The Funeral of Benjamin Zephaniah - Rugby Funeral Videography

Artwork by Mukhtar Dar

I had the privilege of filming the funeral of Benjamin Zephaniah

As a funeral videographer, I consider it an extraordinary privilege to film and capture the intimate moments of people's lives, especially during their most poignant and challenging times. To document the shared memories of those who have departed is an incredible responsibility and something I am extremely passionate about. Such a privilege became profoundly evident when I was entrusted to film the private funeral of Benjamin Zephaniah, a renowned British Jamaican poet, writer, and animal rights activist.

This unique funeral, set amidst a natural burial ground, remained private and open to only close family and friends, to honour the poet's wishes for privacy. In this blog post, I'd like to share my experience of this muddy yet memorable event, paying tribute to the man who touched countless lives through his words and activism.

Artwork by Mukhtar Dar

Benjamin Zephaniah - A Poet and campaigner

Benjamin Zephaniah, born in Birmingham in April 1958, was a remarkable poet and campaigner who dedicated his life to speaking out against political injustice and advocating for animal rights. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly before his passing on 7th December 2023, at the age of 65. To respect his love for nature and his aversion to cut flowers, well-wishers were asked to plant flowers or trees in his memory instead.

The funeral, held privately, was an intimate gathering of family and close friends who braved the elements and the mud to bid their final farewell to this amazing man. The natural burial ground provided a serene and fitting backdrop for this solemn occasion, allowing those in attendance to connect with nature, just as Benjamin had throughout his life.

A Musical Tribute

Benjamin Zephaniah's funeral was a vibrant celebration of his life and work, a celebration that I was asked to meticulously document as a funeral videographer on behalf of the family. Traditional Jamaican drummers filled the air with rhythmic beats, setting the tone for a deeply spiritual and culturally rich ceremony. Music that he had written and cherished played a central role throughout the service. His own poems echoed in the hearts of those present, serving as a testament to his enduring literary legacy. Tributes from family and friends took centre stage, with an open mic allowing everyone to freely share their memories, stories, and heartfelt messages.

Listening to Stories of Lives Lived:

One of the privileges I cherish as a funeral videographer is the opportunity to listen to stories about people's lives, the remarkable things they did and achieved. Benjamin Zephaniah's funeral was no exception. As I filmed the day, I couldn't help but be moved by the tales of his impact on others, both through his art and his activism.

Despite the rain, everyone stayed together, united in their love and admiration for the man they had come to honour. As the muddy ground bore witness to this remarkable gathering, it became a symbol of resilience, reflecting the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Conclusion:

Benjamin Zephaniah's private funeral may have been one of the muddiest I've ever covered through my funeral videography, but it was also one of the most poignant, heartfelt, and spiritually rich. As we reflect on his life and the impact he had on the world, we remember a man who lived his values, spoke truth to power, and left an indelible mark on literature, activism, and the hearts of those who knew him.

In this moment of remembrance, we are reminded of the enduring power of words, the beauty of nature, and the importance of standing up for what we believe in. Let us honour Benjamin Zephaniah's memory by continuing his legacy of compassion, justice, and the pursuit of a better world, all meticulously preserved in my funeral videography.