The comedy world has paid tribute to poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who has died aged 65. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago.

Zephaniah, from Handsworth, Birmingham, was not a stand-up comedian but when he was starting out as a performer in the 1980s he regularly appeared on comedy bills and in comedy clubs such as Jongleurs in Battersea and also at the Hackney Empire (pictured).

He appeared with host Bridget Christie on the Radio 4 series Museum of Curiosity and appeared with Rhod Gilbert on Stand Up to Infertility.

He famously turned down an OBE at ;east once.

Simon Day wrote on Facebook: "Very sad to hear of the passing of one of our greatest wordsmiths and philosophers. he was a pioneer in many ways and I was honoured to meet him and we talked of many things he was thoughtful and kind and stuck to his principles, I remember being a cab listening to talk radio the day he turned down his mbe cbe whatever and there were all these calls coming in saying how disgusted they were with us behaviour and these were all people of colour !!!! That is what he was up against RIP"

Julian Clary posted on X: "RIP Benjamin. Will miss his wisdom and kindness."

Marcus Brigstocke posted: "Very very sad to hear that Benjamin Zephaniah has died. He was a fascinating, clever, challenging and beautifully articulate man. I was lucky enough to have him as a guest on ‘I’ve Never Seen Star Wars’. RIP."

Mark Steel posted: "Aaaagh not Benjamin Zephaniah? What a warm inspiring soul he was, the most beautifully English Rasta possible."

Rufus Jones posted: "A definition of Britishness - so often an arsehole’s errand, and I don’t look for my country in people. But Benjamin Zephaniah is as good a place to start as anyone- storyteller, smiler charmer, connector, cross examiner of our hidden histories. Mighty man, mighty work. RIP"

Ben Van Der Velde wrote: "Well damn. From the moment I first heard (not read, HEARD) Benjamin Zephaniah's work I wanted to find more. I still do. Heartbreakingly young to lose him. Listen to his Desert Island Discs and chat with Adam Buxton to appreciate some of his wisdom and warmth. Go well, good man."

Adil Ray wrote: "This is so sad. Benjamin Zephaniah was an inspiration and an innovator. We looked to him for his words, wisdom and spirit. He kept me in check. He made me a proud Brummie, he made me a better human and even more so now. Life is cruel, the world has lost one of our greatest Britons."

Comedian John Ryan quoted one of his work: "Sad times. He was always good fun was Ben. A fantastic poet and performer, but a decent lad! We were quite the double act back in the day held together by Charlie Jordan He was a star before he knew it and I was happy to see his recognition grow in later life. I used to call him Boysie in honour of his rarely revealed middle name. 65 is no age ah well Sleep well pal.