 The music of BEN OKAFOR moves effortlessly between the best of African Reggae with its rich lyrical heritage, classic folk protest songs in the vein of Bob Marley's Redemption Song and driving reggae beats betraying the early influence of Peter Tosh, the Wailers, and Marley himself. Born in Nigeria, His earliest memories of music go back to live street performances and West African ‘Hi-life’ music (a kind of genetic folk rock). Early musical influences came from his mother who listened largely to Miriam Makeba. Other influences included Church music, James Brown, Jimmy Cliff, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Fela Kuti and inevitably, the aforementioned Wailers.
Ben's music and early life were shaped by his experiences as a boy soldier. Shouldering a Kalashnikov at 15 as his country was torn apart by civil war, he learnt his craft during years of exile before peace was established. Later appearances in South Africa with Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu and involvement in peace and justice initiatives followed, his songs reflecting a heart felt plea for justice, truth and love.
 Ben moved to Europe in the 1980's and settled in the Midlands. With all of his experiences that have shaped him into the prolific songwriter that he is, he decided to get to work and record his work. He soon released the two albums that would make his mark on the musical map - "Nkiru" [meaning freedom] and "Generation" (his first release with Plankton), both produced by Bob Lamb of early UB40 fame. Both albums were licensed for release in the USA. There was then a long gap until Ben's next album ‘Coffee With Lazarus’. This deeply personal and conscious album saw Ben drawing on all of his life experiences and moving reggae music into places where there are no restrictions, with some African Folk, Ska and a little Jazz thrown into the equation. Recorded in New York, this album represents some of Ben's strongest material to date and introduces a definite transatlantic feel into his strong base of African reggae.
2003 saw Ben releasing the single ‘Thing With War’, which lyrically and ethically is linked to his childhood memories. Indeed, 35% of the profits from the sale of this CD goes to support the work of the Coalition to stop the use of Child Soldiers.
A prolific, dynamic and powerful live performer and communicator attracting praise from amongst others, U2's Bono, Ben has toured in America, Nigeria, Europe and South Africa.
Ben Okafor website
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