RJ Benjamin

Since I last had my rant about what the point would be in studying music in SA, I’ve engaged in many conversations & fierce debates about whether I’m right or wrong. What has become clear is that more musicians in South Africa agree with me than disagree.

It’s a relief to know that I am not the only one who feels we need to re-educate the youth if there is any hope in the survival of live music.

It’s not hard to see a post-apocalyptic SA (maybe even… world), say 20 years in the future where instruments are merely antique ornaments in people’s houses but no-one anywhere knows how to actually play one. How many kids in 2011 would rather invest in some CDJs as opposed to a violin or trumpet?

I certainly can’t blame the youth for not wanting to pick up an instrument or for the lack of understanding & appreciation of playing & mastering an instrument. I don’t think we’ll be seeing more music education in our schools, at least not from the governments side & therefore it’s up to the current musicians in South Africa & maybe even abroad to ensure we do not suffer a musical apocalypse.

I’m making it my life’s official mission to set up programs & workshops that will reach every school in South Africa. I am already in the process of recruiting some of SA’s best musicians to assist. I’m also going to approach touring international artists & ask that they run workshops in less fortunate areas.

If you, like me would like to know that the future of live music in SA is in safe hands, follow me on twitter – @RJBenjamin or become a fan on Facebook (facebook.com/RJBenjamin) & together, let’s start a music revolution!

After a few years of trying my hand at other things not music, I inevitably landed up studying music. It was what I had been born to do & therefore there was no reason I study something else. Following that I became a lecturer & have since been in music education for 10 years now. I’ve always encouraged people with talent to study music. The value you gain is taking that talent to another level the same way a good sports coach would.

It’s always been to my advantage being a music teacher & being in the industry at the same time. I’m seen as a teacher who can do. The flip side of that is I have seen over the last 8 years, being in the music industry how its changing & sadly, is becoming harder & harder for musicians to make a living. In defining what a musician is, this is someone who plays a musical instrument or sings with proficiency. They have to, to some degree have mastered their craft.

Right now as the SA music industry stands, DJs are taking over to such a degree that the mindset of the average person on the street is – live music (real instrument playing the music is boring). Being an artist who performs in clubs to house music, I see the reaction to that & then I see the reaction to live music with my band…not all the time but there is a mindset out there that live = boring.

There are many factors contributing to this. More music on radio & airwaves over the past three decades has become less real so people’s ears have adapted & gotten used to a specific sound. I don’t know how to change the perceptions out there but something… especially in South Africa has to be done because if we are not careful, we will become musically & culturally bankrupt!

In order to learn & master an instrument it can take decades… even a lifetime. Surely then when you see someone pouring their soul out through an instrument, you realize you are seeing something that takes skill, discipline & ultimately talent. There are DJs out there with true skill & talent, but to beat mix one song to another, in my mind doesn’t constitute as talent. Moreso, a DJ mixing songs out of key & my worst, a capellas out of key cannot be called talented. For the most part a DJ is a compiler.

Yet it is DJ’s that are for the most taking a large cut of what once would’ve been how a musician would make a living. Its all about what people want & yes, what you want are DJ’s, playing largely House & Hip-Hop.

Let me use this as an appeal to the minister of Arts & Culture & to the minister of Education to begin addressing the issue of a Country in threat of becoming culturally bankrupt.

Originally published on my fan page on Facebook on 29 November 2010

We live on the continent where in all likelyhood the 1st forms of music came from so it would stand to reason Africans & more specifically South Africans have some serious musical history. We’re one of the few nations on Earth that protest in song & dance. I’ve always remained confident that South Africa is full of great artistic talent yet the perception that is put out there is not the same.

Looking at the Idols competition that has become a standard throughout the world. The fact is our winners do not match with other winners around the world. Do we blame the lack of talent? I don’t think so. I’ve been teaching singers for 10 yrs & have come accross many great voices in that time & most haven’t come close to getting into the top 10 of an Idols competition. There are a few reasons that come to mind.

The 1st stage of Idols is judged by unknowns who I don’t believe are qualified to recognise talent. In this stage it’s their job to take 50% of the worst & 50% of the best. What is shown on TV is round 2. So already there’s a problem because only 50% of the so-called real talent is going though. Yes, I understand it’s entertainment & people wanna laugh at the terrible singing but its also a program that commercialises local talent & in many ways tries to show a reflection of SA singing talent. Unfortunately if that were the case, then 100% percent of the BEST should be going through to round 2.

The next problem is our main panel of judges. Simply put, right now, they’re all radio DJs. Compare that with the US, they’re all singers, music producers or managers with a track record of making stars. Listening to music (which we all do) doesn’t give you the ability to recognise talent. We all listen to music. The bottom line is that we need judges that are either talented themselves & understand true talent or are experts in recognising true talent. The final problem of course, is that for a true reflection of SA’s talent a show like this would need to cater for the majority, which it doesn’t.

