RJ BENJAMIN TO HOST MASTERCLASS IN CAPE TOWN ON SATURDAY 13 JANUARY

RJ BENJAMIN TO HOST MASTERCLASS IN CAPE TOWN

Written by Lonwabo Marele

RJ BENJAMIN promised to Change The World one day at a time, while many may say he has been quiet for quite sometime, the man with over 15 years of experience in the music industry is back in the mothercity to host a music masterclass at the Paul Bothner in Claremont on Saturday, January 13.

Born Roy J. Benjamin, but formally known by his stage name, RJ Benjamin is an award winning songwriter, producer and vocal coach.
In 2009 he took the world by storm with his hit single, Change The World, which sparked masses and collaborations worldwide.

He has worked with local and international artists such as Tamara Dey, Lira , Ziyon, ProVerb, Slikhour, Elvis Blue, DJ Cleo, Danny K, and New York based award winning artist, Jann Klose in Johannesburg.

Some of his most successful students include winner of Idols SA season 10 Vincent Bones, Vusi Nova, Naak Musiq, Amanda Black and Anatii.

RJ Benjamin said late in 2001 and early 2002, he spent a lot of time as a music lecturer, which led him to meet a young man who asked him to play his music, in return, donating R30,000 for studio time.

RJ Benjamin said many musicians would ask when would he record his album(s), and after a spur of excitement in 2004, he released his debut album, “Who I am”.

“It was the best thing because it improved the quality of my songs and song writing. I got a lot of calls to write songs for artists,” he said.

RJ Benjamin, who recently dropped his 5th album, titled 5th Story in December last year, said technology has changed the music industry, “it has never been a better time for African sound.”

“It is not enough to just post music for streaming anymore. There are digital companies out there to assist. But artists often ask themselves: do I need to be signed on a record label? How will people who never heard of me find my music? The play field is the same worldwide,” he said.

“Producers are getting better at mimicking but are also getting their unique style. People want to be played on BBC Radio but have the same trap sound they have in America. I was a music director in Nigeria and their sound is going to take the world by storm. In SA we need to focus on creating something that is going to make you stand out. Sounds like Stimela, Hugh Masekela, Tresors, Shekhinah, Amanda Black etc, people will call them up internationally and play them often,” RJ Benjamin said.

RJ Benjamin said the masterclass will focus on how to release music in 2018, on how to get a quality printed music cover, how artists with small studios can make their music quality by using various apps, distribution companies and many more topics.

Entry is R50,00 at the door, from 10am till 12pm noon. Enquiries: 021 674 4030 – Paul Bothner Music Claremont.

RJ Benjamin masterclass Saturday 13 January at Bothners in Claremont read all about it

RJ Benjamin’s Masterclass -“How to release YOUR music in 2018” is going to be nothing short of amazing.

RJ has worked with and produced for some of the top artists in SA including: Tamra Dey ,Lira ,Ziyon,Proverb to name but a few.

He also spent the better part of 2017 producing and writing songs with New York based and Grammy nominated Artist Jann Klose in Johannesburg .

In the midst of all that RJ put out the album the 5th Story late last year.

Asked why do a masterclass RJ reply was quick and crisp “If the older artists are not passing on Knowledge we have a problem .I have always loved teaching and sharing knowledge and attendees ,will have practical tools to use to bring their music to market in 2018 ”

RJ will discuss the correct way to release YOUR music with special reference to his new album the “5th Story”

Physical copies will be on sale as well, post the masterclass.

Topics to be covered include :

Album ,EP or Single.

Physical vs Digital Distribution.

What is an ISRC code.

RISA

Publishing.

How do song writing splits work.

How do you get big name artists like Ziyon to appear on the album.

Session players and payment.

Mixing and Mastering.

CD Printing costs.

Sampling radio.

Turn up Music.

Press releases

There is plenty of time for a Q and A after the talk and all that we are asking is for a R50 .00 donation at the door on arrival

Venue -PAUL BOTHNER CLAREMONT

TIME 10AM TO 12 NOON

SATURDAY 13 JANUARY 2018

PHONE 021 674 4030 -BOTHNER STORE CLAREMONT

The master class is brought to you by TurnUp Music and Paul Bothner and Music Exchange

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RJ Benjamin album called THE 5TH STORY out 11 July 2017

Please support this record by RJ Benjamin called THE 5TH STORY ….13 original tracks on the album.
In one word a “classy” record.

Album is out on 11 July with all songs available on I tunes.

RJ BENJAMIN talks about The Fifth Story releasing on 11 July 2017

Since his last, self-imposed sabbatical that ended in 2013, RJ Benjamin’s creative and collaborative world has quite simply exploded!

