IN Conversation with Benjy de Kock, a keyboard player, songwriter, vocalist, and producer
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Francis Soal is the digital alter ego of Benjy de Kock, a keyboard player, songwriter, vocalist, and producer based in Cape Town, South Africa. His debut album, Hindsight 2020, was released in 2024, and received the award for ‘Best Alternative Album’ at the 31st South African Music Awards in December 2025.
Hindsight 2020 features an intricate blend of genres, from prog-rock and reggae to blues and jazz, and contemplates the inner and outer contradictions of modern life. Balancing his roles as both musician and producer, the album experiments with analogue production techniques to create a rich sonic landscape that invites listeners to engage deeply with the music and lyrics. Hindsight 2020 is meant to be experienced as a complete work, with each track seamlessly flowing into the next, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
In addition to his performing work, Benjy is also the co-founder of Concept Records, an independent recording studio and creative community based in Sybrand Park. Since its inception in 2019, Concept Records has recorded over 70 albums and EPs with local artists including Internet Athi, Kitso Seti, Asher Gamedze, Nobuhle Ashanti, and Kujenga. Concept Records is also the home of Big Little Concepts, a YouTube series which features live performance of original music by local artists, inspired by NPR’s TinyDesk series.
Hindsight 2020 features an intricate blend of genres, from prog-rock and reggae to blues and jazz, and contemplates the inner and outer contradictions of modern life. Balancing his roles as both musician and producer, the album experiments with analogue production techniques to create a rich sonic landscape that invites listeners to engage deeply with the music and lyrics. Hindsight 2020 is meant to be experienced as a complete work, with each track seamlessly flowing into the next, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
In addition to his performing work, Benjy is also the co-founder of Concept Records, an independent recording studio and creative community based in Sybrand Park. Since its inception in 2019, Concept Records has recorded over 70 albums and EPs with local artists including Internet Athi, Kitso Seti, Asher Gamedze, Nobuhle Ashanti, and Kujenga. Concept Records is also the home of Big Little Concepts, a YouTube series which features live performance of original music by local artists, inspired by NPR’s TinyDesk series.
