Lovely words. We are heart broken in my house ❤💛💚 he had a huge impact on my consciousness and self esteem growing up. His work lives on and my 9 year old now loves him too, as we studied him for home education a few months back. My dad told us of how they would protest together in Handsworth. May his work live on ❤💛💚
I remember when the vegan festival in London was a relatively small, activist affair, and he would turn up every year and just hang out... It was really special to be in the same space as someone so cool, so sound, so lovely, so BRILLIANT, and know that he was "one of us". He had so much more to do in the world and so much more life to live... And he would have been a magnificent old man! I'm going to be sad about this for a very long time 💔
Back in the 80s he was part of a gig I went to in Camden. We stood behind him in the queue for the bar and chatted to him. He was a lovely bloke. I didn't realise back then what a genius he was but I've admired him ever since. His poetry will live on.
@@molitovv They are two people from different backgrounds just because the OBE is wrong for the other guy does not mean it should be wrong for Jonathan Ross, in society we should coexist.
I remember I was 19, I got stuck in London as I missed my train and had no money until the next day until I got paid so I had to sleep rough for 24hrs lol. I went to a local library across from London St Pancras station and looked at a book to read to pass the time. I picked up one of Benjamins book of poetry about cultural diversity within Britain and read it for hours. I always remember that time when I see Benjamin pop up on TV etc. I wasn’t smiling at the time but I smile when I look back.
Same, I picked up my mother's copy of talking turkeys when I was around 11 cause I saw it on the bookshelf & it looked cool, I now read it to my child. Can't wait till he's old enough to read Face, really did change my outlook on life.
@@rorz999 yes man we had to read all that racist crap by Enid Blyton & some books from the school library called : " Little Black Sambo." Admire you BenJAHmin for being true to your beliefs & being a Man of honour & not a man of honours.
Jon Doe in the UK Zephaniah’s poem ‘no problem’ is in the conflict section of Edexcel’s GCSE poetry anthology and it is one of the fifteen poems students learn in order to answer a twenty mark question in their English Literature GCSE exam
A truly noble thing what he has done. Truly noble that only a VERY few would do. More than respect for him for turning this down as it's not only a title but it's fame and riches associated with it.
I didn’t expect to start a comment war here guys! Expanding on my original point just so it’s clearer - the first problem with the honours system (as Benjamin rightly points out in the video) is that the E in OBE et al stands for empire. Imperialism and slavery obviously are pretty shitty things that someone like Benjamin would not want to be seen to implicitly condone by accepting the honour. Secondly though, is the point I was alluding to, which is that having the state officially declare that you are a better person than anybody else, is a pretty odious thing (in my opinion). That mentality is what has its roots in the class system, whereby people could forever be thought to be bound to a particular status, and if this was a high status, be expected to have people act deferentially to them at all times (by being called “sir”). I’m sure the people considering giving Benjamin the honour did so for the right reasons, and wanted to reward good work he has done, but I feel that an official stamp that elevates you above others in the eyes of the state, is pretty repugnant. I may be deferential and respectful to somebody who has done good things in their life, but that would be because I have chosen to act in this way towards them, rather than because I am obligated to do so. Anyway, rant over. Play nice, folks!
@Dea Harri if by “stained” you mean “held responsible for”, then I’d have to disagree, because everyone is an individual with their own respective culpabilities. Some awful things happened in the country of my birth - but we can all contribute to making the country a little bit better in our own way, if we try.
@Dea Harri there are class systems in the UK. The working class and ethnic minorities have always had to fight for their rights, even to this day. So no, we do not all reap the benefits like royalty, aristocracy and upper classes.
haha black people in the UK try act like the ones in the USA when in reality more than three quarters of them came here as economic migrants and received a great deal of help through hospitals, education, housing, democratic choices etc..
@@YouNeedM3to question evils and wrongdoings is the highest form of respect and love to your country. May the people watching this learn that and learn to be better than your small minded thinking is.
@@SurrealExposure12 Wow... big thanks for this... "to question evils and wrongdoings is the highest respect and love to your country". I am deeply moved because you expressed in words what I have been feeling and thinking since a very long time. If people wouldn't identify with their own country's evils and wrongdoings - and of course would not support them, there would be no need for shame, guilt and revenge. Sadly, this still needs to be applied in many countries regarding past and present evils and wrongdoings.
I ain't no yute mate.. Almost 40yrs old, although my young son uses this account to upload vids so I can understand ur confusion.. I forget the name of the poetry competition, it was a group of poems by primary school kids which got compiled and published into a book.
