The pioneering Jamaican dub poet Jean “Binta” Breeze has died aged 65, her agents have confirmed.
Breeze, considered one of the most important and influential contemporary poets, was a regular performer at literary festivals in both the UK and across the world.
She had trained at the Jamaican School of Drama and began writing poetry in the 1970s. Breeze went on to write 10 books of poems and stories, and released five albums of her work.
Her poetry was also used in the Poems on the Underground series in London, with Rising being reprinted in tube carriages for passengers to read.
She died on Wednesday after a period of ill-health, according to her agents, Renaissance One Writers and Events.
In a statement on Twitter, they said: “We are incredibly saddened to announce that our dear friend Jean “Binta” Breeze MBE – poet, artist, theatre director, choreographer, actor and teacher – has died in Jamaica, aged 65. Sending our deepest condolences to her family and friends during this terribly sad time.
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Links:
The Guardian | Jean “Binta” Breeze (Wikipedia)
