Professor Benjamin Zephaniah
@BZephaniah
Followers
72,413
Following
39
Media
353
Statuses
3,339
Official account of Benjamin Zephaniah. Poet, writer, musician & trouble maker. He doesn't reply to enquires or requests here. Dude, he's not even into twitter.
Joined August 2012
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
Cataluña
• 108427 Tweets
つばさの党
• 63187 Tweets
Year 6
• 34131 Tweets
家宅捜索
• 33759 Tweets
Rayados
• 32869 Tweets
#YoureMyTreasure_MV
• 29455 Tweets
Tigres
• 27528 Tweets
We Love Daddy Tay🩵
• 24248 Tweets
POP WITH ZEROBASEONE
• 19927 Tweets
माधवी लता
• 19314 Tweets
Happy New Week
• 17770 Tweets
バンドリ
• 17076 Tweets
InfoMINGGUAN PakPRABOWO
• 17074 Tweets
Lebih KEREN KitaKOMPAK
• 16517 Tweets
ミオしゃ
• 14698 Tweets
MEMORABILIA OUT NOW
• 14039 Tweets
Kamuda Tasarruf
• 13108 Tweets
作者の顔
• 10597 Tweets
AESPA GOES SUPERNOVA
• 10303 Tweets
SATs
• 10299 Tweets
Pinned Tweet
Recorded somewhere in the 90s, this recording just sat on the shelf doing nothing. But when considering the state of our nations, & how states strive to control people & abuse power, it is still relevant, probably more relevant, now.
See whole video here
40
211
679
Never mind the media circus. This is the truth. This sister says so much in 2 minutes.
129
5K
22K
Filming without Helen McCrory has been so difficult.
Her passing away today is a real shock. She was a dear friend. She was humane, intelligent, unflinching, and a fighter to the end. A truly amazing woman. I'm speechless. I'm going offline.
92
999
21K
That's it.............................................For now.
128
642
20K
Hello, I am Qian Zephaniah, Benjamin Zephaniah’s wife.
Thank you all so much for the love that you showed Benjamin thank you so much for the lovely messages that you sent to me after he passed away.
205
1K
13K
I have absolutely no interest in this job. I won't work for them. They oppress me, they upset me, and they are not worthy. I write to connect with people and have never felt the need to go via the church, the state, or the monarchy to reach my people. No money. Freedom or death.
Who will replace Carol Ann Duffy as Poet Laureate? Simon Armitage,
@PatienceAgbabi
,
@BZephaniah
, Daljit Nagra and Vahni Capildeo are all candidates.
15
12
24
117
1K
5K
When I read the negative bile targeted to
@PriyamvadaGopal
I wanted to cry. When I saw the positive stuff, I felt hopeful. When I saw Priya's responses
I was reminded of how much dignity & intelligence our freedom fighting sisters have after years of abuse. Never give up.
83
503
3K
I can announce, the YA book my mother always wanted me to write, is here. Out on the 5th November, but I thought I should tell my friends now. So, now you know.
I'm going to pre order a copy now, and send it to my mum.
94
710
3K
Yes. That's right. I don't eat my friends.
112
513
3K
There's a thing called Public Interest Immunity Certificate. It can do things like stopping you from investigating how your children die.... Really.
Justice for Noah.
@NiamhDonohoe78
@BZephaniah
Benjamin if you could poss share to help get this PII retracted & make ppl aware. PII has now been signed by sec of state so that Noah’s mum should be denied truth of what happened to her only son Noah 🙏💙😞
#NoPII
#NoahDonohoe
2
62
104
21
461
1K
I know it's only June but I already have my book of the year. People you must check Natives by
@akalamusic
if you want to overstand and not simply understand. It's personal, historical, political, & it speaks to where we are now. This is the book I've been waiting for - for years
35
357
1K
This really is one of the saddest cases on injustice I've seen. I urge everyone to learn about this terrible case, and please sign the petition.
@BrandonLewis
- Release the Noah Donohoe files
@_M_A_Z_Z_A
@Niamhdonohoe78
#JusticeForNoah
via
@UKChange
38
522
1K
Black people will not be respected until our history is respected | Benjamin Zephaniah
9
364
1K
I've lost my sister, friend, and dance partner. She knows what I mean. Her words live on, as does her name and spirit.
