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What He Is Famous For:
Benjamin Zephaniah is known for his poetry as well as novels, plays, and more. The type of poetry he wrote is called dub poetry which means it is poetry that is performed and the words are recited over the beat of reggae music. This makes him an inspiration within the poetic world - he did something different and didn't make the kinds of poems people have always been taught in schools.
Talking Turkeys
Talking turkeys is Benjamin Zephaniah's most famous poem and book. It is a poem that talks about heroes, revolutions, racism,love and animal rights. That's a lot of important topics! Here is a part of the book/poem:
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!.
Benjamin Zephaniah then quoted his book:
"The best way to travel is by book, you can go anywhere you like"
We think people should be more aware of different people's heritages and not be rude or disrespectful to them for the way they talk, for example. We should listen and learn.
His Accomplishments and his legacy
His accomplishments:He won the BBC Radio 4 Young Playwrights Festival Award in 1998 and was the recipient of at least sixteen honorary doctorates. A ward at Ealing Hospital was also named in his honour. His second novel, Refugee Boy, was the recipient of the 2002 Portsmouth Book Award in the Longer Novel category. This is why we think many adults and children should hope to be like him.
His legacy: His work drew on his experience of racism, imprisonment, and his Jamaican heritage. He went on to have an accomplished career as a musician, novelist, playwright and actor as well as becoming a Professor at Brunel University. Zephaniah was the recipient of at least sixteen honorary doctorates.
If you want to learn more PLEEEEASE go to benjaminzephaniah.com
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