RJ Benjamin
Born
Roy J. Benjamin
Alma materAllenby Campus School
Occupations
Musical career
OriginJohannesburg, South Africa
Genres
Instrument(s)
  • vocals
  • piano
Years active2004–present
Labels
  • Soul Candi (former)
  • Ghetto Ruff
Websiterjbenjamin.co.za

RJ Benjamin is a South African award-winning vocalist, songwriter, composer, vocal coach, musical director and producer. Ghetto Ruff owner, Lance Stehr, once described him as "the best composer/singer/musician this country [South Africa] has ever produced".[1]

He graduated from the Allenby Campus School Of Contemporary Music in 2000. In those formative years, RJ cemented several professional and personal relationships with fellow Allenby Alumni such as DJ Cleo, Proverb, Elvis Blue and Robin Kohl. Some of his most successful students include winner of Idols SA season 10 Vincent Bones, Vusi Nova, Naaq Musiq and Anatii.

Television career

He was chosen to be head vocal coach on the music talent TV reality show Project Fame.[2] In 2013, he became the Musical Director Of "Idols South Africa" and "Clash Of The Choirs Season 1". He would reprise his role on the SAFTA award-winning "Clash Of The Choirs Season 2" while becoming the "In-House Mentor" on subsequent seasons of Idols South Africa.[3]

Discography

Studio albums

  • Who I Am (2004)

In 2004, RJ Benjamin released his debut album Who I Am, through the Ghetto Ruff record label, which has been described as funkadelic [Neo Soul] played by top jazz musicians.[4] This album featured collaborations with the Flash Republic, vocalist Tamara Dey, Kwaito/Hip Hop MC Pitch Black Afro, Artist & Producer Amu and R&B sensation Ishmael. 37MPH and Bongani Fassie also contributed to the album as producers on select tracks.

Track listing Written by RJ Produced by RJ Feature
"Journey (The Storm)" Co-writer
"Wonderwall"
"Cry" Co-writer 37 mph
"Restless" Co-writer Co-Producer Pitch Black Afro
"In 2 My Heart" Co-writer
"Letting Go" Amu
"C U in My Dreams" Co-writer
"Lovespent" Co-writer
"Here With Me"
"I Wont Forget It"
"Play Around" Co-writer Co-producer Ishmael
"G-d Bless My Imagination"
"What'll It Be" Co-writer
"Who I Am"
"What Do You Need?"
"Consequence" Co-writer Co-Producer Tamara Dey

Swimming in the Soul of Music

RJ Benjamin's 2008 release, Swimming in the Soul of Music, won the award for Best RnB Album at the Metro FM Awards later that year. The album is a mixture of Soul, Jazz and Funk. RJ has said that the album came about when he had lost his way in his life, prompting him to go back to his musical roots so he "drowned" himself in the creation of the album.[5] Collaborators on the album include, Zubz, HHP, Dan Patlansky, Nothende, and Slikour.

Track listing Written by RJ Produced by RJ Feature
"Music"
"Gonna Make It on My Own"
"Say Yeah"
"Without You" Co-writer
"Shut Up" Co-writer Zubz
"Burden"
"Soulful Love"
"Don't Wanna" Co-writer Co-produced Nothende
"Anymore" Co-writer
"Nothing Left But The Music" Co-writer
"I Don't Love You" Co-Producer Dan Patlansky
"I'm Good"
"Overloaded" Co-writer Hip Hop Pantsula
"Dreamer" Co-writer Slikour

House Bound

In 2009, RJ Benjamin recorded Change The World, which introduced him to South Africa's House music audience. This song of inspiration was featured on the Soul Candi Session 4 compilation album. It became an instant hit on radio stations and dance floors all over South Africa.[6] The track was nominated for a Channel O Award and SAMA (South African Music Awards) for Best Dance Video and Song of the Year, respectively. It was also nominated for Remix of the year at the SAMAs. Following the huge success of Change the World, RJ released the album 'House Bound' which showcased his vocal and writing skills over house music. This flirtation with house music ultimately returned him back to his R&B/Soul roots and core sensibility.

Track listing Written by RJ Produced by RJ Feature
"Go On" Co-writer
"The Moment" Co-writer
"You Can Be Anything" Co-writer
"Could You Be" Co-writer
"Take It Right Back" Co-writer
"2010 Change The World" Co-writer Slikour
"Feels So Right" Co-writer
"Into The Stars" Co-writer Dr. Duda
"Blessed"
"Goodbye Baby" Co-writer
"Good Times" Co-writer
"Love Again" Co-writer Danny K
"Free Your Mind" Co-writer

Inside

After three years of a self-imposed sabbatical, RJ Benjamin remixed and "soulified" House tracks featured on his House Bound album, as well as popular House tracks on which he was featured with Dr Duda, DJ Kent and DJ Fresh to create Inside (2012), re-interpreting them into Funk, Soul, Rock, Flamenco, Samba, Jazz and various other styles[7]

