In an exclusive chat with The Christ Gospel Radio; Rae Ben shared with us her journey to salvation, music, her inspirational mentors, and many more.
TCGR: Could you please provide a brief introduction to people who are unfamiliar with you?
Rae Ben: Okay, my name is Rachel Ada Ehi Benjamin, but everyone calls me Rae Ben. I’m a Nigerian who performs, records and writes songs for the gospel genre.
TCGR: As a gospel artist, could you kindly share with our audience the story of how you came to experience and accept your salvation?
Rae Ben: Okay, I grew up in a Christian home where my family members were active members of the church as choristers and believers. Because of my parents’ influence, I grew up with a deep reverence for the Lord. When I was eight years old, I made the decision to follow Christ.
TCGR: You were saved at the age of 8, could you walk us through that experience? Can you recollect the feeling or experience when you committed your life to Christ or underwent a born-again experience?
Rae Ben: Yeah, I don’t remember all of the specifics, but there was a large church program in which children were invited to join adults in stepping forward to surrender to Christ. Since then, the experience has been fantastic, and I’ve received a lot of help from God on numerous occasions.
TCGR: How do you deepen your relationship with Christ as a believer?
Rae Ben: Intimacy, spending more time with God, his word. and having your mind obsessed with him
TCGR: What inspired you to pursue a career in gospel music??
Rae Ben: I joined bigger choirs, learned under experienced and professional singers, and went on music competitions.
TCGR: What would you be doing or doing right now if you weren’t pursuing your music career?
Rae Ben: It would be probably modelling and fashion.
I wrote the song “Dwell” when I was 13 years old, that’s years ago. I’ll never forget, it was evening, and I just sat outside the house relaxed when I began to think about God and how we can’t do without him, how he changes and transforms lives… yea, that was how God dropped the song in my head. Yea, by God’s grace, I’ve got other songs I’ll like to put out, trusting God for finance to do them
TCGR: Do you have any regrets?
Rae Ben: Never, not at all
TCGR: What motivates you in the field of music creation, and who has inspired you in your musical endeavors?
Rae Ben: Many top gospel ministers today inspired me, but minister Ada Ehi got me, the most. She was and is my inspiration until tomorrow.
The Christ Gospel Radio: What inspired you to write your debut single “DWELL”, are you working on any project?
Rae Ben: I wrote the song “Dwell” when I was 13 years old, that’s years ago. I’ll never forget, it was evening, and I just sat outside the house relaxed when I began to think about God and how we can’t do without him, how he changes and transforms lives… yea, that was how God dropped the song in my head. Yea, by God’s grace, I’ve got other songs I’ll like to put out, trusting God for finance to do them
TCGR: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Rae Ben: I’ve received advice on multiple occasions and consider it all to be beneficial. At present, there isn’t one that sticks out as the best.
TCGR: What inspires and influences your musical expression, and how would you characterize the genre and style of your evangelical music?
Rae Ben: My music is mainly influenced by pop gospel and my environment.
READ RAE BEN SHARES HER DEBUT SINGLE “DWELL”
TCGR: What are the difficulties that independent gospel musicians face in the music industry? Tell us about your own experience.
Rae Ben: It’s really difficult, with many restrictions, and occasionally it seems like being managed is the best—which, believe me, it is. I’m currently unable to accomplish a lot of the things I would have liked to if I were signed to a record label. Additionally, as an independent person, there are instances when it’s hard or impossible for you to independently promote your song. Many more exist, but I’ll reserve that for a later discussion.
TCGA: How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Rae Ben: When my music reaches a large audience, lives are blessed, and so on.
TCGR: why is your music not on YouTube, how can your fans reach you?
Rae Ben: Yeah, I’m still working on that.
TCGR: In terms of music, what can we anticipate hearing from you soon?
Rae Ben: A lot, I want to take gospel music to another level, I don’t know how to explain but I’ve got a lot in mind.
TCGR: What would you say is your greatest weakness as an artist?
Rae Ben: Like, planning a whole time on a music project, and when it’s out it doesn’t reach the target it’s supposed it to reach, you don’t get anything from it, it didn’t reach people and so on, it’s a big turn off
TCGR: before I wrap up this interview, do you have anything to say to your fans worldwide?
Rae Ben: Nothing much.
Everybody, keep trusting God, keep serving, keep believing
It pays to serve Jesus, and it will surely pay
TCGR: Thank you, Rae Ben for your time we look forward to having you live on air anytime soon, and good luck with your plan for the future and Merry Christmas to you
Rae Ben: Thank you so much for having me, and I anticipate that time soon too. Thank you
