(November 7, 2022) When singer/songwriters dig into innermost thoughts about life and love, sometimes their raw storylines explode onto the video platform. Nigerian American and current Los Angeles resident Benedict Ojei Better, aka Ben Official, has won over YouTube fans as one of R&B’s current resilient voices. And his artistic urgency is never in doubt. As stated on the opening credits for his videos “Petty” and “Give Me Your Love,” these songs are based on personal experiences. Though the visuals in those videos may stun some viewers, Official’s bleeding heart is always securely on his sleeve.
(November 7, 2022) When singer/songwriters dig into innermost thoughts about life and love, sometimes their raw storylines explode onto the video platform. Nigerian American and current Los Angeles resident Benedict Ojei Better, aka Ben Official, has won over YouTube fans as one of R&B’s current resilient voices. And his artistic urgency is never in doubt. As stated on the opening credits for his videos “Petty” and “Give Me Your Love,” these songs are based on personal experiences. Though the visuals in those videos may stun some viewers, Official’s bleeding heart is always securely on his sleeve.
As we wait for Official’s E.P. No Ego, two tracks have been released in the month of October, including his introduction to SoulTracks and First Listen. Throughout the accompanying video for “Give Me Your Love” (NuWave Music), Official dominates the camera with his suave, yet edgy R&B attitude digging into the emotional trenches – even while wearing a tuxedo dishing out drama and dance.
Producer Christopher Mathien keeps it minimal by supplying a head nodding groove for Official to convey his soulful vulnerability: “There was something bout the way/ You held my hand then you would say/ That “I can never live without you” so I lied that I’m okay/Cuz I’d hate to admit it/That my true addictions.” Make no mistake that Official’s performance on “Give Me Your Love” elevates another level in keeping it real. Take a listen.
By Peggy Oliver
Ben Official - "Give Me Your Love"