21
77
1K
I'm only eating what I grow this year, and it feels great. Great sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, Leeks, cucumbers, pumpkins, runner beans. I just wish I could invite everyone that came to my gigs this year 4 diner. Now can someone tell me what this is, or should I try
@BBCGQT
130
116
1K
People. My Autobiography, The Life and Rhymes of BZ is coming out in May, & I'm doing a talking tour in May & June to talk about it all. Check the links & check out the dates. As always I welcome chocolates and cakes, and I'll give you all the love I can.
61
355
935
Doug Ellis was amazing. I will really miss him. He had been offering me words of wisdom since I was in primary school. He wasn't just our chairman, he was the clubs biggest fan. Villa till he died.
@AVFCOfficial
@AVLFCOfficial
@Villa_Trust
@JackGrealish1
9
84
893
I've just received my first Christmas cards & I hate them. I hope I get no more. Plant a tree. Feed homeless. Blow me a kiss. Anything, but please don't send me any cards. I'm not ungrateful, but I don't think that because Mr Maier sent a card to King james 1 we should copy him.
59
154
779
Yes, yes. I am one of the chosen two, with my late, great friend Maya Angelou. Makes me proud, and would make Maya proud too. These things are much better than any awards, or bowing down in a palace and having 'empire' attached to my name. Good luck kids. Power to the pupils.
@BZephaniah
The school I am in today had to choose 2 poets to name classes after. Look who they chose!
2
8
45
13
158
791
It's difficult to express how brilliant I think this is. This is the best present I've had all year. Every one of you is a super star. Your school's so cool.
19
233
797
Lovely tress are being cut to death by remote suited folk. My heart's with those that walk the streets, and the old great Vernon Oak.
This beautiful HEALTHY tree
@SAVEDORETREES
is due to be felled tomorrow Can you send msg/poem of support
@BZephaniah
please?
#saveshefftrees
9
25
34
39
596
774
I don't think these are strange, weird, or unprecedented times. This has happened before. This is just the modern version. And it doesn't matter how difficult you think this all is, it will happen again if you keep messing with animals. Leave them alone.
#3in4
@vivacampaigns
19
165
752
I'm asked abt this OBE trick every year & say little, bt I have 2 say that the thread by
@PriyamvadaGopal
is best ever on twitter, & her article - brilliant. She comes 2 the debate anti imperialistic, & very few do. Not abt me, not abt her, all abt us.
19
281
722
No state, no monarchy. More books, more anarchy.
My musings on the last two years.
32
116
651
It really is an honour to have such a great building named after me. I've visited the college and met many of the hardworking students and staff, and they were all inspiring. Educate to liberate.
Our Harrow Weald campus offers fantastic state-of-the-art education facilities including our Seacole building for Health & Social Care subjects, Newton building for Construction subjects & Zephaniah building - our learning centre! Enrol today
2
6
41
29
66
657
I'm getting congratulation messages from all over the world. Thank you all so much. I never forget this is a team effort, and I think it's not just about the production team. We had some great performers on the show, speaking their truth to the world. Poetry has arrived. Word up.
"Thank you so much
@SkyArts
for being so brave and so pioneering, putting on British TV the first spoken word poetry show"
Giving voice to a community that needs to be heard with Life & Rhymes.
#VirginMediaBAFTAs
11
62
247
26
67
656
Dis Poetry by Benjamin Zephaniah (Channel 4) 1985
11
173
616
I've been checking out Sofia the Dreamer and her Magical Afro by
@jwilsonwriter
, and it really is magical. So children, adults, dreadlocks, afro heads and canerow dreads, travel through time and place with Sofia, an inspiring girl.
16
117
599
Keep the faith Villans.
6
65
581
Happiness is 5 books. All sent to me by
@canongatebooks
And what makes this even more special is that four of them were already on my 'to buy' list. I've started to read the other one and that should have been on my list. Books. You can't beat them.
7
53
564
I'm book of the week all week from from Monday 30th. It's on Radio 4, 9.45, every day and dyslexic me is reading.
30
192
538
Yes. I just got my copy of Dear NHS and I'm in it. I'm so happy. Every single penny raised from
#DearNHS
will be going to two fantastic causes:
@NHSCharities
&
@LullabyTrust
My mother will be proud.
