JEAN TOUCHED THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD
TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR POET, PERFORMER AND CITY ‘AMBASSADOR’
JEAN ‘Binta’ Breeze, a poet and “electrifying” performer who became an arts ambassador in Leicester, has died at the age of 65.
Considered one of the most influential, contemporary poets, she was widely celebrated for her talents.
Jean was born in Hanover, Jamaica, where she attended the Jamaica School of Drama.
After visiting London to take part in the International Book Fair of Radical and Third World Books – known commonly as The Black Book Fair – she soon made England her home.
Her agent, Renaissance One Writers and Events, revealed she died in Jamaica on Wednesday after “period of ill health”.
In a statement, the company said: “Her body of writing and orality, and the warmth and connection she generated through her art, touched the hearts and minds of audiences around the world.
“We are in a state of shock and sadness and we will be mourning her loss for some time.”
Jean was known for her searing poetry performances that often mixed personal, cultural and political contexts. She toured the world.
After settling in Leicester, Jean worked closely with community groups and charities, as well as visiting schools.
Her influence ran deep in her adoptive city, particularly among creative groups.
Tara Munroe, creative director of the community organisation Opal22 Arts and Edutainment said: “We at Opal22 Arts and Edutainment are deeply saddened to hear the news of Jean Binta Breeze’s passing.
“Jean was a true inspiration to all up and coming artists in the city.
“She gave a voice to those of us from the Caribbean and showed us how to be unapologetically unique.”
Pawlet Brookes, chief executive and director of Serendipity, a diversity-led arts organisation in Leicester shared her memories of seeing Jean perform.
She said: “I have had the pleasure to work with Jean over many years.
“One of my treasured memories of Jean is sitting on her verandah in Jamaica to hear her read Poems on the Verandah and then later hearing her perform them in Leicester for Black History Month.
“Jean is a voice of Leicester and the Caribbean, with her energy so powerful she could transport you in an instant, and credit should be given to her work in championing the voices of the Caribbean and stories of women.
“Jean is much loved and will be much missed.”
Civic Leicester, a creative and community multimedia channel described Jean as a “great ambassador” of the city.
Ambrose Musiyiwa, who runs the channel, said: “We are very sad to hear that Jean Binta Breeze has passed.
She added to our rich cultural diversity. Her
legacy lives
Claudia Webbe MP
“Jean was a friend and a source of encouragement to many. The city has lost a great artist and a great ambassador and friend. Our condolences to Jean’s family and friends.”
Upstairs at The Western, Leicester’s pub-theatre venue, took to Twitter to share a short tribute.
It said: “We are so sad to hear this news. Jean graced our stage and filled our auditorium with electrifying poetry and we are sorry we’ll not be hearing her infectious laughter here again.
“Love to Jean’s family.”
As well as being recognised as a powerful and influential performer, Jean wrote numerous books of poems and stories.
She was made an OBE in the Queen’s 2012 birthday honours for her services to literature.
MP for Leicester East, Claudia Webbe, also shared her condolences on Twitter, saying: “So sad to learn of the death of Jean Binta Breeze.
“An internationally-renowned poet, storyteller, theatre director, choreographer, actor, writer and teacher, she added to our rich cultural diversity. Her legacy lives RIP”
In 2017, Jean received an honorary degree from the University of Leicester.
Professor Corinne Fowler, director of the Centre for New Writing at the university, said: “Jean was an unforgettable person and a poet who was globally admired.
“She received an honorary degree from the University of Leicester for her outstanding contribution to poetry, in Leicester and worldwide.
“Her innovative poetry spans decades, her performances were electric. Her death is a sad loss to all of us.”
Jean, who was made an honorary creative writing fellow at a ceremony at De Montfort Hall, Binta said of the honour: “I am delighted with this award.
“It’s the culmination of years of work and being recognised by the Leicester community is a special gift to me.”