Brixton's Beloved Conch Shell Man Remembered

Joe Benjamin, a celebrated musician and activist, has died at the age of 88. In his native Bermuda during the early 1960s, he performed as Joe "Conch Shell" Benjamin, sharing stages with legends like Marvin Gaye and Dionne Warwick. His musical talents were influenced by jazz greats Don Shirley and Joe Williams, and he was also a member of the Bermuda Philharmonic Choir. In 2000, he was honored by The Royal Gazette as a significant contributor to Bermuda's cultural heritage.

Benjamin later relocated to the UK in 1966, eventually settling in south London's Brixton, where he resided for four decades. Recognizable for his distinctive attire, he was a beloved community figure. His symbolic act of blowing a conch shell in Brixton market led to an arrest in 1984 for breach of the peace. Though acquitted, the incident garnered parliamentary discussion and media attention.

Benjamin's early life in Bermuda was marked by challenges, including a difficult family background and time at training schools where he discovered his passion for classical music and overcame a debilitating stammer. He channeled his experiences and concern for his community into his soul opera, 'First Steps,' written and composed by him.

In his final decade, Benjamin retreated from public life, dedicating his time to composing and enjoying music at home. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a brother.