Chasing the Creativity : The Legendary Benjy Myaz
Benjy Myaz, one of Jamaica's top crooners of smooth, mello love and reggae music got his name from the patois mispronunciation of his correct name - Benjamin Myers.
The last of eight children, Myaz was born in Haddington District, Hanover, on the 6 th of April to Egbert & Ressa Myers and grew up with his seven other musical siblings. He was taught at Haddington Basic School before he attended Bethel All Age School (now Junior High School) in Hopewell.
His father was the preacher at Holiness Christian Church and this provided an outlet for Benjy's musical talent. There as he was allowed to play his guitar, now called ‘Spirit', as part of the band. He also played for devotions in primary school and rehearsed with other groups at church.
While at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay he studied music and upon leaving in 1984, he taught music at the high school level for two years immediately after leaving school. He later did further studies with private tutors.
Benjy always had a love for reggae music, but because of his father's religious stance, was discouraged to pursue it. His motivation came from his teacher, Mr. Anthony ‘Slouchy' Matthews, who encouraged him to follow his dream, despite the pressures from his father.
For eight years he played the North Coast hotel circuit. During that time, Benjy applied and received a scholarship to Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. But life got in the way, which resulted in him leaving school.
This talented songwriter, composer and singer possesses a vast knowledge of music and has mastered least seven instruments; his first love being the Bass guitar. His unmistakable talent allowed him to produce, write, arrange and collaborate with top Reggae/Pop/Gospel/Folk/Urban recording artists such as Third World, Garnet Silk, Ken Boothe, Joanna Marie, Joan Myers, Pam Hall, Michael St. George, Bankie Banx, Freddie McGregor and producer, Bobby Digital, among others.
As a producer, he got his first big break in 1986 when he arranged and produced a cover of Brooke Benton's classic “So Many Ways” (performed by Dennis Malcolm), which went to #1 in Jamaica, England and New York.
Benjy Myaz has acquired international recognition for his disciplined work ethic, awesome talent and outstanding creativity. As a solo act, he performed alongside international artists Jeffrey Osbourne, James Ingram, Gladys Knight, Angie Stone, Kevon Edmonds, Bankie Banx and most recently with Peabo Bryson.
In 1999, he received a Nomination Medal & Certificate from the Grammy Committee for being a part of Toots and the Maytals Grammy-nominated album. Prior to completing Long Story Short which is his third vocal album in November 2005, (on his own label called My Werks Music), he produced an instrumental album entitled You've Got Me -- the first of its kind ever produced in Jamaica. His first single, Love You Higher was released in 1995.
It received massive airplay and has become a classic in the Jamaican reggae music scene. Benjy Myaz is also the featured artiste on TheBeat.fm, an online music website and features ‘Love You Higher' on their Top Forty Chart and their number 1 song. He is also working on a soon-to-be-released duet with featuring A'lissa from Montego Bay and an instrumental album featuring the bass guitar as the lead instrument on the tracks. These are just a few of the achievements of this accomplished Jamaican musician.
Currently, he is overseas going wherever the music takes him. When he is not in the studio or performing, Benjy loves to play football, watch the news, or hang out on the beach at sunset. Organic foods are his favourite.
Strongly influenced by musicians like Bob Marley, Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughn, Theolous Monk, Herbie Hancock, George Duke and bass players Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Jaco Pastorius, Benjy Myaz is a quintessential example of musicians who live to play music. He brings back the meaning to ‘grass roots' music.
Using Herbert Morrison High's school motto, ‘Strength and Persevere' as the foundation of his life, he has truly emerged a winner. With over 30 original songs, this talented ‘Son of the Soil' has made his mark internationally, fulfilling his dream and doing what he loves – music. Benjy Myaz…chasing the creativity, not the competition'.
For Information & Bookings :contact:
My'Werks Music/Productions,
55 Lady Musgrave Rd.Kingston 10,Jamaica.
Tel:876 946-9725(0ff/Fax) 876 859-2512 (cell)
USA:718 355-8414
Email:mywerks.music@gmail.com
cc :monilove99@gmail.com
Official Website: www.benjymyaz.com
