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Benji Webbe
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Key Information
Clive John "Benji" Webbe (born 11 March 1967) is a Welsh singer, best known as the lead vocalist for the reggae metal band Skindred. Aside from his main project, he is also active in Diamond Spider, Dub War, Mass Mental and his own solo project.[1] He has featured on albums by Bullet for My Valentine, Soulfly, The Alarm, and Punk Rock Factory.
Webbe is a native of Newport, South Wales, and a veteran of the rock explosion of the mid-1990s which led to Spin magazine dubbing Newport as 'The New Seattle'.[2]
Early life
[edit]Clive John Webbe was born on 11 March 1967 in Newport to Caribbean parents. His father was brought to the UK on the Windrush ship which brought one of the first groups of West Indian immigrants to the United Kingdom. His father arrived in Manchester where he struggled to find a job and moved to Wales instead.
Webbe became an orphan at the age of 13 and was raised by his older brother in Newport.[2] He was also involved in drug dealing, but turned his life around with music.
Career
[edit]Webbe first came to prominence with Dub War, releasing two studio albums, Pain and Wrongside of Beautiful. A third album was in the works before the band split in 1999. Benji left Earache after they refused to let him record a solo album, which was intended to move to a more hip-hop sound.[3] After a short lived project with Robert Trujillo, Mass Mental, which released one studio and one live album, Webbe formed Skindred with former members of Dub War. Due to a dispute with the record label, a new lineup moved to Bieler Bros. and has released six studio albums.
In 2006, Webbe performed with Korn at the 2006 Download Festival, while Korn's lead singer Jonathan Davis was seriously ill, he sang "A.D.I.D.A.S." He has also appeared on Bullet for My Valentine's 2008 album Scream Aim Fire (on "Take It Out on Me"), as well as Soulfly's debut album (on "Quilombo" and "Prejudice").[4]
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In 2012, Webbe collaborated with the rap metal band Dirty Wormz on their album Outbreak, appearing on the song "Blood & Fire".
In 2015, Webbe released his debut solo album, a purely reggae album entitled I Haven't Been Nicking in Ages, produced by Monsta Boy. He has also been performing intermittently with the reformed Mass Mental and in 2015, Dub War.[5]
In 2018, commemorating Black History Month in the United Kingdom, Webbe was included on a list of 100 "Brilliant, Black and Welsh" people.[6]
In 2020, Webbe unveiled a new studio project with Dub War bassist Richie Glover, entitled Diamond Spider. The "voodoo blues" project released its debut single in October that year, with a self-titled album due in 2021 along with Dub War's fourth studio album.
Personal life
[edit]Webbe has four children with his ex-wife and 19 grandchildren.[2] In September 2022, he married his wife Julie Christian in a private wedding ceremony.
Discography
[edit]Solo discography
[edit]| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2015 | I Haven't Been Nicking in Ages |
Skindred discography
[edit]| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Babylon |
| 2007 | Roots Rock Riot |
| 2009 | Shark Bites and Dog Fights |
| 2011 | Union Black |
| 2014 | Kill the Power |
| 2015 | Volume |
| 2018 | Big Tings |
| 2023 | Smile |
Dub War discography
[edit]| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1993 | Words of Dubwarning |
| 1995 | Pain |
| 1996 | Wrong Side of Beautiful |
| 1998 | Step Ta Dis |
| 2009 | Demos 2010 |
| 2010 | The Dub, the War and the Ugly |
| 2021 | Declaration of Dub War |
| 2022 | Westgate Under Fire |
Diamond Spider discography
[edit]| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Diamond Spider |
Mass Mental? discography
[edit]| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1999 | How to Write Love Songs |
| 1999 | Live in Tokyo |
Collaborations
[edit]| Year | Band | Album | Song(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Soulfly | Soulfly | "Quilombo"; "Prejudice" |
| 2003 | Bong Ra | Bikini Bandits, Kill! Kill! Kill! | "Blood & Fire" |
| 2004 | Jeff Killed John | Jeff Killed John (EP) | "Nation2Nation" |
| 2008 | Bullet for My Valentine | Scream Aim Fire | "Take It Out on Me" |
| 2010 | Forever Never | I Can't Believe It's Not Metal | "Boombastic" |
| 2012 | diRTy WoRMz | Outbreak | "Blood & Fire" |
| 2015 | Farmikos | Farmikos | "Fragile" |
| 2015 | Silly Band! | Water Is the Ruination of Everything | "Save My Farm" |
| 2015 | Crossfaith | Xeno | "Wildfire" |
| 2015 | Modestep | London Road | "Circles" |
| 2016 | Dubioza Kolektiv | Happy Machine | "Riot Fire" |
| 2017 | Sumo Cyco | Opus Mar | "Move Mountains" |
| 2017 | As Sirens Fall | "In My Mind" | |
| 2018 | Florence Black | The Final EP | "Gunshot" |
| 2019 | Phil Campbell | Old Lions Still Roar | "Dead Roses" |
| 2021 | Dirty Shirt | "Pretty Faces" | |
| 2022 | Punk Rock Factory | A Whole New Wurst 2 | "Shiny" |
| 2022 | The Alarm | Omega | "Safe from Harm" |
| 2022 | Undead Corporation Doujin Works | J.O.I.N.T | "Get It" |
| 2022 | Massive Wagons | Triggered! | "Generation Prime" |
| 2023 | Russkaja | Turbo Polka Party | "Vozdukh" |
| 2024 | BLACKGOLD | Cypress Hill Mixtape | "Insane in the Brain" |
References
[edit]- ^ Loftus, Johnny. "Biography: Skindred". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 March 2010.