@Jon Doe life expectancy when Jesus was alive was about 35, chances are he and all his followers were fucking kids too. Not to mention it was common practice for people to marry underage about a hundred years ago in the UK. Infact the law was only changed in 1929. Read a fucking book kid.
@@tommydickfingers5145 What have you done for your country ? Plenty immigrant doctors, nurses, business owners and working and contributing in all fields. 90% of you white brits aren't even working class anymore. If it is its a dead end job. The few that are half smart might get into trade. Rest of you are a bunch of Jeremy Kyle show guests who've got nothing going for them living on the dole.
Nate Conner being colourist using outdated racist British language to indicate Wiley is a half breed to support A pro black message? Divide and conquer at its finest here my people.
Big up Narstie for having good guests on, Benjamin is a icon and someone I’ve always looked upto for so many reasons, we need more voices like this on TV!
Do they have one for the numerous flats up and down the u.k that have gone up in flames full of poor whites they dont even make the news I wouldn't mind but nobody gives the guy stick who actually started the fire they called him a hero he put his socks on a toaster for god sake
@@Jobbs4 it's not just a pin it really pisses me off when people blame all white people and say oh it's this country it is inherently racist stormzy goes on stage in his privellage position and uses it to tell the buyers of his album and viewers of mainstream shite that we are all racist ask yourself why you have never seen a white slave on a slave documentary when we all no their were plenty of white slaves the left who's grandfathers owned slaves now own main stream media and make poor whites feel like we should have guilt for it when a good chunk of poor whites ancestors where slaves they are washing the blood of their hands and you dont even no it
He signed his poetry for me when I met him in my post office. I knew the time eveey day he used to come. I will love.him to my dying day. Finally a black role model.
@John Burton ???? There's no business more integrated and diverse than trade??? What the hell are you talking about? Dude what frightens you about people determining their own destiny through the management of their cultural output? And what do you like so much about people from other cultures controlling & reaping the financial, economical and social benefits of someone else's culture? At no stage was anyone talking about any type of separation. Just seriously against having something I create packaged and sold to me!
@John Burton "Ethno Nationalist" 😂😂😂😂Wrong person pal!! I'm about REAL ownership because only through real ownership come sales that lead to profit and real fiscal growth! It's 2020 the world is designed to work for yourself, especially media, not to work for someone who's effectively selling you your own produce whilst expecting you to smile??😂😂😂😂🙈
@John Burton There has never been a State in the history of mankind that has perpetually prospered without the inclusion of other Ethnicities/cultures/groups in some way, shape or form! If you believe the opposite you're deluded. From the Armesh to the Chinese everyone has traded at some point. Trade IS integration because it requires tacit agreement at the highest level of state or authority with authorities or states outside theirs. In addition without trade no community can survive in a modern functioning world. Ethno Nationalism sounds too much like National Socialism to me. Ultimately we're way off topic!! My point is simple, you don't need to be isolated to own and control your destiny, you need to be an organised and united community! Organised and united can exist & co-exist anywhere.
@Jon Doe lol why are you up and down the comments acting skeptical that people actually like this guys writing. Art is subjective, instead of asking others what they like about his work, how about you go find out for yourself if he's good and go read some of his work.
@Nate Conner dumbest shit I've ever heard. No one is born racist you moron. You learn to be a racist, this is like saying black people are born violent thugs. It's obviously not true, it's a learned trait from their surroundings.
Nate Conner what tf do u mean white people are born racist most the people I grew up with were a different race and I got on with them from young i was never taught to not be racist it’s just pathetic to be judgemental over a colour ffs something you’re born with
Benjamin is 100% authentic and always has an interesting and reasoned opinion about things I've always admired this bloke for being the real deal as a human being
This man Mr Benjamin is truly an inspiration to me. Thanks for the depth and promotion of the black people struggle in order to educate those who have no knowledge of it. Keep strong 💪
Fucking hell really ? Black really don't crack 😂 I feel sorry for my self my partner's black and we're the same age when we're 50 he's gonna look great and im gonna look 20 years older 😂😂😂😂
I remember reading his work in primary school, its nice to put a face to the name. He's a true storyteller you see how everyone really absorbed what he was saying. Big respect to him 💚
What an awesome bloke, might just have to check out his poetry some time. He gave a succinct and reasonable answer to turning down the award too, respect!
@Trevor Porter so because he is black he's got the monopoly on the truth about it. He's writes kiddy poetry and has fought against nothing. He's just shamelessly standing on the shoulders of his ancestors.
