice Award at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in London. The achievement brought significant attention to his artistic talent and his connection with the poet’s legacy.
For Izaan and his family, receiving a special invitation to attend the celebration was a memorable occasion. The presence of Mr Sujon Debnath and his family made the gathering particularly meaningful for them.
Remembering Benjamin Zephaniah and his legacy:
Born in Handsworth,Birmingham, in 1958, Benjamin Zephaniah became one of Britain’s best-known poets, writers, musicians and social activists. Drawing on Jamaican cultural traditions, reggae and dub rhythms, he developed a distinctive performance style that challenged conventional ideas about poetry and literature.
Zephaniah believed poetry should be accessible to everyone, not restricted to classrooms, universities or literary circles. His performances brought poetry to public gatherings and community spaces, while his writing addressed racism, inequality, identity, political injustice, peace and human dignity.
His influential works include Pen Rhythm, Too Black, Too Strong, Talking Turkeys and the novel Refugee Boy. His writing for children and young people helped introduce new audiences to literature through direct language, humour and powerful social themes.
Beyond his literary achievements, Zephaniah was recognised for his commitment to equality, animal rights, humanitarian causes and community engagement. He also reached television audiences through his acting, including his role as Jeremiah “Jimmy” Jesus in the BBC drama Peaky Blinders.
Zephaniah died in December 2023, aged 65, but his influence continues through his books, recordings, performances and the generations of writers, musicians and artists inspired by his work. In March 2026, Birmingham City Council announced that he had become the inaugural recipient of the City of Birmingham Medal, recognising his lasting contribution to the city’s cultural and literary identity.
His legacy is particularly significant in Birmingham, the city that shaped his early life and remained central to his identity.
Poetry, music and community creativity:
The festival brought together established performers and emerging creative voices, reflecting Zephaniah’s belief that artistic expression should be open to everyone.
According to MAC’s published programme, the event opened with a welcome from Qian Zephaniah and MAC Head of Learning Lynsey Rutter. Performances followed from poets and spoken-word artists Vig, Casey Bailey and Zakariye, showcasing the continuing strength of Birmingham’s poetry scene.
Casey Bailey, an acclaimed Birmingham poet, also hosted an open-mic session, giving participants an opportunity to share their own writing and perform before an audience. The programme concluded with a drumming performance by Rochae, adding a rhythmic and musical dimension to the celebration.
Three free, drop-in creative workshops were also available to visitors. Kulchalee Arts, Ampersand Projects and Sassketch led activities designed to encourage artistic participation and give people opportunities to explore creativity. Together, the performances and workshops created a programme that connected established artists with emerging talent and the wider community.
The range of activities reflected the festival’s central themes of rhythm, unity and revolution, celebrating Zephaniah not simply through remembrance but through the continued practice of poetry, music and art.
A legacy that continues to inspire :
Benjamin Zephaniah Day 2026 demonstrated how a cultural celebration can bring different generations and communities together through a shared appreciation of literature and artistic expression.
For Izaan Ahmed, the occasion was an opportunity to honour a figure who has had a meaningful influence on his artistic journey. His portrait and speech formed a personal tribute within a wider programme celebrating Zephaniah’s contribution to British culture.
The attendance of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner in Birmingham, Mr Sujon Debnath, and his family also highlighted the importance of cultural gatherings in bringing people together across communities.
As Birmingham continues to celebrate the life and achievements of its distinguished son, Benjamin Zephaniah’s legacy remains present in the artists he inspires, the voices he encouraged and the conversations his work continues to generate.
His message of equality, inclusion and creative freedom lives on through poetry, music, visual art and the participation of young people who are discovering their own voices.
The celebration at MAC was therefore more than a tribute to a much-loved poet. It was a reminder that art can preserve history, challenge injustice and connect generations, ensuring that Benjamin Zephaniah’s words and values continue to resonate far beyond the city of his birth.
আইটি ল্যাব সলিউশন্স লি.