A-List: Ghanian artist Rhian Benson’s got a little kick and a lot of soul

Apr 5th, 2011 4:20 PM UTC
By Lorraine Chu

Looking for music with a little kick and with a whole lot of soul? This week’s A-List artist might just do the trick. Possessing a warm, honey-like voice, Ghanaian singer Rhian Benson combines soul and jazz for a smooth, effortless sound. Pursuing her passion for music after receiving a prestigious education from the London School of Economics and Harvard University, Rhian is redefining modern soul music with her sultry vibe and electronic beats.

Frequently compared to the likes of soulful artists Sade, Phyllis Hyman and Norah Jones, Rhian wrote and recorded her 2004 debut album “Gold Coast,” titled after her childhood home of Ghana, to phenomenal international support and great critical acclaim. Now, Rhian is back with a new album, recently released this past February, entitled “Hands Clean.”

Sharing stages with famous acts such as Brian McKnight, Angie Stone, Raphael Saadiq, Macy Gray and Angela Bofill, Rhian’s journey and passion have garnered great response, including the title of “Ghana Entertainer of the Year” during the Ghana Professional Awards in 2004. With a Welsh mother and Ghanaian father, Rhian feels ties to both her Western and African cultures through music. As Rhian states, “Ghana music is part of my everyday life. It marks births, weddings, funerals…everything. It’s ever-present.”

TAGS: A-List, ONE