By Mukembo Wilfred
Metro FM’s popular morning show will feature a special guest this Friday, November 15th, 2024, when Nigerian reggae star Ben Priest joins Kabuye Ronald Viyeno, co-host Winnie Bulya, and Deejay Scofield at 8:30 AM East African Standard Time.
Ben Priest, originally from Boki in Cross River State, Southern Nigeria, is a renowned reggae singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist. Known for his soulful music and powerful lyrics, Ben earned his “Priest” title as a nod to his disciplined upbringing, influenced by his father, a pastor.
His music reflects his deep spiritual beliefs and extensive knowledge of the Bible, with many of his songs focusing on themes of peace, unity, and truth. Choosing reggae as his preferred genre, Ben Priest has embraced the Rastafarian culture as a means to communicate his messages of faith and spirituality.
Fans of reggae music and those interested in hearing about Ben’s musical journey can tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation on Metro FM’s morning show this Friday.
ARTISTE PROFILE – Ben Priest
Ben Priest hails from Boki, Cross River State in Southern Nigeria, is an accomplished Reggae Singer/Songwriter, Producer and a Guitarist. Ben affectionately earned his “Priest” titled name coming from a strict disciplined home and in observance of his father’s profession as a Pastor.
His catalog of songs reflects his well-grounded demeanor and highlights his vast knowledge of the Bible and his spirituality. Ben chose Reggae as his preferred genre; he visualized the Rastafarian culture as the best vehicle to convey his deep messages of truth, peace, unity and real life experiences.
As a Former member and lead vocalist of the iconic South African Reggae legend, Lucky Dube’s official band, he’s known for his compelling vocals and for penning songs such as “Freeman” “Living A Lie” and “Tribute to Lucky Dube.” Some of his most accomplished works include a tribute Album titled, “Celebrate His Life,” recorded with the Band shortly after Lucky Dube’s passing.
Throughout the years, Ben’s impressive recordings as a standalone musician have afforded him quite an illustrious music career and has highlighted his professional capability as a decorated Reggae artist within the industry. In 2017, Ben Priest’s “Freeman” album sold over 400,000 units in Africa and he hasn’t look back since achieving this feat of success.
In 2018, his musical career flourished even brighter with a receipt in honor from the African Monarch’s “Obaland Royal Awards” and winner as Nigeria’s Best Reggae songwriter; a nomination he earned alongside other Reggae mainstream acts such as Sizzla, Queen Ifrica, Chronixx, Daddy Fresh, Winning Jah, Eedris Abdulkareem , Shatta Wale and others.
His recent Ghana Nigeria Music Awards (GNMAwards) nomination for the 2022 Reggae Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his “Human Rights” song rendition is a phenomenal achievement. Indeed he has come a long way in his career from the days of local performances when he began running in-house bands at reputable hotels such as Transcorp Hilton and Chelsea Hotels in the Federal Capital city of Abuja, Nigeria.
Ben’s passion for Reggae music commenced as a chorister youth in church. There he began to realize his unique singing potential. Interestingly, his lists of influences includes his precessor – Lucky Dube, and other prominent professional players such as Luciano and Majek Fashek as his notable key mentors.
As a Songwriter and Composer, Ben credits his inspiration to humble beginnings, daily happenings and real life experiences. As a solo Artist, Ben’s decorated career have afforded him three (3) accomplished Album productions, namely: “Freeman” (2005), “I Got A Roof” (2016), and the “Jah Live” (2017).
Apart from the albums done Ben Priest has also recorded quite a number of singles till date.
For Bookings, Business Dealings And Information, Please Contact:
EMAIL: benpriestman74@gmail.com
PHONE: +2349034454969
+2348183337297