- ^ a b c Rawlins, Kirsten (4 August 2017). "Music saved me: Benji Webbe of Skindred talks ahead of Bloodstock appearance". Shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
- ^ Digby (26 September 2009). "ASK EARACHE: Rob Trujillo & Benji Webbe = Mass Mental". Askearache.blogspot.com. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
- ^ "Skindred Frontman Benji Webbe on The MetalSucks Podcast #233 | MetalSucks". MetalSucks. 9 April 2018. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
- ^ "Benji Webbe reveals all about Skindred's new album Big Tings". Metal Hammer Magazine. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
- ^ Wightwick, Abbie (28 September 2018). "Brilliant, Black and Welsh: A celebration of 100 African Caribbean and African Welsh people". WalesOnline. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Benji Webbe at Wikimedia Commons
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Benji Webbe
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early Life
Birth and Family Background
Clive John Webbe, professionally known as Benji Webbe, was born on 11 March 1967 in Newport, Wales.[8] His parents were part of the Caribbean immigrant community in post-war Britain; his father arrived in the UK aboard the Windrush ship from the West Indies, seeking industrial work opportunities in Wales after initially landing in Manchester with his brother.[9][10] His mother, born in Wales, brought a local perspective to the family.[11] Webbe grew up with three siblings in a working-class household in Newport, where his older brother and sister played key roles in his early life.[11][12] The family's Caribbean roots provided strong cultural influences, including exposure to reggae and Rastafarian traditions through his older brother's involvement in music, all set against the backdrop of a predominantly white Welsh industrial environment that shaped his dual identity.[12][9]Upbringing and Early Challenges
Benji Webbe faced significant personal hardships during his childhood in Newport, South Wales, after losing his mother when he was seven and his father when he was eleven. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised primarily by his 21-year-old Rastafarian brother Clifford, with support from his sister, in the working-class neighborhood of Ringland, where his family was one of the few Black households on the council estate during the 1970s.[13][14][2] This period was marked by a lack of parental guidance, leading Webbe to describe himself as a "feral" child navigating a challenging environment without structure.[14] Growing up in Newport's tough neighborhoods, Webbe became involved in petty crime as a youth, including breaking into the local Odeon cinema with friends using makeshift tools like a coat hanger to sneak in and watch films. The racial divides in Ringland added to these early challenges, as Webbe encountered cultural ignorance and a sense of otherness in a predominantly white community, though he later reflected on the area as a place defined more by "wrong and right" than "black and white."[13] These experiences contributed to a turbulent childhood, where the absence of family stability pushed him toward street activities amid the socioeconomic struggles of the estate.[13] Music emerged as a vital discovery and constructive outlet for Webbe during this time, influenced by the reggae, hip-hop, and punk scenes prevalent in Newport. Exposed to reggae through his brother's record collection, he found inspiration in artists like The Specials, whose blend of ska and punk resonated deeply and gave him a "sense of purpose" as one of the few Black youths in the local punk crowds.[14][15] Hip-hop elements entered his world through friends who incorporated scratching into early performances, while punk's raw energy, seen in gigs by bands like the Sex Pistols and the trailer for the Dance Craze film, captivated him with its interracial unity on stage. This turning point shifted Webbe away from his troubled path, as he began singing in local clubs and small venues, using music to channel his energy positively and escape the cycles of petty crime.[13][15]Musical Career
Dub War and Early Band Experience
Dub War was formed in 1993 in Newport, South Wales, when Benji Webbe joined an existing local rock band seeking a vocalist, marking his entry into professional music after involvement in reggae sound systems.[16] The lineup consisted of Webbe on lead vocals, Jeff Rose on guitar, Richie Glover on bass, and Martin "Ginge" Ford on drums.[17] The band's sound pioneered "ragga metal," fusing elements of ragga, metal, dub, hip-hop, punk, and reggae influences from artists like Bob Marley and The Clash.[18][16] In 1995, following the release of their mini-album Dub Warning on the independent label Words of Warning, Dub War signed a two-album deal with Earache Records, a Nottingham-based outfit known for extreme metal acts.[19] This led to their debut full-length album Pain that same year, recorded at Chapel Studios and featuring socially conscious tracks like "Why" and "Strike It" that emphasized unity and personal growth.[16] Their follow-up, Wrong Side of Beautiful, arrived in 1996, alongside the Soundclash EP, broadening their appeal with a mix of intense and softer reggae-infused tracks.[17] The band gained momentum through extensive touring, including trips to the USA, Australia, and Europe in 1997, as well as performances at major festivals like Glastonbury and Dynamo.[18] As lead vocalist, Webbe became central to Dub War's identity, delivering reggae-style vocals over heavy riffs and developing an energetic stage persona characterized by explosive live shows often prefaced by an air raid siren to build tension.[17] His performances evolved to incorporate more uplifting and inclusive elements, reflecting the band's message of cross-cultural unity.[16] However, by 1999, Dub War disbanded amid internal conflicts, label restrictions from Earache, and insufficient funding for a third album. The band reunited in 2019 for live shows and released a new album, Westgate Under Fire, in 2023.[18]Skindred Formation and Breakthrough
In 1998, while still fronting Dub War, Benji Webbe formed Skindred as a side project in Newport, Wales, initially recruiting guitarist Mikey Demus alongside bassist Dan Pugsley and drummer Arya Goggin to explore a fusion of reggae, metal, and punk influences.[20][21] The band quickly evolved its sound into ragga metal, blending Webbe's rapid-fire reggae-infused vocals with heavy riffs and electronic elements, which set it apart in the early 2000s nu-metal landscape.[22] In 2002, Skindred signed with Bieler Bros. Records and released their debut album Babylon, which garnered attention for tracks like "Nobody" and established the band's high-octane, genre-blending style.[23] Skindred's breakthrough came through extensive touring, including support slots on Korn's U.S. arena tour alongside Chevelle and Breaking Benjamin in 2004, which exposed them to larger audiences and solidified their reputation for explosive live energy.[24] A pivotal moment occurred at the 2006 Download Festival, where Webbe joined Korn onstage to perform "A.D.I.D.A.S." after Korn's Jonathan Davis fell ill, creating a memorable collaboration that highlighted Skindred's versatility and camaraderie within the metal scene. These experiences propelled the band forward, with Webbe's charismatic frontmanship—marked by flamboyant outfits and crowd-engaging antics—becoming central to their identity as one of metal's most dynamic live acts.[22] The band's momentum continued with key releases, including the 2007 album Roots Rock Riot on Bieler Bros., which expanded their fanbase through anthemic tracks emphasizing unity and resilience, followed by Killing the Game in 2018 on Napalm Records, a high-energy return that reaffirmed their ragga metal prowess. Recent developments include the 2023 album Smile on Earache Records, which debuted at No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart and featured uplifting themes amid Webbe's personal challenges, and the announcement of their ninth studio album You Got This, set for release on April 17, 2026, with the title track single dropping on November 5, 2025.[5] Under Webbe's leadership, Skindred maintained its original lineup for over 25 years until bassist Dan Pugsley's departure in November 2025, earning the Best UK Artist award at the 2024 Heavy Music Awards for their enduring impact.[3] This success is evident in sold-out headline shows, such as the 10,000-capacity OVO Arena Wembley on March 15, 2024, and the Patti Pavilion in Swansea on October 18, 2025, where Webbe's infectious energy continues to drive the band's high-energy live reputation.[25]Other Bands and Side Projects
In addition to his primary work with Skindred and Dub War, Benji Webbe has pursued side projects that highlight his genre-blending versatility. One notable collaboration was Mass Mental, formed in 1995 with Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo during Webbe's time with Dub War.[26] As the lead vocalist, Webbe contributed his distinctive ragga-metal style to the group's experimental funk metal sound, which fused bass-driven grooves with avant-garde elements and Trujillo's influences from Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves.[27] The band released their debut studio album, How to Write Love Songs, exclusively in Japan on June 9, 1999, via Zain Records, featuring tracks like "Bounce" and "Go Mexican Go" that showcased Webbe's energetic vocal delivery and creative input in merging punk, reggae, and heavy rock.[28] A live album, Live in Tokyo, followed in 2000, capturing a performance from October 31, 1999, at Hibiya Open-Air Music Hall and including covers such as Black Sabbath's "Hand of Doom," further emphasizing the project's raw, improvisational energy.[29] Mass Mental disbanded soon after, but Webbe's involvement underscored his ability to adapt his vocal prowess across metal subgenres.[30] More recently, Webbe co-founded Diamond Spider in 2020 as a studio project with bassist Richie Glover, formerly of Dub War.[6] Serving as lead vocalist and co-writer, Webbe explored a mellower "voodoo blues" aesthetic, drawing from outlaw country and cinematic influences to create atmospheric tracks distinct from his heavier output.[31] The duo released their self-titled debut album in 2021 via St Ringland Records, produced by Richard Jackson, with singles like "The Potion" (2020) and "When the Man Comes Down" (2021) highlighting Webbe's emotive, hook-driven vocals blended with bluesy riffs and subtle electronic textures.[6] This project allowed Webbe to experiment with introspective songwriting, focusing on themes of resilience and melody without the high-energy aggression of his main bands.[32] As of 2025, Diamond Spider remains an occasional endeavor with no major new releases or tours announced since the debut album.[33]Collaborations and Guest Work
