Benjamin III Speaks To The Depths Of Human Experience In New EP Wounds
Benjamin III, a skilled musician hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, has recently released his newest EP, Wounds. This collection comprises the title track, “Open,” and “Wide.” The artist finds inspiration in Kendrick Lamar’s influential album, Section.80, which has prompted him to break free from artistic constraints and authentically express his emotions without holding back, conveying his thoughts and feelings precisely as they are experienced.
With a firm belief that his creative process should remain uninfluenced by public reception or expectations, Benjamin III embraces a profound sense of liberation in his expression, along with a sense of artistic responsibility. He has honed his storytelling abilities, adopting Lamar’s technique of immersing listeners into specific environments through the clever use of sound effects. The singer tries to achieve a similar effect in his own unique style, inviting his audience to become active participants within his musical narratives.
“Open” is “a moment of looking in the mirror and disliking what you see,” says Benjamin III, explaining, “My grandmother had just passed away, my extended family was falling apart, my relationships were suffering due to my need to withdraw from everyone and everything. I didn’t want to act perfect anymore and I needed to allow myself to show my pain, my anger, my weaknesses, but I didn’t trust anyone enough to, so I turned to God and tried to find Him again.”
Regarding the inspiration behind the track “Wide,” Benjamin III openly shares, “I kept pointing the finger at the people who were responsible for my pain. And although they were, it was only a partial responsibility on them. I realized in that moment of confrontation, the things that I had done to contribute to such an outcome and how I failed them too. How I failed me.”
In “Wounds” Benjamin III brings attention to the inherent interdependence of human beings, emphasizing that no individual can exist in isolation from others. “It took me some time to realize that I needed the people around me, rather than thinking that I could do it all myself. This understanding strengthened my connection to family, friends, and the greater whole. The growth and the transformation could only come from the value that they all hold in my life. I couldn’t and I cannot do it on my own,” admits the artist.
Benjamin III’s artistic aspirations transcend the realm of mere song creation, drawing inspiration from iconic music figures like Michael Jackson, Miriam Makeba, Lauryn Hill, Fela Kuti, Tupac Shakur, and Kendrick Lamar. With his impactful tracks including “Open,” “Wounds,” and “Wide,” he is poised to fulfill his ambitions and make a profound and enduring impression.
Listen to the EP below: