Jean “Binta” Breeze is a Jamaican poet and storyteller, born on April 11, 1948, in Jamaica. She is known for her powerful and evocative poetry that explores themes such as love, motherhood, the African diaspora, and the experiences of women.
Breeze grew up in rural Jamaica and began writing poetry at a young age. She moved to England in the 1970s and began performing her poetry at various events and festivals. She gained recognition in the 1980s as one of the leading voices of the dub poetry movement, which fused Jamaican dub music with spoken word poetry.
Breeze’s poetry often explores themes of identity, migration, gender, politics, and social justice. Her writing is known for its use of Jamaican Patois and English, creating a unique blend of language and culture in her work. Breeze has published several collections of poetry, including “Ryddim Ravings,” “Spring Cleaning,” “The Arrival of Brighteye,” and “Third World Girl: Selected Poems.”
In addition to her poetry, Breeze is also a storyteller and has published several collections of folktales, including “The Land of My Birth” (2007) and “The Fourth Wife” (2013).
In addition to her written work, Breeze is also known for her captivating performances. She has toured extensively throughout the world, performing at festivals, schools, and universities. Her performances are often described as powerful and engaging, combining her poetry with music and movement.
Breeze has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Order of Distinction in Jamaica in 2016 for her contribution to Jamaican literature. and an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies in 2019. She continues to inspire and influence poets and performers around the world with her unique voice and powerful storytelling.