Actor, musician, and poet Benjamin Zephaniah has passed away aged 65, just weeks after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The sad news was shared on his Instagram page in a statement, which read: "It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the death of our beloved husband, son and brother in the early hours of this morning 7th December 2023.

"Benjamin was diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago.

"Benamin's wife was by his side throughout and with with him when he passed. We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news.

"Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator he gave the world so much.

"Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy. Thank you for the love you have shown Professor Benjamin Zephaniah."

Fans were quick to pay tribute to Benjamin, with one writing: "This news really saddens me. I’m a big fan. I was lucky enough to meet him and tell him how much I liked his poetry and what he stood for. My heart goes out to his family and friends."

"This is heart-breaking. His words, his activism was and is powerful. He opened up my mind to how I view the world today. Love to you and yours. R.I.P" added another.

While a third penned: "Oh I am so so sorry to hear this. A true legend in our midst. His beauty lives on eternally through the magical words he has given us. Sending love"

Benjamin was perhaps best known as a poet, and was included on The Times's list of Britain's top 50 post-war writers in 2008. He was also dubbed "the people's laureate" by The Birmingham Mail.

His first poetry collection Pen Rhythm was published 1980 and he followed this with a number of other collections throughout his life.

Alongside his career as a poet, Benjamin also worked as a musician, playwright and actor. In 1982 he released his first album Rasta, which featured the Wailers' first recording since the death of Bob Marley.

He made a number of TV appearances throughout his life, most recently in Peaky Blinders as Jeremiah "Jimmy" Jesus, appearing in 14 episodes of the show.

Benjamin was also known as a political activist, and was an outspoken anarchist, vegan, and anti-racism campaigner.

He made headlines back in 2003, when he rejected an OBE, stating that he was "proudly anti-empire."

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