It also doesn’t help that government places little value in the arts. It’s sad to me considering that poets, writers, painters, dancers & musicians are enshrined in our history & were so pivotal in the liberation struggle. We should be teaching our musical history in schools. I think it’s up to us to bring the arts back & show the rest of the world that Africa & South Africa, in our case, has an abundance of talent that can compete with the best the world has to offer.

I recently embarked on an arts campaign sponsored by one of the big corporate giants. As much as the competition was for them to build a client base with the youth, it used several art forms to do this including painting, singing, debating & poetry. It was so refreshing to see the amazing creativity particularly coming out of the less affluent schools. By the finals of this inter-schools competition, the less affluent schools had swept the floor with the schools from the suburbs. It proved to me that there is so much un-earthed talent in the rural areas & townships. It also proved to me that even without government we can assist the arts in SA.

We’ve got the talent. We have a rich culture of dance & music unlike any other country in the world. That needs to be reflected on TV & radio & on the stages. We need to raise the standards & expect the best, not average, the best. As supporters we have the power as we would as voters of making sure that true, great, future legends are born. Don’t settle for less & help SA’s talent get the respect it deserves.

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

In our World filled with so much media we have not had much choice in
the matter. After hearing the same songs on constant rotation it is
hard to assess whether you like something simply because in your heart
of hearts you actually like it or because its been drummed in your
head so much, the recognition outweighs the personal opinion.

I am in an interesting position. As an artist, I appeal to a largely
mixed audience, often times performing to the black masses. I also,
from working with artists as a producer & recently playing piano on
occasion with Louise Carver have seen the other side of the spectrum.
1) Obviously people love the popular songs, that’s natural. 2) People
completely blank out when something they don’t know is playing. Not
for a second is there a glimmer of hope for the song they don’t
recognize. Its that that concerns me the most.

I think part of the reason we are seeing “The Death of the Album” is
due to this mentality. I think sometimes I am in the same position.
Yes, a hit can have a catchy melody or words that just stick in your
head but I certainly think we are hearing non-hits that take a while &
many plays on radio until we supposedly like it. I love the feeling of
buying a new album & finding songs that would never play on radio that
touch me. Just recently, I got into the band Coldplay. I’m a
Neo-Soulja but I needed some new inspiration & as I listened through
their albums I found gems that were certainly not the big radio hits
like “Clocks” or “Viva La Vida” but lesser known songs like “Warning
Sign” & “Death & all His Friends”.

It’s a great question to ask yourself because you wouldn’t really know
if you had been brainwashed. So, next time you’re watching a music vid
on TV or listening to the radio, think about about it…do you really
enjoy what’s being served to you or would you like another look at the
menu?

I’ve often thought about this question, particularly as a vocal coach that has trained in many different singing styles. As a vocalist trying to find my place in the SA music industry, I started by performing in various groups, choirs & cover bands covering songs from genres spanning several centuries.

No doubt the majority of wanna-be singers who have come to me for training over the years have wanted to sing songs that are current. With Michael Buble reigniting the Swing tunes from the century before & some of the great timeless musicals of the 1900′s, I would add that to the list of demands of students. Very few students ever ask for operatic training. It seems logical. It is not the music of our era & that is not to take away from it as there are certainly reasons to preserve it but my concern is with teachers out there who have trained operatically trying to justify why a contemporary student should train with them.

Yes, certainly the basis of this technique is what I would teach anyone wanting to sing but there many aspects that just do not apply to modern singing. A few hundred years ago, there were no microphones & therefore vocalists had to create a technique that would “self-amplify”. Technology has certainly changed that, meaning singers do not have to create a “false” sound to project over the instrumentation but rather a natural sound that simply is amplified by the system being used. Naturally this started happening. The jazz singers of the last century prove this & thus a new era of singing began. Often not the safest but it certainly did offer a way of expression to singers singing behind multiple musicians.

Another difference has been the vowels we use. Music, whether we like or not has been severely influenced in the modern world by the dominance of America & so the way we sing words has changed. As apposed to the “rounder” sounds, people started using vowels like “ee”, “A” as in “hat”, “uh” as in “luck” etc. We cannot runaway from this but you have to ask yourself, why are operatic trainers still forcing students who are trying to sing in a contemporary fashion to use vowels & place these sounds in a way that simply does not fit in our world?

The human race has evolved, things change, technology changes the world. Do we just stubbornly sit on a high horse & not accept that? Is it a fear that like some languages, a historical musical art form will die & in order to preserve it we must preach that it is the only method in which to sing? Personally, I think that’s just ignorant. What do you think?