Armed with The Fifth Story,(scheduled for release on 11 July 2017 ) his latest 13-track chart-targeted album, the award-winning composer, songwriter, producer and teacher continues to blend a rich brew of soul, pop, hip-hop, funk and house music into songs filled with reflective storytelling and tailor-made grooves.

“It’s a good mix of happy and reflective songs,” Benjamin unpacks. “Each mood punctuates the other by their stark contrast,” he reflects.

R&B and neo-soul is where this talent and insight continues to influence and enrich every project he works on.

Between mentoring Mzansi Magic’s Clash Of The Choirs’, X-Factor vocal producer and The Voice SA’s vocal coach, The Voice Nigeria’s Musical Director, RJ Benjamin has many a fiddle he’s long since mastered, and which today he shares with a new audience of next-generation hit makers. “I have a passion to enhance what musicians make and support the industry we all play in,” he says. “I came into the business more than a decade ago and I intend confirming my credibility by delivering quality that points to a long term career, rather than simply being a flash-in-the-pan.”

An Allenby Campus graduate back at the turn of the millennium, RJ stayed on, as a then 22 year-old teacher who today can claim the likes of Elvis Blue and Robin Kohl as just two of the many who passed through his classroom during his tenure at the now sadly defunct school.

Between teaching RJ found time to shimmy up and befriend the inner sanctum of the hip-hop and dance fraternity sufficient to begin a career that’s entrenched and growing still. “My diary is my songbook,” he says. “I write songs in the same way diaries and blogs are filled.”

RJ Benjamin is referenced, invited and embraced by every critical genre; record label and artist keen to push the boundaries of their original idea.

Teacher, writer and producer RJ’s credibility comes from more than 14 years of mining and polishing and giving it; “some of that” as he affectionately put it. “I’ve have, through collaborations, song writing, performing and teaching built a space that affords me the opportunity work for myself today, on my own terms, and only when I choose to.”

In 2004 he released his ground breaking Ghetto Ruff debut album, Who Am I, which marked him as South Africa’s brightest new soul star. The critically acclaimed album featured collaborations with Tamara Dey, Ishmael, HHP and Pitch Black Afro. RJ produced the majority of the album, while 37mph and Bongani Fassie lent their skills as collaborating producers.

His 2008 release, Swimming In The Soul Of Music, represented a more sophisticated artist, and showed off the hard work he’d poured into his craft. The musician had focused his musical roots and influences of soul, jazz and funk and created and album that with hindsight represented a time better than it did its maker’s real ambition. That said RJ won the award for Best RnB Album at the Metro FM Awards later that same year.

In 2009 RJ recorded Change The World with Soul Candi. His inviting vocals and inspirational message seduced the nation and teased the ecosphere. An instant hit and anthem on radio stations and dance floors all over the South Africa, the track received both a Channel O and SAMA nomination for Best Dance Video and Song of the Year respectively. Ironically, the song did actually change RJ’s world – the soul star had inadvertently introduced himself to South Africa’s house audience… and they couldn’t get enough!

“I dabbled in house, and tinkered with dance,” he continues, “but I know now where my real ability, love and contribution lies,” he says. “I enjoyed my time in house, but my heart wasn’t in it. That was when I realised my calling is in supporting housemasters and mistresses, rather than leading. With each artist I have the privilege and pleasure of working with, each grows my frame of reference and that’s good for everyone.”

Following the huge success of Change the World, RJ released the 2014 album House Bound that showcased his vocal and writing skills and his house flirtation that ultimately returned him to his RnB and soul roots and core sensibility.

So with 2017’s The Fifth Story RJ has embarked on something entirely original.

“Each album is a statement in time,” RJ reflects in closing. “I am, with the release of The Fifth Story, arguably at my most honest and vulnerable,” he declares. “The overall upbeat and positive tone of the songs is a shift, but it’s one I embrace in a heartbeat!”

Mentor, artist, songwriter, producer and awesome man to meet, RJ Benjamin’s legacy’s guaranteed already. All he’s doing, in-between, is confirm just why that is so with each new song, album and tour, all that’s within yours and my grasp. Grab it, with both hands!

For interviews and more information, please contact:

Triple M Entertainment
Martin Myers
E-mail: martin
Mobile: +27 83 448 4475

Adrien Conradie who heads up Dance A&R at Universal Music South Africa will be speaking at Music Exchange in September

We all feel a connection with music, and for some it makes its way to the very core of our soul. This was the case for Adrien Conradie, better known as Adie. Having grown up in the bustling hive of culture that is Johannesburg, his passion for South Africa’s rich culture of music and expression, is evident in his work as a music producer, DJ and label manager.

