Biography

He is only 22 years old, but already Benks, the lyrical songwriter and recording artist from Islington; St. Mary has made a name for himself as a promising newcomer to the music industry. With his writing abilities he has been able to produce diverse new singles and great performances at shows and clubs across Jamaica and in doing so Benks has shown that he is an artist destined to succeed in the competitive music industry. Born Kemar Harrison, April 5, 1987, in the district of Joe River in Islington, St Mary, was where he gained his stage name “Benks” as he was affectionately called after the “Benks River” where he spent most of his leisure time. In 1995 at the age of eight years old he moved to the Waterhouse Community in Kingston to live with his mother where he attended the Balmagie Primary School and later moved on to Jamaica College. After high school he moved to Olympic Court where his maternal grandmother resides.
Like most young talent Benks discovered and developed his musical prowess by performing within the church at an early age. With influences from musical icons such as Bob Marley and Beres Hammond, as well as lyricist Eminem and Vybz Kartel which increased his love for performing and writing music. At the tender age of 14 he channeled his love for music by forming a group with 2 friends. Group members later parted ways but Benks was determined to become a successful musician and so he continued his musical journey by pursuing a solo career.
In 2008, he was introduced by a friend to Dwayne “Dugsy” Dawkins of Kingston 11 Productions where he found his musical home and recorded various singles. This Alliance generated hit bound singles like “Now and Forever” with Gyptian and Chick Chock and “Man a Pree” another collaboration with Chick Chock. Benks has made appearances at various shows and clubs but the performance which made the greatest impact in his career was at the Friendship Community Center in Islington, where he shared the stage with Capleton in 2008. According to Benks he is now looking forward to “performing overseas and locking down billboards” as well as producing “tight lyrics and gaining more exposure.” He is currently promoting his new singles “Now and Forever”, “Man a Pree”, "Way She Wines" and "Day Off” all in preparation for the hope of achieving a spot on Reggae Sumfest and other major stage shows in the near future.