So please check at your local bookshop.
12
119
543
In times like these wen we really need our NHS, it's worth remembering its roots. It's not 4 profit. It's ours. Don't let them take it away
15
342
538
I was born in the 50s, but I'm not a woman. Still I sign this for my sisters and all womankind who deserve better after years of work.
@BZephaniah
Benjamin,please sign/share for the lost pensions on women born in the 1950s,NEW PETITION,
@grahamemorris
5
24
29
40
302
515
I've just received my hard copy of On Savage Shores by
@carolinepennock
Never mind Cowboys & Indians. This is about the adventures of the real people of the Americas. There's no other way to say this, the cover looks great, but it even feels great. Read it & feel it, then rebel.
6
53
525
I don't do bonfire myself, but if you do please remember to think about wildlife. Always check bonfires before lighting.
3
321
507
Yes. It's here. My new YA book, Windrush Child, is official out today.
I'm going to celebrate with some cake.
"An invaluable story for any young readers who enjoy adventure and want to learn more about the Windrush generation's experience. Essential reading." -
@brixtonbard
Windrush Child by
@BZephaniah
is out TODAY.
2
15
51
30
117
520
I've cried a lot lately, and here's why.
Still, at the end of the day - there are always books to save us.
43
94
506
I have to retweet this, but still say that this has made my day. I love when people do their versions of my poetry anyway, but when a 10 year old makes so my sense with his nonsense we have to acknowledge his greatness. young poet you rock, you roll, and you reggae. You da best.
5
59
502
Dis Policeman Keeps On Kicking Me To Death BBC(1984)
10
144
499
I just had to retweet this.
Here’s the new ‘diverse’ Tory Cabinet folks.
White, grammar school/public school, Oxbridge, middle/upper class, very, very rich individuals.
But don’t worry, they feel the pain of ordinary people..
139
1K
2K
16
252
486
So I went on a date with my mates mum, and the guy just follows us with cameras. Why can't a bloke have some privacy in a restaurant?
Well, here it is.
@LoyleCarner
in a fine style
11
47
482
You have been warned.
#PeakyBlinders
returns Weds Nov 15th 9pm
@BBCTwo
Check it, then set it. By order of the Peaky Blinders.
14
103
456
This Thursday is
#StephenLawrenceDay
.
“Never Forget Stephen Lawrence"
:
@sldayfdn
#SLDay21
#BecauseOfStephen
#ALegacyOfChange
5
182
459
I stopped to let this guy cross the road other day, then I realised it was me!
16
22
448
This is why every day is International Women's Day for me.
7
272
440
I forgot. I'm supposed to share this !
22
175
436
12
191
433
How I love my publishers
@simonschusterUK
Today they gave me a big, big vegan cake just because I'm on the
@CostaBookAwards
shortlist. Then I go to
@Bruneluni
and find students have given me more edible vegan sweetness. I'm so happy. I can feel the love. Thanx to all of you ☯️
18
54
414
As an honorary yellow belly I'm trying to help bring nature and poetry to children in Lincolnshire? Nature words are slipping away from us, we're trying to bring them back to life by giving
#TheLostWords
to all primary schools.
@LincsWildlife
8
135
411
Dr me. Had at great time at Roehampton. Those cats wear great shoes. I know. You won't get it unless you were there.
Professor Benjamin Zephaniah, recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Letters at
#RoeGraduation
@BZephaniah
0
13
53
19
45
396
Every library represents a piece of us. Don't let them take us apart, piece by piece, book by book. In times when we need to get together we need our libraries more & more. Victory to Save Our Libraries Essex. Word up.
Please, please
@BZephaniah
- as a library supporter - help us. The forced dumping of professionally run public libraries into the hands of groups of volunteers and removal of all funding, staff and buildings will destroy our libraries. It’s equal to cloak and dagger closure.
0
16
39
11
180
410
I had to say, it's fifty today,
The Open University.
So I made a little film to say how much this Uni means to me.
Happy days
#OU50
8
137
396
Sandi Toksvig goes roaming with Alan Davies, Sara Pascoe, Josh Widdicombe and a poet called Benjamin Zephaniah.
