Stephanie Benson was born and raised in her home country of Ghana and began studying the piano at the tender age of 3. This early desire to play the piano was a direct result of her father playing the piano in the evenings before bedtime.
At the age of 8, she was sent to the National Academy of Music, where she also learned to play the violin and cello. During these early years Stephanie developed and honed her musical craft until at 14, when she moved to London following the death of her father.
Under the watchful eye of her uncle in London, Stephanie channeled her energies on the piano, playing, to the extent that she got a residency singing and playing the piano at one on London’s famous nightclubs. It was during this period that Stephanie was spotted by Peter Waterman who signed her to his label PWL.
With PWL Stephanie released her first recorded single ‘Now is the Time,’ which earned her a top 20 position on the UK dance charts. Stephanie began a promotional tour across Europe until the relationship with PWL came to an end.
After this period Stephanie started developing her writing skills and began writing and collaborating with other writer/artists including the likes of Andy Hill (Bucks Fizz), Terry Britton (Tina Turner) Danny Schogger (Celine Dion), Wayne Vaughn (Earth Wind and Fire), Rob Davis (Kylie Minogue), and Stevie Wonder among others.
It was during this period that Stephanie began focusing and developing her live performances, as a solo artist and with a full live band in support. Performing for many noted high-end clients and celebrities at prestigious and private events.
She has on more than one occasion been invited by Britain’s royal family and HRH Prince Charles, who, the first time he heard Stephanie perform, told her, “You are one of the most amazing performers I’ve ever seen”.
Meanwhile, the Benson Entertainment Production Institute (BEP), a music school owned by Stephanie Benson is about taking off.
The school would comprise of a modern sound recording studio and other units.
The Benson Entertainment Production Institute (BEP for short), according to her, would comprise of a modern sound recording studio, which would be used for training and commercial purposes. The Facility also intends to develop Professional International Theatre standards for musical theatre shows, stage musical concerts, rehearsal space and TV shows.
With the kind of respect and recognition she has gained over the years both locally and internationally Stephanie has stated that she will use her brand to raise awareness for the Institute to encourage more foreign interest, and affiliation with internally recognized schools, TV companies and record labels.
“My aim is to help groom potential stars of our Ghanaian talent in all fields of the industry. A place they can come to get the professional and financial help to develop their talent within the Institute. I am starting this in a very small way, but with time I intend to develop it into something bigger” she said.
Work is steadily ongoing at the location and the school would begin operations before the end of the year.
