A great deal of talent with just the right mix of audacity. If you were asked to describe JeffreyBenson (JB) and you went with the above phrase, you would be accurate. Born Jeffrey Okonkwo, the Canadian-Based Afrofusion artist from Lagos, Nigeria found a genuine love for music at a very early age. The curious nature of his backstory, his talent level to the dearing ideals that guides his creativity is intriguing
At the age of 15, Jeffrey would often be found penning down rap verses over any instrumentals he laid his hands on. By the age of 18, he had started ghostwriting songs for the artists around him, heavily influenced by the music his uncle T-joe- (a prominent distributor in the 2000’s) had laying around his house. From P-square, 2face, D’banj and many more afrobeats pioneers, JB started to make the transition from a rapper to the artist we know him as today.
Exploring the legacy of Fela Kuti and Afrobeats music, and coming to terms with the potential of his baritone voice lit a spark in him. He made the decision to pursue music professionally, and the current iteration of JeffreyBenson was born. But like in every intriguing story, the protagonist has to face some form of obstacle that makes or mar him. His own obstacle? His father, Benson Okonkwo.
In typical African father fashion, his dad greatly opposed the idea of his son pursuing music as a career in lieu of medicine, law, or a masters’ degree. That kind of opposition can often be a crushing force for creatives but not JeffreyBenson, no. He responded, and did so in style. Not only did he persist with a career in music, but he also included his father’s name – Benson – in his stage name to eventually make his father proud. And as if to reward him for his determination, he scored his major breakthrough moment with the release of his debut EP, “Sorry Dad, I Do Music Now” in December, 2020.
A critically acclaimed EP that attracted core listeners, majorly Nigerian youths in the creative industry who struggle to break free from their parents expectations and opposition to them chasing their dreams.
The EP solidified the fact that JB is an artist to be reckoned with. The depth of lyrics, flow and transitions puts you in the mind frame of the artist. In addition, you cannot help but appreciate the diversity in sound, so typical of a global star.
ABOUT AFRO6IX (V0L.1)
In recent times, the relocation of Nigeirans to other countries in search of “greener pastures” has been highlighted in the media as a course of concern. Known as the “Japa Culture”, many Nigerians immigrating daily is a reflection of the state of the economy – A Bad economy. However, “green pastures” are not always greener on the other side, as the crops need to be planted from scratch. JeffreyBenson conveys this message through AFRO6IX. The struggles an independent immigrant creative faces, with love, finance, peer pressure and more.
Afro6ix is a sonically pleasing merge of sounds from both worlds – Lagos and Toronto. The project opens up with “Melody”, a song that speaks on the power of music. How an unknown artist like himself in Canada can connect with people globally through his sound only. JB classifies music as being spiritual especially when it’s pure. The song ends with a voice recording of Fela buttressing the point that Real African music never fades away. Leading to the transition of “Take Your Time (TYT)” a slow tempo afrofusion melody with nostalgic lyrics from Jamaican dancehall legend Diana King. The song smoothly takes you into a trance of slow romantic dancing right before the hilarious Nollywood sample from Late Legend Sam loco ques in on “Ruff play”. An Alte song (Alternative sound) with a groovy hip hop bounce, one typical of the Toronto street music culture. “Magic” being an amapiano sound (A Genre from South-Africa) has a catchy hook accompanied with several melodious instruments that would have your feet moving. The song praises the complexity in African dance which an outsider may deem as Magic.
One of the challenges young immigrants often face is, long distance relationships. Having a partner back home and embarking on a new journey in a new country, alone, can be lonely. “Forever thing” and “Ehen” are songs JeffreyBenson uses to reassure his partner that they would be able to make it through the challenges.
The EP ends with “Living My Life (LML)” , a profound message that goes against social pressure. The pressure that encourages hyper reality whereby young ones feel obligated to make money by any means, showcase a fake lifestyle and drown in depression without seeking help. Living my life as the title implies, encourages people to be patient and trust the process. As constant comparison makes one lose their essence.