QI, Roaming,
Thursday 6th August,
9pm on BBC Two (Just after the watershed, so that's okay)
8
30
392
What's happening to me? I see or hear people reading my poems nowadays and I'm driven to tears. And they seem to have an added layer of meaning when other people read them.
20
68
377
I must rise early tomorrow. I'll B on
@BBCBreakfast
around 8.30. Talking about Revolutionary Minds in revolutionary times. Rise up ye people
16
97
364
I overstand what some are saying about contacting friends, recycling & charity, but I strive to do that everyday. I don't do Happy Xmas, I do Happy Everyday. I don't do Black History Month, I do Black History Everyday. I don't even do my birthday, I just time travel. 🆓style
11
39
356
Yes, my first typewriter given to me by a friend in 1976 and now on loan to Birmingham Museums
@BM_AG
. I must pop in and see it. It still works perfectly well. I think I prefer it to my lap top. Seriously.
#LifeAndRhymes
15
59
353
Yesterday killed me
But today I live
From Bench With Benjamin Zephaniah for Channel 4’s Random Acts
1
64
351
Once again I'm driven to tears by young people performing my poems. This is brilliant. Some people get inspired by wars won, some by the growth of the economy, some by the people we've conquered. I'm inspired by these kids, & the teachers who inspire them. This is where it's at.
For
#WorldDayforCulturalDiversity
we recorded a very special reading of Benjamin Zephaniah's poem "The British (serves 60 million)" with some of our
@UplandsManor
Year 6 to celebrate the diversity in our school and in the UK. We used some
#greenscreen
magic with
@DoInkTweets
too!
4
7
48
5
54
342
I've had this photo for years. I look at it & think how in my lifetime I've not seen women looking so happy in Afghanistan. Women can find happiness in many ways, but to see these young women on what I'm told is a university campus, reminds me of how some men fear educated women.
4
52
341
Thanx 2 everyone who has come out 2 see me on the tour. it's hard 2 express how it feels 2 know that my Life and Rhymes is riding so high in the charts, & how well the story of me is being received. Looking forward 2 seeing more of you. Dates are here.
34
63
328
The Tories have taken this down, but I can't resist tweeting it. I'll say no more.
17
269
319
@HelenMort
I smiled and a tear came to my eye at the same time.
It's not about me, it's about the power of poetry.
It's about the ways we can truly communicate with each other from generation to generation.
This is my proudest moment of 2019 so far:)
3
20
318
This is the place to go if you really want to understand British foreign policy, but there are forces that are trying to stop you from knowing what is done in your name. We fight back.
@kennardmatt
@markcurtis30
@akalamusic
@tamhauyu
New -- British Foreign Office urged to retract its attack on Declassified UK’s independent journalism
We have written to the Foreign Office demanding its embassy in Bolivia (
@UKinBolivia
) withdraw and apologise for its public slur on our journalism.
9
206
340
3
142
309
Lots of people can't get out right now, but we can all sign this petition.
All over the world they are trying to stop us from taking to the streets. Do nothing and real protest will become illegal.
Protest and survive. It really is freedom or death.
9
124
285
Today I put John Keats on my chest and read Flèche, an amazing collection of poems by
@maryjean_chan
Every poem moved me, every poem grooved me. I feel enlightened.
Poetry lovers. It has arrived.
3
27
281
Faceless
Original work was partially green screen at:
8
87
277
Wow, wow, and wow again. This is such a difficult poem to perform. I've never seen anyone perform this poem of mine before. Well done all you kool cats at Colvestone Primary. You've got the rhythm.
Year 4 learnt a section of
@BZephaniah
’s poem ‘Money’ today. They focused on the rhythm that the words create and were inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah’s own performance of it.
0
1
28
4
19
271
Today is National
#StephenLawrenceDay
, so let's celebrate the life & legacy of Stephen. Do what you can. Check
I loved being involved with this film campaign, co-written and narrated by
@_maxcyrus
@sldayfdn
#SLDay21
#BecauseOfStephen
#ALegacyOfChange
1
137
262
My mum thinks this is the best thing since the discovery of Mangoes. What an amazing performance from the kool kats
@HopwoodPrimary
. Very special. We really appreciate every one of you. Stay creative. You can make our country a better place.
