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This memorial website was created in memory of Prince Olusoji Larry Benson, 66 years old , born on June 7, 1952, and passed on to glory on February 12, 2019.
Soji, the FAZE 2 boss, has run his own 'life's' race and gone back to his maker. We will remember him forever because he impacted lives in various ways - even until his death.
"Memory drifts to scenes long past,
Time rolls on, but memories last;
Sunshine passes, shadows fall,
Love's remembrance outlasts all."
- Sun re O Soji
Friends of Soji
Tributes
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Gone but will never be forgotten.
How can I ever forget the times when you and Tokunbo Benson (RIP), drove after me from Jibowu to Ikoyi to make sure I get home safely in the mornings after rocking the night dancing, despite been tired.
You were a rare gem, you came, you saw and you conquered.
Sleep on in perfect peace of the Lord SOJ.
May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God continue to rest in peace.
Amen.
Soji was a soft kind hearted man.
A true champion and a pioneer.His creation and idea of FAZE2 put Lagos (Jibowu) on the map of night life scene.
FAZE2 was a 80s sensation ... sophisticated,a trend, a social scene that brought people who hungered for soul music together.... A real cool atmosphere!
Soji as a pioneer ( in the social Scene), I register you as a person who entered the wilderness and prepared the way for others to follow.
Rest in peace dear friend!
Soji rest in perfect peace....
The Spiderman movie’s most famous line on leadership which says “with great power, comes great responsibility” is so accurate. It is one of my most favourite lines when I am in a capacity to lead others or submit to a higher authority within various roles, particularly where the ability to be motivated or step completely out of my comfort zones by pushing myself to the limit, outperforming; all in the good name of creating memorable experiences or becoming a success as a pacesetter, these words always act as my propelling tool to make me a better person, student or a better leader. So, when I meet great people who have been gifted to change the status quo and I find them as equally accommodating as I am, I am attracted to them like a magnet. Probably because I see something in them that sets them apart; not because their personality would whip me into a frenzy but more because they are purely very special individuals.
This brings me to my maiden write up on this page, “Forever Missed”, a remarkably crafted page by my sister, Laila St. Matthew-Daniel to honour friends we have lost along the way, what sets them apart from the maddening crowd and why they have left ineradicable marks on our lives.
Therefore, what better time to honour a friend, the Late Prince Soji Benson who warmed his way into my heart decades ago with his cool and calm demeanour by giving me the opportunity to work with him in a pace-setting nightclub called Faze2, Lagos Nigeria (late 70s and early 80s). Little did I know that this association would light a fire and create a stampede in Lagos nightlife. How so? This is because Faze2 was a quintessence of class with great food, amazing drinks, attracting the best people, the best fashion, the best cars and where the music was played fabulously differently from all other nightclubs in Nigeria at that time. Soji, with his astute leadership style and his team (including yours truly as one of the resident Disc Jockeys, Oseola Awosika and Chucks) made it happen.
As a great leader he understood the art of creating excellence out of something very little. Faze2, for those who remember it did not boast of a huge dancefloor, because by my estimation, the dancefloor could only hold between 150 to 200 people at a full stretch, but the music was out of this world!
I celebrate Soji for giving me the ability to be at the top of my game as one of the night club resident disc jockeys. Faze2's music allowed us to bring a lot of minds, professionals and great people (some of whom are still my friends to this day) together. Faze2 was a place where hundreds of friendships and marriages were formed.
Soji, thank you for creating a beauty that became a positive force in the circle of party people and musical enthusiasts around the world. As a living witness, when we had expatriates as guests from America, Holland, UK and Switzerland etc, they were always delighted to have been at the club to experience the music first hand. You were One in a Million. You will forever be missed my dear friend and brother. May your beautiful soul rest in perfect peace.
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Soji Cool Cat!
The entertainment scene in Lagos perhaps in Nigeria can not be written without a mention of you. Faze 2 was the coolest joint of the mid 80s in Lagos bar none! The club perfectly captured your energy, style, swag and joie de vive. The memories linger and will remain with me for as long as I live. It was a regular haunting base for me and my buddy, Don Cookey Anah (The Don) who has also transitioned to eternal rest with the Lord. I think you guys will continue the party in heaven.
Thank you Soji for the memories and your friendship. Your legacy will be remembered for a long, long time my friend.
Rest in eternal peace bro!
Adeiu Soji
A smile that said 'I am a friend'
A soft voice that said 'I am here for you'
A laugh that said 'I live life to the full'
Always a kind word or thought for those he cared for.
He lived, made his mark and exited.
Rest Soji.