Rest in power Benjamin Zephaniah. We never met one another, but I will never forget you brother. Two socialist souls, with well meaning goals and hearts that were joined at the lip. We may take a pause, before continuing your cause to mourn your passing, and to celebrate your passion for the suffering of others, for the fathers and mothers who's children went hungry last night. We'll pick up your pencil and use it to stencil, the words injustice is no justice at all. So rest easy brother, till we do meet each other in the stars that sparkle for all...
I love and respect this man so much. My dream is for him to visit my school with the aims of inspiring future revolutionaries and giving advice to creatives. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience that I know my students would appreciate.
Wow... that's deep... I didn't know about that part about his early life... escaping peep's trying to kill him... glad he made it. Always Respected Benjamin Zephaniah... Big Up for Real.
Jon Doe Jon Doe Jon Doe basically I just think if the producers/nasty himself made a conscious effort to always have a person like Benjamin come on the show, it goes from a show that is just jokes, to a show that is jokes and is a platform for thought provoking conversations through the digestible platform of comedy. These types of shows never usually last long in comparison to a Johnathan Ross type show, but it would show the youth that yes we are from ends and can buss jokes all day, but we are also intelligent dons with the understanding of our social context and willing to fight it, all at the same time.
@@realnesx a lot of black british people have been awarded an OBE / MBE for example Wiley, Krept & Konan (duo), M.I.A, Naomie Harris, David Oyelowoe etc etc.. i'm sure their are more, but that's just to name a few. Not everyone needs to accept it that i agree but their allowed to if they want, it's up to each individual. Also does it matter if someone accepts it or not? no it doesn't. Some people are just complaining all the time and too lazy and make excuses to not put in the work. I find it hypocritical he says "i've been fighting empire / slavery all my life" and turns down an OBE while his mother fled from Barbados to go the uk. i mean his family didn't have to go to the uk if they didn't want to it was their choice, but no need to bash a country that you grow up in after leaving your own. If you don't like it then your always free to leave no one forced u to live that.
@@danielpedersen1688 the British said the blacks could come over and get good jobs and better education and better life which was a lie. My dad was a civil engineer top level and could never get a job. The British lied to get the blacks over to do the low skilled jobs. Hence why you rarely see blacks in professional jobs only a rare few especially in the 70s and late 90s. The British system was made to keep blacks down fact. I'm 41 born 1980 grew up in Hackney the education was shit. Back in the day being black and educated and smart didn't guarantee you getting a job or getting in a position your skill set deserves. White people back in the day and even now decided if a black man gets a job or gets selected for a football team or any team sport or individual sport. Black man success decided by a white man. Who decides who makes a team after a trial who decides who gets an Oscar or Grammy or recognition for achievement that can empower black people. I agree it's people's choice if they except the award but I also see why some don't take the award that's all I'm saying. My Dad is Keith Drummond reggae artist group Black slate. My Dad got lucky in the music and done OK. Check song called Amigo. Peace
I was going through a tough time similar to one like Benjamin's and my teacher was friends with him so she sought him out and got him to sign a book for me, at the time I thought he was my role model. But it wasn't it was the teacher who got the book.
Why anyone who came to the UK from it's former colonies would accept imperialist titles is beyond me. Literally take 5 mins to look into your own family history to see why you should spit at the mere thought of it.
RIP Benjamin. A true poet/wrier/musician and activist. Such a loss
Na, the bloke was a waste of space.
@Nick-TheAngloSaxon
Nah that's your dad !
@@eyeandisinclair821 cope you 🤡
@@Nick-AngelpeodSeaxisc.
@@Nick-AngelpeodSeaxiscanglosaxan hahahaha u weirdo
Benjamin died on 7/12/23. He was a brilliant, wise, enlightened man. It's a sad day. Another truly magical soul has left us. RIP Benjamin Zephania 😢
He sucked.
Lovely words. We are heart broken in my house ❤💛💚 he had a huge impact on my consciousness and self esteem growing up. His work lives on and my 9 year old now loves him too, as we studied him for home education a few months back. My dad told us of how they would protest together in Handsworth. May his work live on ❤💛💚
I remember when the vegan festival in London was a relatively small, activist affair, and he would turn up every year and just hang out... It was really special to be in the same space as someone so cool, so sound, so lovely, so BRILLIANT, and know that he was "one of us". He had so much more to do in the world and so much more life to live... And he would have been a magnificent old man! I'm going to be sad about this for a very long time 💔
Back in the 80s he was part of a gig I went to in Camden. We stood behind him in the queue for the bar and chatted to him. He was a lovely bloke. I didn't realise back then what a genius he was but I've admired him ever since. His poetry will live on.