10
41
262
I love this work, and I think the drawing of me is just like me, in the summer.
Year 3 writing about
@BZephaniah
#teachingequalityanddiversity
#representationmatters
@MeadatHilperton
@TweetWingfield
2
4
26
7
12
262
If you want to show the world that
#TheOnlyCureIsKindness
, (and it is), get one of these fantastic, ethically produced t-shirts to support
@AnimalsAsia
’s vital work. I've been there, know them, so this is not just a plug, this is the real deal. Save lives
5
65
256
Confession. I always read 'Think Like A White Man' by
@nelsabbey
in my private place, because I really do want to conquer the world whilst black. It might be the most original book ever, but so what! I just want to get into his dark, twisted mind.
5
28
256
If you're feeling like there's nothing you can do, well there is. Fortunately, in the country of my birth, there are good people trying to help Afghan refugees in many different ways. Here's one way way. Help. Please.🌐
We are raising money to support the mental health of the young Afghan refugees we work with who have been deeply affected by the events of the last few days. If you are able to donate or share we would be most grateful
#TogetherWithRefugees
6
85
121
5
87
251
Hey. It looks like all tour dates are confirmed. I'm coming at ya. I'm really sorry I can't be everywhere. I could never manage that, but there will be another tour. So check tour dates here and live good in your neighbourhood
19
89
247
The time has come. My new album is out Enjoy the music people, but please listen to the words. There is another way.
9
112
247
You did the right thing sister. You represent all of those who suffer racism, and I hope you inspire those who tend to stay silent to speak out. To anyone, especially students, wherever you are, don't stand for it. We love you Ruu
@BrunelWriter
9
72
245
I don't tweet food (unless it's cake) bt I just made Ma Po Tufu using this press by
@TofutureLtd
& its so nice I'm dancing. Any 1 who says tofu is boring just can't cook. It's versatile & this press helps. Cake has tofu 2, bt that was made by my m8 Claire.
20
30
244
If U R outraged by the Windrush fiasco U 2 will know that it's disgusting that people R being forced 2 crowdfund 2 keep their children, who should B British by birth, here in the UK.
@UKhomeoffice
must sort this out! Viva Windrush, Viva Chagos generations.
8
208
238
It's obvious that killing animals is bad for animals, but I've always thought that it's also very bad for the 'minds' of the people doing the killing. 'Vulnerable animals are often slaughtered by some of society’s most vulnerable humans'.
18
77
233
Just seen
#Moonlight
without doubt one of the most intelligent films ever seen. This is not la la land. This is reality.
#AltitudeFilms
9
71
234
This is happening. Sandi Toksvig goes roaming with Alan Davies, Sara Pascoe, Josh Widdicombe and Benjamin Zephaniah. It's a beautiful thing.
Yeah. It's QI. It's Tonight, at 9pm. It's on BBC Two..
@qikipedia
6
23
232
The Life and Rhymes and the vital signs of Benjamin Zephaniah.
20
58
225
Homelessness is at crisis point UK. Death of homeless people have doubled in 5 years, & the average age of a rough sleeper at death is 43. Cashless society? I’m supporting Big Issue Pay it Forward – the resellable magazine that keeps on giving & now live.
#payitforward
#bigissue
2
98
220
After years of fighting apartheid I felt very low when I woke up to these this morning. I knew this already of course, but when you see it like this it's stark. When will people learn? I want to say 'Never again', but it looks like it's here. Join the Anti Apartheid Movement.
6
121
221
Yes, this Wednesday I'm joining
@akalamusic
in conversation with
#Stormzy
@BarbicanCentre
. With
@malorieblackman
@judeblay
@chelseakwach
plus
@applesandsnakes
with
@penguinlive
for your edification. Ticket link:
7
58
221
The Windrush Generation changed the NHS, the rail & bus service, & even music in Britian, but what about football? Check me as I talk to descendants of Windrush pioneers about how they've changed the game. It's still a game of two halves. I just have a different perspective.
"Upon great shoulders we all stand!"
This
@England
team could look very different without the Windrush generation.
To celebrate
#WindrushDay
, we're announcing our latest film, Standing Firm: Football’s Windrush Story 🎥
Presented by
@BZephaniah
! 🔜
13
89
319
7
59
224