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1. Childhood

Episode 1 of 5

Benjamin Zephaniah reads his autobiography, which begins with his childhood growing up in Birmingham. A childhood coloured with love and violence and his introduction to poetry.

The celebrated poet Benjamin Zephaniah died in December 2023. As a tribute, Radio 4 is broadcasting the 2018 Book of the Week recording of his autobiography The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah, which begins with his childhood growing up in Birmingham.

It was a childhood coloured with love and violence, but it was also where his love of poetry first evolved and his relationship with his parents go in two very different directions.

Written and read by Benjamin Zephaniah
Abridged by Sara Davies
Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4

15 minutes

Last on

Tue 9 Apr 202400:30
BBC Radio 4

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2. Hustle

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Credits

ReaderBenjamin Zephaniah
AuthorBenjamin Zephaniah
AbridgerSara Davies
ProducerCelia de Wolff

Broadcasts

  • Mon 30 Apr 201809:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Tue 1 May 201800:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Mon 6 Feb 202307:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 6 Feb 202312:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 6 Feb 202317:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 7 Feb 202302:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 8 Apr 202411:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Tue 9 Apr 202400:30
    BBC Radio 4 FM