Feeling his loss all over the world. Much respect to a great man.
So refreshing seeing one of these shows let a guest talk, everyone just listening to the stories with respect. I hope more shows follow suit.
@Jon Doe man obviously meant one of these type of shows(talk show) not on about this show not letting guests talk. Give your head a wobble
Nate Conner Jonathan Ross has an OBE I think, so a little awkward for him to clap.
@@molitovv LOL at that. He was so hesitant.
@@thewheatfields8852 nah makes sense that he was quiet coz 👀really and truly what's he gonna say💀💀💀
@@molitovv They are two people from different backgrounds just because the OBE is wrong for the other guy does not mean it should be wrong for Jonathan Ross, in society we should coexist.
I remember I was 19, I got stuck in London as I missed my train and had no money until the next day until I got paid so I had to sleep rough for 24hrs lol. I went to a local library across from London St Pancras station and looked at a book to read to pass the time. I picked up one of Benjamins book of poetry about cultural diversity within Britain and read it for hours. I always remember that time when I see Benjamin pop up on TV etc. I wasn’t smiling at the time but I smile when I look back.
What a MAN ! Used to study his poetry in school 👏🏼
At school we studied his book Gangster Rap and it was a good read
Same, Benjamin is a icon, we need more voices like his!
We did too! And that name stuck in my head ever since 2003 primary school and when I aeen this episode I was like oh shit 😳
He didn’t go to school 🤣🤣🤣
@@MAZ732 Imagine not going to school and people still study your literature ,maybe you should be laughing at your ignorance and stupidity
He's a sick writer. The only poet I've ever read because I've wanted to and not because I was forced to by my school.
Same, I picked up my mother's copy of talking turkeys when I was around 11 cause I saw it on the bookshelf & it looked cool, I now read it to my child. Can't wait till he's old enough to read Face, really did change my outlook on life.
We actually studied him when I was at school about 10 years ago
@@rorz999 yes man we had to read all that racist crap by Enid Blyton & some books from the school library called :
" Little Black Sambo."
Admire you BenJAHmin for being true to your beliefs & being a Man of honour &
not a man of honours.
Jon Doe in the UK Zephaniah’s poem ‘no problem’ is in the conflict section of Edexcel’s GCSE poetry anthology and it is one of the fifteen poems students learn in order to answer a twenty mark question in their English Literature GCSE exam
I did his work for gcse. This was way back in mid 2000s though
Honestly, the honours system is such bullshit. It’s rooted in class and snobbery. Respect to Benjamin for turning it down
A truly noble thing what he has done. Truly noble that only a VERY few would do. More than respect for him for turning this down as it's not only a title but it's fame and riches associated with it.
Keen On Deen John’s number two enemy is British Imperialism, but number one is punctuation
I didn’t expect to start a comment war here guys! Expanding on my original point just so it’s clearer - the first problem with the honours system (as Benjamin rightly points out in the video) is that the E in OBE et al stands for empire. Imperialism and slavery obviously are pretty shitty things that someone like Benjamin would not want to be seen to implicitly condone by accepting the honour. Secondly though, is the point I was alluding to, which is that having the state officially declare that you are a better person than anybody else, is a pretty odious thing (in my opinion). That mentality is what has its roots in the class system, whereby people could forever be thought to be bound to a particular status, and if this was a high status, be expected to have people act deferentially to them at all times (by being called “sir”). I’m sure the people considering giving Benjamin the honour did so for the right reasons, and wanted to reward good work he has done, but I feel that an official stamp that elevates you above others in the eyes of the state, is pretty repugnant. I may be deferential and respectful to somebody who has done good things in their life, but that would be because I have chosen to act in this way towards them, rather than because I am obligated to do so. Anyway, rant over. Play nice, folks!
@Dea Harri if by “stained” you mean “held responsible for”, then I’d have to disagree, because everyone is an individual with their own respective culpabilities. Some awful things happened in the country of my birth - but we can all contribute to making the country a little bit better in our own way, if we try.
@Dea Harri there are class systems in the UK. The working class and ethnic minorities have always had to fight for their rights, even to this day. So no, we do not all reap the benefits like royalty, aristocracy and upper classes.
