What does it take to turn a childhood love for He-Man theme songs into a career shaping South Africa’s music scene? RJ Benjamin—vocal coach, producer, and reluctant performer—reveals the raw, unvarnished truth in this electrifying episode of Listen To Your Footsteps.
From his early days mimicking Michael Jackson to coaching stars like Trevor Noah and composing for Netflix, RJ’s story is a masterclass in embracing duality. “Creating music came easily, but the red carpet? That felt like a betrayal of who I am,” he confesses. His candid reflections on impostor syndrome, industry competition, and the “miles” required to succeed will resonate with anyone who’s ever doubted their place in their craft.
But this isn’t just a story about music—it’s about reinvention. RJ’s pivot from solo artist to behind-the-scenes maestro proves that success isn’t linear. “The streaming era forced me to ask: Do I want fame, or do I want to live?” he muses.
And then there’s fatherhood. His daughter’s perfect pitch mirrors his own childhood, blurring the lines between legacy and letting go.
Key Moments:
The Stage Fright Paradox: RJ reveals why performing felt unnatural despite his vocal genius (“Ishmael fed off the audience—I just froze”).
Behind the Boards: How pivoting to production and TV scoring during Covid saved his career (“Client said, ‘Make it blues-hip-hop’—I had to unlearn my ego”).
Fatherhood & Perfect Pitch: His daughter’s uncanny musical gift (“She’s five and identifies notes while eating cereal”).
Industry Truths: The real story behind his shelved album—and why awards left him cold (“Best Adult Contemporary? I was offended”).
This conversation is a symphony of humility, hustle, and heart. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply seeking proof that passion can pay the bills, RJ’s journey will leave you inspired—and maybe even humming a new tune.
Listen now. Your creativity will thank you.
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Stream RJ's music on Spotify
For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out https://kojobaffoe.com/book/
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Recorded at Spotify Africa Joburg Studio
Show Music by Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe
Produced by Ayob Vania
