Benjies made a name for himself after his song Third Person went hot on social media last year. The song’s blend of hip-hop and highlife, which is reminiscent of Ghana’s rich hiplife genre, made it a standout song. His lyricism, storytelling, and flow, employing both Fante and English, made it easier for listeners to connect with him. He returns with a reminder to everyone and introduces himself to those who are unfamiliar with him, via his EP TRI. Hailing from an iconic city that has produced some of the most exciting talents in the country, such as Castro, TH4kwages, and Kofi Kinaata, Benjies continues to prove why Tardi is one of Ghana’s music cornerstones.
Benjies’s debut project requires only 9 minutes and 3 seconds of a listener’s time – but its contents will have you hooked for much longer. The project consists of only three songs (with production credits to PsykoWorldWide, Elormbeatz, and Swit) but still delves into a myriad of themes: the challenges of hustling, adulting, the joy of having a supportive partner in a relationship and dealing with vices.
The EP opens with Scheming, a self-reflective song where Ben ponders his lifestyle as a young adult trying to make ends meet. Recognising the challenges that come with securing the bag, Benjies details the struggles he has to endure to live out his dreams. With lyrics like, “Money comes, money goes, money kɔ a na ɛbɛ hu wo foes” (translation: “money goes and it will show your foes”), he depicts a popular paradoxical rap trope: more money, more problems. Despite the challenges, Benjies is not ready to back down. He encourages himself (and his audience) to be on constant alert and scheme his way through it all.
Songs about drugs are the norm. Less common? Musicians are addressing the fact that many turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms to battle the stress and mental frustration that come with living in this part of the world. This is the premise of TRI’s second song, Pain Killer. When society is structured to see you fail, and prayers seem to remain unanswered, liquor and spliff are often the last resort for some peace and comfort. A guest verse from Nemesis Loso confirms that for many people, reliance on these vices offers their only therapy for all the pain. Over an ironically upbeat production, the pair encourages listeners to remain sober, indicating the negative effects of such substances and that they do not offer a proper solution to the pain, only an illusion of it.
TRI closes out with the track Ride or Die. The highlife-infused song is Benjies’ attempt at appreciating his lover for sticking with him through the ups and downs. In a show of affection and emotional praise, Benjies sings her praises and reaffirms his love for her.
While Benjies exercises restraint, the micro-EP captures the young artist perfectly. Employing melodic rap in his delivery and blending English and Fante, Benjies has something to say, conveying thoughtful messages across all three songs with simple, yet captivating lyrics. The rawness of his tone and subject matter makes it easy to connect with the tape – and the artist. If you’re looking for Ghana’s next big music star, TRI is just the project to introduce you to him.
Written by Nana Kojo Mula.
