BENJAI One of the most lyrically savvy artistes to come up within the last decade, Benjai is poised to make significant advances on the international music arena in the coming months. He is already among the most sought after soca / ragga-soca acts along the east coast of the United States commanding audiences of thousands with his engaging performance style and infectious personality. As Benjai celebrates his tenth anniversary as a professional artiste, he looks forward to ascending to the next level of a career in which he has made significant contributions to the sound of the soca genre. That trademark Benjai sound has influenced the music of a number of successful young artistes and musicians, yet Benjai continues to stand out as unique and nonpareil. Born Rodney Le Blanc in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Benjai comes from the eastern community of Arima, which boasts a rich tradition of music and was the birthplace of legendary musical icons such as the calypsonian the Lord Kitchener and broadcaster, Holly Betaudier who is credited with playing a major in keeping traditional parang music (Spanish Christmas songs) alive over the last four decades. In the early years of his career Benjai participated in soundclashes alongside other youth who would gather in Arima and other parts of the island to lyrically spar against each other. Having proved himself as one of the more proficient freestyle lyricists, Benjai in 2002 took his talent into the recording studio where he recorded his debut single, "Over And Over," which proved an instant runaway hit, paving the way for what has thus far been a phenomenal career. Although making great strides as a solo artiste Benjai accepted an invitation from longtime friend, Bunji Garlin who was in need of a strong vocal presence alongside him in the Asylum Band. Garlin himself was riding a crest of success and the union of these two created an unstoppable musical force that stormed through the Caribbean and North America. Benjai, however, continued to stand out at times dominating the Asylum stage eventually making the decision to return to flying solo. The next artiste to come knocking on Benjai's door was Machel Montano who impressed by Benjai's composing skills and performance style invited him to be a part of the world famous HD Family. This move led to the creation of "Amnesty," one of the most poignant songs of the last decade addressing the effects of crime on the nation. Composed by Benjai the song featured him and Montano in a stellar duet performance. After a successful year touring with Montano and HD throughout the region, North America and Europe, Benjai again decided to return to a solo flight. He also took some time away from the stage for introspection and chart the course for his career from this point on. He currently has three singles "Whole Day," "Drunk Again" and "Jah Seal" receiving favourable rotation on local and internet radio. An upcoming single, "Alive" is set to create an even greater impact than "Amnesty" in coming weeks. In his tenth year in the arena Benjai is seeking to develop into the consummate artiste he is destined to become. He is committed to perfecting his art and honing his skills as he creates music that makes listeners reflect on life issues and encourage them to live right, but also making music that gets them dancing and singing, see me ya. ################################## The Singles: Real
Player will be needed to experience the music ################################## The Tour Stops: ################################## Benjai & Iwer Backstage at One Fete (Trinidad Carnival 2009) Video Code by TJJ TV | Trini Jungle Juice TV ################################## Interview with Benjai (2007) Video Code by TJJ TV | Trini Jungle Juice TV [Best viewed in IE 5+ Web browser] - Download [Right Click -"Save Target As"] |
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