One of the most important moments I've seen on a talk show. This guy is a Real G the realist they come and an inspiration. More life to this Legend
His family fled there native country for a better and safe life.... look how he shows respect to that
@Jon Doe hes playing the victim card... lol but hes deffo robbed a few people grows
haha black people in the UK try act like the ones in the USA when in reality more than three quarters of them came here as economic migrants and received a great deal of help through hospitals, education, housing, democratic choices etc..
@@YouNeedM3to question evils and wrongdoings is the highest form of respect and love to your country. May the people watching this learn that and learn to be better than your small minded thinking is.
@@SurrealExposure12 Wow... big thanks for this... "to question evils and wrongdoings is the highest respect and love to your country". I am deeply moved because you expressed in words what I have been feeling and thinking since a very long time. If people wouldn't identify with their own country's evils and wrongdoings - and of course would not support them, there would be no need for shame, guilt and revenge. Sadly, this still needs to be applied in many countries regarding past and present evils and wrongdoings.
We lost a cultural Titan today. Rest In Power, Benjamin Zephaniah 💚🖤❤️
I remember meeting Benjamin after winning a poetry competition at school almost 30 years ago..
He looks and sounds the exact same, hasn't aged a day.
Yusufpro134 WHY YOU YUTES ALWAYS LYING
I ain't no yute mate..
Almost 40yrs old, although my young son uses this account to upload vids so I can understand ur confusion..
I forget the name of the poetry competition, it was a group of poems by primary school kids which got compiled and published into a book.
Jon Doe why you lying
@Jon Doe life expectancy when Jesus was alive was about 35, chances are he and all his followers were fucking kids too. Not to mention it was common practice for people to marry underage about a hundred years ago in the UK. Infact the law was only changed in 1929. Read a fucking book kid.
Big Narstie giving proper guests a chance to come on 👍👍🙏
Hearing why a poet from the same ends as me turned down his OBE hit me in my heart, shed a few tears too...big love to you Benjamin Zephaniah 👊🏼
Return home and fight for your people instead off leaching of the white man.
@@tommydickfingers5145 hello bigot, we are here to stay, and your daughter loves us
@@tommydickfingers5145 Leaching of the white man? The same that has terrorised entire nations and still to this day leaches off 3th world countries?
@@tommydickfingers5145
What have you done for your country ? Plenty immigrant doctors, nurses, business owners and working and contributing in all fields.
90% of you white brits aren't even working class anymore. If it is its a dead end job. The few that are half smart might get into trade. Rest of you are a bunch of Jeremy Kyle show guests who've got nothing going for them living on the dole.
What ends would they be? The dead ends? Lol. Do me a favor. Chap is a muppet
Rest in peace, Professor Benjamin. A true inspiration. 😢 💐
I love how you can literally hear a pin drop when Benjamin is talking - he’s teaching the youth!
Benjamin is a rare man indeed
Whys Tinie Tempah clapping like he wouldn't accept that award
Trust. Tinie would snap that shit up
@@nevemorris2614 lmao.. real talk!
You don’t know if he would or not that’s an uneccessary thing to say
@@onetwo-yr5ti move along
Tinie seems vapid
What an absolute hero and inspiration. Being dyslexic myself, I have always admired Benjamin and what he has achieved.
Nate Conner I support reparations.
Benjamin Zephaniah a true Black British Icon. Glad he turned down an OBE and a few years ago so did Skepta 👊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
The Alkebulan Trust and George the Poet
Nate Conner being colourist using outdated racist British language to indicate Wiley is a half breed to support A pro black message? Divide and conquer at its finest here my people.
BumbaClark Kent Nate Conner is black u not seen the shit he’s been putting in other comments you’re just fighting ur own😂
Nate Conner 🤔 Wileys is not mixed
@@AlAl-yh9lw either you didnt read what I wrote.. or you are simple,
your use of the smiley face makes me think the latter
Big up Narstie for having good guests on, Benjamin is a icon and someone I’ve always looked upto for so many reasons, we need more voices like this on TV!
RIP true pioneer who fought for so much gone too soon
man never forgot his roots 💯 still local in handsworth. really put handsworth on the map
My guy he went to my school back in the day.
In sheffield?