Track listing Written by RJ Produced RJ Feature
"Slowly" Co-writer
"Lifting Me into The Stars" Co-writer
"Runaway" Co-writer
"If We Can Love Again" Co-writer
"Her" Writer
"Goodbye Baby" Co-writer
"2012 Change The World" Co-writer
"Free Your Mind" Co-writer Clint Brink
"Let's Take It Right Back" Co-writer
"Just The Moment" Co-writer
"Why Don't We Go On?" Co-writer
"Having Some Good Times" Co-writer
"The Love" Co-writer Aya
"Alright" Co-writer
"See the Light" Writer

Other work

Song Artist Album Title Year Written by RJ Produced by RJ Feature Other
"Someone To Hold" Kyle Grant When Dreams Go out to play 2003 Co-writer
"Magic" Zama Jobe Ndawo Yami 2004 Backing vocals
"Hey Hey" Zama Jobe Ndawo Yami 2004 Backing vocals
"Restless" Shimani ECT Runnin' Bizz 2004 Co-writer Backing vocals
"Jazzifield" DJ Cleo Eskhaleni & Mazansi House 2004 Co-writer
"My love" DJ Cleo Eskhaleni 2004 Co-writer
"Zoe" DJ Cleo Eskhaleni 2004 Co-writer
"These Girls" Slikour Ventilation Mixtape vol. 1 2005
"Let Me Change Your Mind" Unathi My 1st Time 2005 Co-writer Co-Producer
"No Ciesta" Elan Lea Rock The World 2005 Co-writer Co-Produced
"Do You Hear" Elan Lea Rock The World 2005 Vocal Production
"If U Wanna B Free" Elan Lea Rock The World 2005 Co-writer Co-Produced
"Mama My Hero" Elan Lea Rock The World 2005 Vocal Production
"Someday" Elan Lea Rock The World 2005 Co-writer Co-Produced
"Is This Where Its At" Elan Lea Rock the World 2005 Co-produced
"Will Go On" Elan Lea Rock The World 2005 Vocal Production
"Scream My Name" Elan Lea Rock The World 2005 Co-writer Co-Produced
"Kick It One Time" Elan Lea Rock The World 2005 Co-writer Co-Produced
"I Gotta Be Alone" Elan Lea Rock The World 2005 Vocal Production
"Play That Song" Kabelo Bouga Luv Album 2005 Co-Produced
"Everything" Craig De Sousa Everything 2006 Co-writer
"Clothes off" Danny K This is My Time 2006 Engineering & backing vocals
"1000 Sorry's" Danny K This is My Time 2006 Engineering
"Everything About You" Danny K Think is My Time 2006 Engineering, arrangement & backing vocals
"One Night" Danny K This is My Time 2006 Co-writer
"It Doesn't Matter" Danny K This Is My Time 2006 Engineering and Backing vocals
"I Must Still Love You" Veronique ft Gift Gwe As I Am 2006 Co-writer
"Iris" Lira Feel Good 2006 Co-writer Co-produced
"Good Times" Ryan Dent Platform Music Presents Ryan Dent 2006 Co-writer
"I love You" Danny K This Is My Time 2006 Co-writer Co-produced
"Love & Miracles" Vicky Sampson License To Sing 2007 Co-Producer
"I'm Still Here" Vicky Sampson License To Sing 2007 Co-producer
"Heart of Stone" Vicky Sampson License to Sing 2007 Co-Producer
"There's Only You" Vicky Sampson License To Sing 2007 Co-Producer
"Vicky" Vicky Sampson License To Sing 2007 Co-Producer
"I'm Gone " Slikour Ventilation Mixtape vol. 2 2007
"Showbiz" Slikour Ventilation Mixtape vol. 2 2007 Co-writer
"Unstoppable" Slikour Music From 2007 Vocal Production
"Dreamer" Slikour Ventilation Mixtape vol. 2 2007 Co-writer
"This Is" "Tumi" Music From 2007
"When Doves Cry" Dent & Massive The Cover 2007
"Chasing Lies" Gift gwe Back To You 2007
"2 Lovers" Gift Gwe Back To You 2007 Co-writer
"Back To You" Gift Gwe Back To You 2007 Co-produced
"Madd Dogg" Gift Gwe Back To You 2007 Co-produced
"Messed Up" Gift Gwe Back To You 2007 Co-produced
"The Long Run" Gift Gwe Back To You 2007 Co-produced
"Im Better With You" Karin Kortje Forever & a Day 2007
"Nothing Left But The Music" Karin Kortje Forever & a Day 2007 Co-writer
"Back in Your Arms" Karin Kortje Forever & a Day 2007
"No Guarantee" Tumi(Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"If I Should" Tumi(Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"Lullaby" Tumi(Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"Trapped" Tumi(Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"You Played" Tumi(Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"Love You Girl" Tumi(Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"You Are Here" Tumi(Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"Ain't Not Good For You" Tumi (Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"Can I Make You Love Me" Tumi (Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"Give Me You" Tumi (Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"Gotta Be This Way" Tumi (Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"Here I" Tumi (Lane) No Guarantee 2008 Vocal Production
