Based: Johannesburg

RJ Benjamin is an award-winning vocalist, songwriter, music producer, vocal coach, musical director and voice-over artist from Johannesburg, South Africa. He graduated from the Allenby Campus School Of Contemporary Music in 2000 and began lecturing at the now defunct school shortly afterwards, primarily as a vocal coach but also teaching music history and songwriting. Some of his most successful students include winner of ‘Idols SA’ season 10 Vincent Bones, Vusi Nova, Naaq Musiq and Anatii.

In 2004, shortly after RJ had featured as the vocal coach on the music reality show ‘Project Fame’, he released his ground breaking Ghetto Ruff debut album, Who I Am, a blend of neo-soul, funk and jazz. His 2008 follow-up, Swimming In The Soul Of Music, won a Metro FM Award for Best R&B Album.

RJ recorded Change The World in 2009 with Soul Candi. 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 Videoand Song of the Year respectively.

In 2012 he became the Musical Director of Mzansi Magic’s hit reality show Clash Of The Choirs SA. The show received a SAFTA award for ‘Best International Format Show’ in its second season. He has since worked on various music related reality shows including Idols SA( seasons 9 to 13), The Voice SA(Season 1 and 3) and The Voice Nigeria(season 1 and 2), alternating between musical direction, mentoring and vocal coaching.

To date, RJ has released five studio albums, and continues to write and produce music for upcoming and established artists on the continent and abroad.