I cannot believe 2009 is over. I still remember everybody using lines like ’2000 & mine’ & ‘make it shine in 2009′, now we’ll have to find some new clever lines for a massive year in our countries history! I like looking back at my years. Usually it’s just thought & wondering if what I did will have significance in the whole scheme of my life. So, my ’09… here goes.
I started the year preparing for the 1st batch of high school students coming to my music school known as TIME (The Institute of Music Excellence) at what was to be SA’s private sports & arts academy, Academy college or SAX (Sports & Arts Xchange). Along with my longtime friend & songwriting partner, Sheldon Leal, we had setup a great curriculum. Sadly as potential goes, it’s just that & the support & responsibility needed from people at the top was, as usual, lacking. I grew frustrated with the money talk. It’s education, let’s educate! I built some great bonds with the young students who all had their gifts & talents & may remember me using ignorant a lot. I can’t help it, it’s reflex when it comes to music.
Up until this year I’ve managed to balance my teaching/lecturing & the career. Many late lights & early mornings but all worth it in my mind. This year was different. Change The World had brought me more mass appeal & demanded my ‘time’. I was working 20-hour days and sometimes (regretfully), not giving my all to either my students or fans. I had to make a decision. Prioritize a fulltime career as an artist, or prioritize teaching. It’s a no-brainer as an artist. It’s what we all dream of. Halfway through the year after much consideration, I left TIME. If any of the students read this, I wish you all the greatest success in the world. No doubt many of you will become stars in your own right. For more info check out this link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=28807231705
Backtrack a little, to the months preceding our elections. I’m asked to pen an election song. After having success with songs like 1stly, Dreamer, a song I featured on with Skwatta Kamp member Slikour & produced by Stethiscope & Change The World, I was approached probably due to my “We Are The World” style of writing. It got me thinking that maybe part of my job in life may be to inspire others & as the words would say, change worlds. The track was produced by a young music producer named Zethu & featured who in my opinion is the real talent in GOA, Bongo Riot. Unlike many artists rallying people to vote by using their celeb status, I thought I could make more of an impact by doing what I do best, writing & singing. Here’s a peek of the song if you haven’t heard it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAjBVC69Yng
I also got to meet Puff Johnson & work with her. I remember the 1st day playing her some of my songs on the piano & wondering in my head what this woman who’s worked with some of the all time greats would think of the little white dude from SA. She seemed to like my stuff, generously saying I was like Eric Benet but with more soul & my piano playing reminded her of Walter Afanasieff. If I could have half the careers those 2 men have had I would be grateful! Listening to her singing one of my songs in the vocal booth was surreal. She has that classic R&B vocal style & her ideas certainly added a specialness to my melodies! In a way, working with Puff sparked some inspiration in me to write again. So to Puff I say: hope you are healthy & strong & may 2010 be the year we see your true star shine! If you’re not a fan, pls join her page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Puff-Johnson/118435138340
A lot of my year was dedicated to finishing what became a pet project of mine – Pebble’s follow-up to her debut album. It was a long process largely due to the fact that Pebz & I were both working fulltime for the 1st half of the year. I remember meeting her at 7pm after leaving Pretoria at 6pm, arriving at the studio after battling through the traffic as many of us have to do & feeling like the only inspiration I could offer was in my dreams. Luckily most nights Pebz was as tired as I was & we were constantly making excuses & canceling sessions. Once I was a non-fulltime man, my 1st mission was finishing off her album. We came out with a great unique sound. Pebbles writing which is one of the best I have seen & heard, the various producers whose music I was sensitive to, in what I changed & added & my perspective of recording vocals in studio which have always given me a distinct advantage being a vocal coach. No doubt in my mind Pebbles will be having a magic 2010!
Check out some of the new songs she’s added on reverb nation: http://www.reverbnation.com/pebblesplayfulsoul
If any fans are wondering what other features I’ve done this year, I urge you to go check out Zubz’ album Cochlea. My particular favourite is a song I recorded with Zubz called Oh no, Private Show produced by a super talented Cape Town boy named Ameen whose list of hit tracks is growing by the day: http://www.facebook.com/people/Ameen-Harron/659627030 I think Private Show should be a single. It fits well with Zubz’ 1st single Part Time Lover, Full Time Freak. Hint hint… J great album as far as I’m concerned!
Back to my year’s mission of changing the world, I agreed to take part in a project called the Hope Project. The brainchild of a young man named Andile Masuku, a great singer & songwriter in his own right. I saw the word ‘hope’ & I was in. That & the chance to let my hair down & sing some gospel songs. I really did let loose as anyone who was their will tell you. There is something quite special connecting with a higher power! I hope The Hope Project continues, check out this link for more info: http://thehopeprojectsa.wordpress.com/
Some vocal production sessions came for Danny K later this year for his next studio project. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised to hear what he & his longtime producer/partner Pete ‘Boxta’ Martin had come up with this time. Very different & very cool. As far as I’m concerned the right move. I won’t give too much away. Danny & I work well together & I truly respect his work ethic not to mention his great talent of coming up with extremely catchy melodies. Over the years it’s become more & more apparent that Danny is just a good dude, a good guy with a big heart. I know he’s had some tough times of late but no doubt in my mind his new album will be his greatest answer to anyone wondering what’s been on his mind. Best of luck DK!
My final World Changing project came as the year started winding down. I produced & wrote a song for Child Welfare’s 100th anniversary called ‘The Song For Hope’. Jodi Gold, an up-&-coming local house diva assisted me with the lyrics. For as many rude local artists as their were (I won’t mention names but all I will say is… karma’s a bitch), there were stars ready to assist on the song. I am grateful to each & every one of them for adding their touch of magic on the track. Unusual for me, but the song has a Rock feel to it. When something works you don’t stop it.
I think the song will go down one day as one of the best charity ever to come out of this country. Some people to thank whom without there would be no song, Heather Mernell at Soul Candi, Carly Ritz at Child Welfare, Thabz at Pyramid Rox studios, Paul Mclver at Toneworks studios & Rogan Kelsey at Lapdust. Let us all hope it changes the lives of many of our country’s children. Check it out on my fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/RJBenjamin
My year’s been House music mad, other great tracks blazing local stations were Goodbye Baby produced by 37MPH & Nutty Nys’ remix of my track Say Yeah. You can listen to these songs on my fan page: http://www.facebook.com/RJBenjamin
More house & more soul to come. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Have a wonderful New Years everybody.
Keep it Soulful.
RJ Benjamin
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