"Rock The World" ShugaSmakx ft Kwesta & HHP Numba 1 2008
"Change The World" Matserjam (Dr Duda remix) Soul Candi Sessions 4 2008
"Shout" Various artists Campaign 2009
"Private Show (oh no)" Zubz Cochlea 2009 Co-writer
"Tradition al Her" Zubz Cochlea 2009
"Monday to Sunday" Kwesta & L-Tido Hype Sessions/Jazzworx FM 2009
"A Dor Do Cupido" Anselmo Raplh 2009 Arranged Strings
"Journey (37MPH Remix)" 37MPH 37 Energy Levels 2009 Co-writer
"Say Yeah (Nutty Nys Remix)" Nutty Nys Vintage Love 2009 Co-writer
"Show My Love" Iridium Project 2009 Audioflux 2009 Co-writer
"Higher" Giggs Superstar Deep House Chronicles 4 2010 Co-writer
"Slowly" Dj Kent I Can't 2010 Co-writer
"Not Love" Molekane My Good Eye
"Words" Kunle Ayo Its About Time 2010
"Delafunk" Negus A L'ombre De La Lune Noire 2010 Co-writer
"Don't Turn Your Back" Franky Rizardo Soul Candi Sessions 5 2010 Co-writer
"I'll Never Run Away" Dr Duda Soul Candi Sessions 5 2010 Co-writer
"Free Your Mind" Chris Sen Remix F.Eu 2010 Co-writer
"Alright" DJ Fresh F.Eu 2010 Co-writer
"Rise up" Jen Su ft Jr & Loyiso Bala 2010
"Sweet Obsession" Jub Jub Fresh Air 2010 Co-writer
"Awete" Liz Ogumbo Kensoul 2010 Co-produced
"Big Ass(Blues)" Liz Ogumbo Kensoul 2010 Co-produced
"Give Them Hope" Liz Ogumbo Kensoul 2010 Co-produced
"Ubuntu" Liz Ogumbo Kensoul 2010 Co-produced
"Maropa More" Liz Ogumbo Kensoul 2010 Co-produced
"Le Coeur Qui Crie" Liz Ogumbo Kensoul 2010 Co-produced
"Could You Be (RJ's Take)" RJ Benjamin Da Essentials Vol 1 Pt1 2010 Co-writer Co-produced
"Butterfly" Oran Cohen Single 2010 Produced
"Heaven's Song" Zeus Flipside 2010
"Anniversary Theme" DJ Hamma ft Hishaam Ctrl Alt Del 2011
"Real Man" Kabomo All Things Grey 2011 Co-writer
"Pressure" Rowick Deep Unleashed 2011 Co-writer
"Love To Remember" Vusi Khumalo Reasons For Seasons 2011
"If I Gave You Everything" Antonio Lyons We Dance We Pray 2011 Co-writer
"Cry For Me" Pebbles Phenomenal 2011 Co-writer
"Believe" Pebbles Phenomenal 2011 Co-produced
"Higher" Pebbles Phenomenal 2011 Vocal Production
"Ooh" Pebbles Phenomenal 2011 Vocal Production
"Juju" Pebbles Phenomenal 2011 Co-produced
"Over" Pebbles Phenomenal 2011 Produced
"Phenomenal" Pebbles Phenomenal 2011 Co-produced
"This Is My Journey" Kelly Khumalo The Past, The Present, The Future 2012 Co-writer
"I Live For love" Kelly Khumalo The Past, The Present, The Future 2012 Co-writer
"Give It To Me Baby" Kelly Khumalo The Past, The Present, The Future 2012 Co-writer
"Imbali" Kelly Khumalo The Past, The Present, The Future 2012 Co-writer
"Rise" Kelly Khumalo The Past, The Present, The Future 2012
"I Really Love You" Kelly Khumalo The Past, The Present, The Future 2012 Co-writer
"Together Apart" Kelly Khumalo The Past, The Present, The Future 2012
"I Keep Fighting" Kelly Khumalo The Past, The Present, The Future 2012
"Little Girl" Kelly Khumalo The Past, The Present, The Future 2012
"If It Ain't For Love" DJ Kuchi 2012 Co-writer
"You Belong" SABC 2 theme song 2013 Co-writer
"Stripped Down Season 1 Jingle" Produced
"Happy To Love" Wanda Baloyi Love & Life 2014
"Let Me Love You" Vincent Bones Idols Sa Winners' Single 2014
"Ups & Downs" Proverb The Read Tape 2014
"When Is It Love" Vincent Bones Shaded Soul 2015
"Love" Eliezer Single release 2015 Vocal-Production
"Move On" Melo Single release 2015 Co-writer
"Gonna Be Alright" Fortune Abomrapper 2015

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Season's
2004 Project Fame Vocal coach
Clash Of The Choirs South Africa Musical director 1-2
Idols South Africa Musical director 9
In-House Mentor 10-12
The Voice South Africa Vocal Coach 1
The Voice Nigeria Musical director 1

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Results Ref.
2008 Metro FM Awards Best RnB Album Won
2009 Channel O Awards Best Dance Video Nominated
SAMA Song of the Year Nominated
Remix of the year Nominated

References

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