Having taken a keen interest in music at a young age, Adrien decided to forgo the life of Bcom business management, and instead complete a Sound Engineering qualification at the Academy of Sound Engineering. He quickly took an interest in the business side of the industry and the inner workings of the labels he admired and landed his first position, while still studying full time, as an intern for Music Entertainment And Solutions Hub (MESH) working for long-time mentor Nic Burger in their digital distribution department.

After only a few short months he worked his way into a label that influenced him to become a DJ, Soul Candi Records. His roles included running their sister dance label, F! Records, as well as assisting with digital marketing, singles signings & licensing and even running an online radio station and mobile app.

His journey with Soul Candi came to an end in 2015 when he moved on to work for Universal owned streaming platform, Kleek, as a Digital Marketing & Social Media Consultant.

It wasn’t long before Universal Music noticed his work for Kleek and took an interest in him.

Adrien now heads up Dance A&R at Universal Music South Africa, as well as consulting on Compilations and Digital Marketing.

Adrien Conradie who heads up Dance A&R at Universal Music South Africa will be speaking at Music Exchange in September

We all feel a connection with music, and for some it makes its way to the very core of our soul. This was the case for Adrien Conradie, better known as Adie. Having grown up in the bustling hive of culture that is Johannesburg, his passion for South Africa’s rich culture of music and expression, is evident in his work as a music producer, DJ and label manager.

Having taken a keen interest in music at a young age, Adrien decided to forgo the life of Bcom business management, and instead complete a Sound Engineering qualification at the Academy of Sound Engineering. He quickly took an interest in the business side of the industry and the inner workings of the labels he admired and landed his first position, while still studying full time, as an intern for Music Entertainment And Solutions Hub (MESH) working for long-time mentor Nic Burger in their digital distribution department.

After only a few short months he worked his way into a label that influenced him to become a DJ, Soul Candi Records. His roles included running their sister dance label, F! Records, as well as assisting with digital marketing, singles signings & licensing and even running an online radio station and mobile app.

His journey with Soul Candi came to an end in 2015 when he moved on to work for Universal owned streaming platform, Kleek, as a Digital Marketing & Social Media Consultant.

It wasn’t long before Universal Music noticed his work for Kleek and took an interest in him.

Adrien now heads up Dance A&R at Universal Music South Africa, as well as consulting on Compilations and Digital Marketing.

HEART : SA TOP 10 of 2014 – Proud to get our friend R J Benjamin into the Top 10

In June 2014 we had the honor of working and doing the pr for RJ Benjamin on his new single with CanSkylark called -“So High “.

On first listen the song was a hit -no doubt about it , but never did we expect it to spend 14 weeks on the charts like it did . The melody and mood of the song is bright and happy with a fabulous chorus . Diggy Bongz broke the song on his show.

The song is number at number 7 on the Heart 104.9fm Top 10 for 2014 ahead of the likes of Danny K and Mi Casa

SA TOP 10 of 2014
POS.	ARTIST	SONG TITLE	PEAK	WAP	W.O.C.
1	Bo Seretsane	Rise	1	7	21
2	Lloyd Cele feat. Casper	Just Be Mine	1	7	13
3	Chad Saaiman	Loving You Is Easy	1	4	16
4	Nathan Mayor feat. Justin Chalice	Do It All	1	3	17
5	Kelly Fortuin	Do You Know	1	3	12
6	DJ Clock feat. Beatenberg	Pluto (Remember You)	1	2	15
7	RJ Benjamin & Can Skylark	So High	1	2	14
8	Deslyn	How	1	2	11
9	Sundae feat. Ashleigh Davids	High On Life	1	2	15
10	Citizens Banned feat. Diggy Bongz	The Liberation’s Over	1	2	10
Other Songs that Never made it into the Top 10
POS.	ARTIST	SONG TITLE	PEAK	WAP	W.O.C.
11	Danny K	Dream	1	2	15
12	Mi Casa	Turn You On	1	2	13
13	Danny K feat Donald & Heavy K	Personal Paradise (GoodLook Remix)	1	2	10
14	Tucan Tucan	Sondela	1	2	13
15	Muzart	Long Long Time	1	2	11
16	Mi Casa feat. Jimmy Nevis	Feel The Love	1	2	9
17	Mi Casa	Your Body	1	2	6
18	Chad Saaiman	All On The Wall	1	1	12
19	Mario Ogle	Wishing On A Star	1	1	11
20	Jonathan Rubain	Reason To Smile	1	1	9

RJ Now has an EP out called the 5th Story which was released in Dec and is available on iTunes.

RJ will be back in Cape Town in January 2015 to appear at the CanSkylark album launch and will sing the duet live with Can.