Videographer: Natasha Ayoo @directedbynatashaayo
There are many personas behind Benzema:
the vibrant DJ who was part of Lectronica Circle, the group that redefined electronic music in Kenya, the sassy musician and performer who was behind the catchy, yet cheeky hooks on Ochunglo family’s hits when they dominated the Gengetone airwaves. However, we have recently been presented with a version of him like we have never seen before: the solo artist. “I was part of the group that made Kenyans listen to local music, and I was also part of the group that introduced EDM to the country,” he says on the role he has played in the industry. At any point of his ten-year career, Benzema has been at the forefront of pioneering new movements and introducing the local scene to never-been-heard-of sounds. Benzema, whose mellow, sultry, and imposing voice is reminiscent of an adagio singer, has released several solo songs as well as collaborations that have had him topping charts in the country with his raunchy and risqué tunes.
He prides himself as an artist
who constantly pushes forward
instead of looking back-
as music evolves, he easily shifts his sound to suit the times. From his collaboration with Sauti Sol’s Savara to his ballad* Najikakamua with Adasa, which he refers to as one of his favorite solo projects, Benzema easily shifts from one genre to another as he works on establishing his sound as a solo artist.
His work has established him as a trailblazer in every genre he sets his foot in, and a word of advice for anyone keen on following a similar path; “Consistency is key, and always align yourself with people with similar goals and visions.”
Styling: Kabi Kimari @kabikimari999
Make-up artist: Nirbas Beauty @nirbasbeauty
Photographer: Stephanie Matu @panzigo
Outfit: Pink Talash Suit by Muyishime @muyishime_
Creative Director: Mina Hameau
Outfit: Pink Talash Suit by Muyishime @muyishime_ Styling: Kabi Kimari @kabikimari999 Make-up artist: Nirbas Beauty @nirbasbeauty Photographer: Stephanie Matu @panzigo Set design: Bakhita @lunar_consciousness Creative Director: Mina Hameau
Clothes sourcing: Mina Hameau
Styling: Kabi Kimari @kabikimari999
Make-up artist: Nirbas Beuaty @nirbasbeauty
Photographer: Stephanie Matu @panzigo
Set design: Bakhita @lunar_consciousness
Creative Director: Mina Hameau
Outfit: Pink Talash Suit by Muyishime @muyishime_
Styling: Kabi Kimari @kabikimari999
Make-up artist: Nirbas Beuaty @nirbasbeauty
Photographer: Stephanie Matu @panzigo
Creative Director: Mina Hameau
He describes himself as
a shy person,
a personality that beautifully meshed with his prior stint as a DJ. But as a performer, the “thinker, visionary, and risk-taker” in him has instantly established him as an artist in his own right through his daring, naughty, and bold lyrics- “I am my own influence.”
“Luxury, to me, is in my day-to-day connections with people”
Benzema derives luxury in the simpler things in life; “The simplest things in life matter to me, as long as I wake and I am happy and those around me are happy.”
He never shies away from being creative with his craft, as evident with his plastic bag outfit on his Ngwatiology single that he describes as his most adventurous fashion choice. A risk-taker and one who never hesitates to push boundaries, his experience with working with YM Life was exciting through the “out of his world outfit ideas that made him confident.”
He believes that the platform will be beneficial in providing established and newcomer artists a platform to be seen and get their craft out of the country and Africa at large. “Most artists have stories to tell and YM Life would be a good platform to hear their voices.”
“Stylist”
Kabi Kimari @kabikimari999
“Make up”
Nirbas Beauty
“Photography”
Stephanie Matu @panzigo
