We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Beni Rouge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Beni below.

Beni, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I haven’t always made money full-time from singing. Initially, I worked for free, dedicating years to singing in church from the age of 15. By my early 20s, I led praise and worship, gaining attention from the Japanese community for event performances.

Despite this, I noticed others in the industry making a living, but lacked guidance on entering. At my manager’s suggestion, I ventured into modeling.

Desperation led me to seek advice,
opening doors to discovering agents who provided work. Within three months, my career soared, and I achieved a full-time income. While the journey wasn’t instantaneous, the key milestones involved networking, seeking advice, and transitioning from free gigs to paid opportunities.

Looking back, I don’t regret the process at all because I am a firm believer that what is for me will come to me at the right time. There are so many lessons I learned throughout my journey that I wouldn’t take back!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Beni Rouge, born and raised in Japan to Ghanaian parents. Proudly representing the first generation of Japanese Africans, I currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia, for the past 3 years, though I’m excited to announce my move back home this year to further my career.

My musical journey began at age 9, influenced by my best friend’s love for music during our daily school bus rides in downtown Tokyo. Recognized for my gift at 15, I joined the praise and worship team, becoming the youngest member. Progressing into my early 20s, I led and directed music, even performing original pieces in the local community.

Venturing into the industry, I served as a backing vocalist for renowned Japanese artists and indie musicians, gracing venues from lounges to upscale bars, weddings, and parties in Tokyo. Among my proudest moments are performing for the former Prime Minister of Japan, as well as singing for the autism community, creating memorable experiences with my neurodivergent friends. I have also had the opportunity to appear on national television in commercials, make guest appearances in tv shows, and movies.

As I prepare to return to Japan, I invite followers to join my musical and modeling journey on Instagram. I’m passionate about creating meaningful connections through my music, and I’m excited for the next chapter in my career back home.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media presence, which is relatively new, quickly evolved through interviews, genuine connections, and friendliness beyond the digital realm. Advice for those starting: step beyond the pursuit of Instagram fame, embrace networking, connect authentically beyond the screen, and be patient in navigating the process. Building relationships outside of social media has been instrumental, unveiling unexpected opportunities. The recent YouTube interview highlighting my unique multicultural background further contributed to this growth.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I view NFTs as a valuable tool to enhance the connection with my fanbase. They go beyond the traditional roles of listeners or supporters, offering a unique way to add value and create a more interactive and meaningful experience for those who appreciate my work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/benirouge
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benichan2020?mibextid=sCpJLy