@@ukdonz5361 na Birmingham
Handsworth is undoubtedly a shit hole though, let's be honest
@@HeresaBanana nah
RIP Benjamin! He’s an honest guy. Very profound
Respect for wearing a Grenfell Speaks pin, #JusticeforGrenfell
Do they have one for the numerous flats up and down the u.k that have gone up in flames full of poor whites they dont even make the news I wouldn't mind but nobody gives the guy stick who actually started the fire they called him a hero he put his socks on a toaster for god sake
@@thetaffia. I think you are looking way too much into a pin lol
@@Jobbs4 it's not just a pin it really pisses me off when people blame all white people and say oh it's this country it is inherently racist stormzy goes on stage in his privellage position and uses it to tell the buyers of his album and viewers of mainstream shite that we are all racist ask yourself why you have never seen a white slave on a slave documentary when we all no their were plenty of white slaves the left who's grandfathers owned slaves now own main stream media and make poor whites feel like we should have guilt for it when a good chunk of poor whites ancestors where slaves they are washing the blood of their hands and you dont even no it
@@thetaffia. yeahhh....your talking shit
@@thetaffia. Again, think you're looking to deep into it. You have gone from talking about a pin to talking about slavery. Keep on track love
The world needs more people like Benjamin. RIP.
Omg!!! My favourite poet of all time! My first book was Talking Turkeys by Benjamin Zephaniah ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
He signed his poetry for me when I met him in my post office. I knew the time eveey day he used to come. I will love.him to my dying day. Finally a black role model.
News just in...aged 65. May you RIP legendary poet 😢
I have a LOT of respect for Benjamin Zephaniah
Too sad for words - another sincere, decent human being and great poet has passed away far too soon.
Daym... this brought back memories, he came to my secondary school and did a reading
Integrity is PRICELESS...salute Ras Benjy...thou good snd faithful 🙏🏾🙏🏾☝🏿
This guy is been a hero of mine since school he’s the only person in school I was excited to read his poems and learn about him
Ownership of your culture is a right of all cultures but only the staple of a few. Ownership means representation, remuneration, trade & control.
@John Burton ???? There's no business more integrated and diverse than trade??? What the hell are you talking about? Dude what frightens you about people determining their own destiny through the management of their cultural output? And what do you like so much about people from other cultures controlling & reaping the financial, economical and social benefits of someone else's culture? At no stage was anyone talking about any type of separation. Just seriously against having something I create packaged and sold to me!
@John Burton "Ethno Nationalist" 😂😂😂😂Wrong person pal!! I'm about REAL ownership because only through real ownership come sales that lead to profit and real fiscal growth! It's 2020 the world is designed to work for yourself, especially media, not to work for someone who's effectively selling you your own produce whilst expecting you to smile??😂😂😂😂🙈
@John Burton No very clear headed actually thank you.
@John Burton There has never been a State in the history of mankind that has perpetually prospered without the inclusion of other Ethnicities/cultures/groups in some way, shape or form! If you believe the opposite you're deluded. From the Armesh to the Chinese everyone has traded at some point. Trade IS integration because it requires tacit agreement at the highest level of state or authority with authorities or states outside theirs. In addition without trade no community can survive in a modern functioning world. Ethno Nationalism sounds too much like National Socialism to me. Ultimately we're way off topic!! My point is simple, you don't need to be isolated to own and control your destiny, you need to be an organised and united community! Organised and united can exist & co-exist anywhere.
@Jon Doe youve got a iq below 70 thats for sure
Benjamin Zephaniah's book "Face" got me into reading when I was 9.
@Jon Doe Fit in where? My comment was one of the first on the vid.
@Jon Doe lol why are you up and down the comments acting skeptical that people actually like this guys writing. Art is subjective, instead of asking others what they like about his work, how about you go find out for yourself if he's good and go read some of his work.
Jonathan Ross awkwardly clapping because he knows he has an Obe
Sexy Hair Dont Care
@Nate Conner dumbest shit I've ever heard. No one is born racist you moron. You learn to be a racist, this is like saying black people are born violent thugs. It's obviously not true, it's a learned trait from their surroundings.
@Nate Conner so a 6-month old white baby is racist but 6-month old black baby is not?.....
@Nate Conner That's right, you keep playing victim. That's what black people are born with. VICTIM MENTALITY. It can't be helped.
Nate Conner what tf do u mean white people are born racist most the people I grew up with were a different race and I got on with them from young i was never taught to not be racist it’s just pathetic to be judgemental over a colour ffs something you’re born with
So good to see Benjamin on here ✊🏾
I met him at school, he signed my book.big up ben🙌🏽
This is the first time I saw him on youtube. I read his poetry in school thats why I thought he might be dead or at least too old. :)
Ben Zephaniah is an inspiration!! Love his poetry and what he stands for!! Bless!!!
