Vibes and Verses : A Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah
In celebration of Windrush Day, join us for a lively celebration of Benjamin Zephaniah, one of Britain’s most dynamic poets! This short, interactive course explores his life, his fiery poetry and the themes which make his work resonant today. Through readings, discussion and performance, you’ll get a real sense of why Zephaniah’s words continue to inspire.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
We’ll explore his journey from Birmingham to global recognition, his activism and his unique style of performance poetry. You’ll experience his work in a fun, hands-on way and see how his poetry speaks to social issues, identity and personal expression.
What will we cover?
Zephaniah’s early life and influences
Major themes in his poetry: social justice, identity, and resistance
Performance style: rhythm, rhyme, and expression
Selected readings: sharing and interpreting his work
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Describe key aspects of Zephaniah’s life and career
Recognize central themes in his poetry
Read aloud or perform a short poem with awareness of rhythm and expression
Discuss why his work continues to be relevant and inspiring
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Open to all, no prior knowledge of poetry or Zephaniah required
Just bring your curiosity and willingness to engage
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Interactive discussion, guided readings and group participation
No extra reading outside of the class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All materials will be provided by the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Look for other poetry courses in the Literature programme on our website at www.citylit.ac.uk/humanities/literature/poetry.
Trained at Cambridge University and UCL, Jessica Wilson is British-born of Jamaican descent, moving between Montego Bay and London. She has six fiction books focussed on the Caribbean, West African and Black British experience set for release within the next 3 years. She was a participant within Penguin Random House's 'WriteNow', shortlisted for an Aesthetica Creative Writing Award and, most recently, the recipient of the Royal Society of Authors' Arthur Welton Award for poetry. Her first book, 'Sofia the Dreamer and Her Magical Afro' was a National Poetry Day Recommended Read and endorsed by Benjamin Zephaniah and Afua Hirsch. Jessica has worked as a speaker, tutor and consultant for The Race Council, BookTrust Represents, University of the West Indies, Pan MacMillan and School Library Association.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/vibes-and-verses-a-tribute-to-benjamin-zephaniah3019153Vibes and Verses : A Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniahhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/demystifying-poetry-hlt354-1080.jpg6969GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Poetry22851177118711901228511771187<p>In celebration of Windrush Day, join us for a lively celebration of Benjamin Zephaniah, one of Britain’s most dynamic poets! This short, interactive course explores his life, his fiery poetry and the themes which make his work resonant today. Through readings, discussion and performance, you’ll get a real sense of why Zephaniah’s words continue to inspire.</p><p> </p>003019147Vibes and Verses : A Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah6969https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/demystifying-poetry-hlt354-1080.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-08-01T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAug 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHLT4046969Vibes and Verses : A Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah554569Jessica Wilsonvibes-and-verses-a-tribute-to-benjamin-zephaniah/hlt404-2526<p>In celebration of Windrush Day, join us for a lively celebration of Benjamin Zephaniah, one of Britain’s most dynamic poets! This short, interactive course explores his life, his fiery poetry and the themes which make his work resonant today. Through readings, discussion and performance, you’ll get a real sense of why Zephaniah’s words continue to inspire.</p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-08-01 00:00:00<p>We’ll explore his journey from Birmingham to global recognition, his activism and his unique style of performance poetry. You’ll experience his work in a fun, hands-on way and see how his poetry speaks to social issues, identity and personal expression.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In celebration of Windrush Day, join us for a lively celebration of Benjamin Zephaniah, one of Britain’s most dynamic poets! This short, interactive course explores his life, his fiery poetry and the themes which make his work resonant today. Through readings, discussion and performance, you’ll get a real sense of why Zephaniah’s words continue to inspire.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Zephaniah’s early life and influences</li><li>Major themes in his poetry: social justice, identity, and resistance</li><li>Performance style: rhythm, rhyme, and expression</li><li>Selected readings: sharing and interpreting his work </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Describe key aspects of Zephaniah’s life and career</li><li>Recognize central themes in his poetry</li><li>Read aloud or perform a short poem with awareness of rhythm and expression</li><li>Discuss why his work continues to be relevant and inspiring</li></ul><p>Open to all, no prior knowledge of poetry or Zephaniah required</p><p>Just bring your curiosity and willingness to engage</p><p>Interactive discussion, guided readings and group participation</p><p>No extra reading outside of the class.</p><p>All materials will be provided by the tutor.</p><p>Look for other poetry courses in the Literature programme on our website at www.citylit.ac.uk/humanities/literature/poetry.</p><p> </p>LiteraturePoetryvirtual556945HLT404NONESat01/08/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetJessica WilsonBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-08-01T00:00:00+00:00Aug 2026Culture, history & humanities6969Vibes and Verses : A Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniahvibes-and-verses-a-tribute-to-benjamin-zephaniah/hlt404-2526<p>In celebration of Windrush Day, join us for a lively celebration of Benjamin Zephaniah, one of Britain’s most dynamic poets! This short, interactive course explores his life, his fiery poetry and the themes which make his work resonant today. Through readings, discussion and performance, you’ll get a real sense of why Zephaniah’s words continue to inspire.</p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-08-01 00:00:00<p>We’ll explore his journey from Birmingham to global recognition, his activism and his unique style of performance poetry. You’ll experience his work in a fun, hands-on way and see how his poetry speaks to social issues, identity and personal expression.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In celebration of Windrush Day, join us for a lively celebration of Benjamin Zephaniah, one of Britain’s most dynamic poets! This short, interactive course explores his life, his fiery poetry and the themes which make his work resonant today. Through readings, discussion and performance, you’ll get a real sense of why Zephaniah’s words continue to inspire.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Zephaniah’s early life and influences</li><li>Major themes in his poetry: social justice, identity, and resistance</li><li>Performance style: rhythm, rhyme, and expression</li><li>Selected readings: sharing and interpreting his work </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Describe key aspects of Zephaniah’s life and career</li><li>Recognize central themes in his poetry</li><li>Read aloud or perform a short poem with awareness of rhythm and expression</li><li>Discuss why his work continues to be relevant and inspiring</li></ul><p>Open to all, no prior knowledge of poetry or Zephaniah required</p><p>Just bring your curiosity and willingness to engage</p><p>Interactive discussion, guided readings and group participation</p><p>No extra reading outside of the class.</p><p>All materials will be provided by the tutor.</p><p>Look for other poetry courses in the Literature programme on our website at www.citylit.ac.uk/humanities/literature/poetry.</p><p> </p>LiteraturePoetryconfigurable
11901187Poetryhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/literature/poetry1/2/285/1177/1187/11901/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Poetry