Mad respect to this man from an Indigenous Australian
Benjamin is 100% authentic and always has an interesting and reasoned opinion about things I've always admired this bloke for being the real deal as a human being
What an example to young people (of all races) as someone who stands by their convictions.
Got mad respect for this brother Benjamin love from East Africa! 💯💯💯
A man of intelligence and integrity
Hear what man said about his award.....know yourself people
Ewarton Charlton need to wake up and quick
Bmt the levels
Koolkid best playing with spears and tribal fighting then eh
@Koolkid I bet you don't even know where your ancestors are from. Stop talking nonsense.
@Sceptic Human 😂😂😂😂😂
One of the first Authors that got me glued onto a book in School days. BIG UP man like Benjamin the Great!
This man Mr Benjamin is truly an inspiration to me. Thanks for the depth and promotion of the black people struggle in order to educate those who have no knowledge of it. Keep strong 💪
Yooo. The man made me emotional. Big up. So real.
A man true to his words, that’s a rare thing these days!
Big up! For turning down the OBE.💥🤛🏿
Btw he’s in his 60s aswell black don’t crack.
Fucking hell really ? Black really don't crack 😂 I feel sorry for my self my partner's black and we're the same age when we're 50 he's gonna look great and im gonna look 20 years older 😂😂😂😂
@John Burton no, they don't
Black don’t crack unless you smoke it
@John Burton nope
@John Burton they really dont
hes got an such a capturing energy, people have no choice but to listen to him. rare, shows he does alot more than we can see
Good for him standing for what he believes in ..
We must protect this man at all cost.
I love Zephaniah's poems and his integrity. I never knew he turned his OBE down. Respect.
Benjamin Zephaniah wow ! I learned about him in school. Proud
Can still remember the day Zephaniah came to our school and delivered a motivational speech. Power. Presence.
When ur Teachers and people put u in a box, u break out and create ur own History, well done Sir, well done!!💚🏺
This guy is a hero!
You're amazing and my children will know of your poetry. Your legacy lives on forever. R.I.P Sir. Gone too soon!
I have so much 'Raspect' for Benjamin! He's a legend!
I remember reading his work in primary school, its nice to put a face to the name. He's a true storyteller you see how everyone really absorbed what he was saying. Big respect to him 💚
The days when Ben came through were great days. Real radical frontline days . Good on him for not accepting the nasty OBE
What an awesome bloke, might just have to check out his poetry some time. He gave a succinct and reasonable answer to turning down the award too, respect!
3:35
Mr Ross not clapping so enthusiasticly. Lol.
Upper class mentality, he won't understand
Papa Nabri I just think he was taking in the concept, he’s the type of guy who might be up for a title like that so probably made him think about it
Over analysing it man, he seems a balanced dude
@Trevor Porter so because he is black he's got the monopoly on the truth about it. He's writes kiddy poetry and has fought against nothing. He's just shamelessly standing on the shoulders of his ancestors.
Don't even know why Ross would go on this show??? Lol to prove he is not a racist?? No one there wanted him there, just a token white dude. Lmao
Bless up, had this fine man come to my school in secondary many years ago. Respekk
What a legend. I was waiting for someone to do that. We don't do things for these titles. 🙏💯
Respect to my uncle proud of him!!👊🏽
I love Benjamin Zephaniah, he is so cool.
I can feel his patter and smile in my heart.
Hit the nail on the head 🔨
Came here after seeing a clip on twitter, and apparently I’ve watched this already lol. I’ll always watch this more than once!
I remember Benji when he used to live in Manor Park. Conscious from the day and still that way.
i love this dude, his books were lit back in Primary
One few people that deserve respect for living up to the standards hes set off himself .well done .
I love Benjamin for saying no to OBE❤❤❤❤❤I met Benjamin and shook his hand in my post office. He signed his books for my niece. Big fan
Best clip I’ve seen on bns no cap (top5too) Benjamin is a gift n pleasure to society
Well done ch4 narstie mo n cast sincerely
One of the greatest Birmingham is truly blessed to have this man
Rest in power Benjamin Zephaniah.
We never met one another,
but I will never forget you brother.
Two socialist souls,
with well meaning goals
and hearts that were joined at the lip.
We may take a pause,
before continuing your cause
to mourn your passing,
and to celebrate your passion
for the suffering of others,
for the fathers and mothers
who's children went hungry last night.
We'll pick up your pencil
and use it to stencil,
the words
injustice is no justice at all.
So rest easy brother,
till we do meet each other
in the stars that sparkle for all...
Benjamin zephaniah is an absolute legend such a gent
What an inspirational guy! Wicked clip! It would be Kool to see more content like this on The Big Narstie Show! ✊🏾
I love and respect this man so much. My dream is for him to visit my school with the aims of inspiring future revolutionaries and giving advice to creatives. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience that I know my students would appreciate.
I love Benjamin , what a great poet
That made me cry 😢 Powerful stuff 🙏🏻 Authenticity is a rare beauty x x
Wow... that's deep... I didn't know about that part about his early life... escaping peep's trying to kill him... glad he made it. Always Respected Benjamin Zephaniah... Big Up for Real.
He must of done so low life shjt if someone is trying to kill him. Also he should be jailed for possession of a fire arm.
If there was more ‘depth’ like man was saying, the show could become a staple of the culture
Jon Doe Jon Doe Jon Doe basically I just think if the producers/nasty himself made a conscious effort to always have a person like Benjamin come on the show, it goes from a show that is just jokes, to a show that is jokes and is a platform for thought provoking conversations through the digestible platform of comedy. These types of shows never usually last long in comparison to a Johnathan Ross type show, but it would show the youth that yes we are from ends and can buss jokes all day, but we are also intelligent dons with the understanding of our social context and willing to fight it, all at the same time.
The elite and powers that be won't allow the show to get on that level, that was a one off. I feel what your saying though
How many black British coconuts have an OBE. They need to learn from this man
@@realnesx a lot of black british people have been awarded an OBE / MBE for example Wiley, Krept & Konan (duo), M.I.A, Naomie Harris, David Oyelowoe etc etc.. i'm sure their are more, but that's just to name a few. Not everyone needs to accept it that i agree but their allowed to if they want, it's up to each individual. Also does it matter if someone accepts it or not? no it doesn't. Some people are just complaining all the time and too lazy and make excuses to not put in the work. I find it hypocritical he says "i've been fighting empire / slavery all my life" and turns down an OBE while his mother fled from Barbados to go the uk. i mean his family didn't have to go to the uk if they didn't want to it was their choice, but no need to bash a country that you grow up in after leaving your own. If you don't like it then your always free to leave no one forced u to live that.
@@danielpedersen1688 the British said the blacks could come over and get good jobs and better education and better life which was a lie. My dad was a civil engineer top level and could never get a job. The British lied to get the blacks over to do the low skilled jobs. Hence why you rarely see blacks in professional jobs only a rare few especially in the 70s and late 90s. The British system was made to keep blacks down fact. I'm 41 born 1980 grew up in Hackney the education was shit.
Back in the day being black and educated and smart didn't guarantee you getting a job or getting in a position your skill set deserves.
White people back in the day and even now decided if a black man gets a job or gets selected for a football team or any team sport or individual sport. Black man success decided by a white man. Who decides who makes a team after a trial who decides who gets an Oscar or Grammy or recognition for achievement that can empower black people. I agree it's people's choice if they except the award but I also see why some don't take the award that's all I'm saying. My Dad is Keith Drummond reggae artist group Black slate. My Dad got lucky in the music and done OK. Check song called Amigo. Peace
RIP Benjamin Zephaniah
Rest in Power Sir Benjamin 🕊️
Rest in power Benjamin
what a brilliant man good on you .......pity others dont have the same integrity
Love this, he has the whole audience captivated
Mate the audience is stupid they will clap to anything lol they tell you to clap.
Benjamin is the reason I am even able to articulate my self through lyrics! To have this guy on Big Narstie is absolute levels!
I was going through a tough time similar to one like Benjamin's and my teacher was friends with him so she sought him out and got him to sign a book for me, at the time I thought he was my role model. But it wasn't it was the teacher who got the book.
Loved how the other guests listened too. Wisdom being imparted, and they knew it.
Why anyone who came to the UK from it's former colonies would accept imperialist titles is beyond me. Literally take 5 mins to look into your own family history to see why you should spit at the mere thought of it.
100% agree.
Thank you. Common sense.
Why anyone would willingly live somewhere they hate is beyond me.
Then why live in the UK? Stupid
111 111, unfortunately, there is no were on the plant that likes black people.
What great principled man big respect.
Rip big man. So sad😢
He was and is a REAL TREASURE ❤❤❤
Good to see a man sticking to his principles
Benjamin’s a good guy… lot of time for him 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hats off to him for rejecting the OBE!!!!