Benji Webbe has made significant contributions as a guest vocalist across various metal and rock projects, often infusing his distinctive reggae-inflected style into heavier genres. His early guest appearances helped bridge nu-metal and reggae elements, showcasing his versatility beyond his primary band roles. One of his earliest notable collaborations came in 1998, when Webbe provided guest vocals on two tracks from Soulfly's self-titled debut album: "Quilombo" and "Prejudice." These features, invited by Soulfly frontman Max Cavalera—a fan of Webbe's prior work with Dub War—highlighted Webbe's raw energy and patois delivery, adding a layer of tribal and rhythmic intensity to the album's groove-metal sound. In 2008, Webbe contributed backing and lead guest vocals to "Take It Out on Me" from Bullet for My Valentine's second album, Scream Aim Fire, enhancing the track's aggressive rock edge with his dynamic range and Welsh camaraderie, as both acts hail from the same region. In 2021, Webbe provided guest vocals on "Safe From Harm" from The Alarm's album Ω. Webbe's guest work has continued with features on albums by Latin metal acts. For instance, in 2021, he provided guest vocals on Ill Niño's album IllMortals, contributing to the Latin metal band's fusion of aggression and melody, which helped revitalize their sound during a lineup shift. More recent collaborations include Webbe's guest spot on Theftuous's 2024 single "Automatic Happiness," where he joined One Minute Silence's Brian "Yap" Barry for a nu-metal-infused track that blends high-energy riffs with social commentary. That same year, he featured on BLACKGOLD's cover of Cypress Hill's "Insane in the Brain" from their Cypress Hill Mixtape, delivering verses that merged hip-hop origins with metal grit. Additionally, Webbe appeared on Kaosis's 2024 album We Are The Future, including the cyberpunk-inspired track "See! See! I Told You Baby!" alongside Ill Niño's Marc Rizzo, emphasizing drum 'n' bass and industrial elements. These guest appearances have notably expanded Webbe's reach within metal, nu-metal, and rock communities, allowing his genre-blending vocal approach—rooted in reggae but adaptable to heavier contexts—to influence diverse acts and foster collaborations that promote unity across scenes. His collaborative visibility played a role in his 2018 inclusion in the "Brilliant, Black and Welsh" list, a celebration of 100 influential African Caribbean figures in Wales during Black History Month, recognizing his cultural impact through music.Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Benji Webbe is the father of four children from a previous marriage. As of 2022, he was a grandfather to 14 grandchildren, a number that had grown to 17 by 2023.[34][35] In September 2022, Webbe married Julie Christian in a private ceremony. Webbe maintains a close-knit family dynamic, residing in his hometown of Newport, Wales, to stay connected to his roots and provide stability amid his demanding career. This decision to return from a brief stint in Florida underscores the importance of family proximity in sustaining his personal and professional life.[14] His relationships with his children and grandchildren have notably shaped his worldview, with Webbe often sharing cultural music traditions to keep them grounded. He has publicly discussed introducing his grandchildren to classic reggae and soul tracks from his youth, reflecting how family bonds inspire themes of unity, resilience, and positivity in his songwriting.[36]Health Issues and Activism
In February 2016, Benji Webbe was the victim of a random street attack in Newport, Wales, where he was slashed across the face and throat with a broken bottle, requiring 24 stitches[37] and leaving permanent scars.[38] The incident occurred while Webbe and his then-girlfriend were walking home from a party, and two women were later arrested in connection with the assault.[37] Following emergency treatment at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Webbe underwent a successful recovery, resuming performances with Skindred shortly thereafter and crediting the experience with reinforcing his resilience.[2] Webbe's activism centers on celebrating his Welsh-Caribbean heritage and combating racism through his music and public platform. In 2018, as part of Black History Month in the UK, he was recognized in the "Brilliant, Black and Welsh" initiative, which highlighted 100 African-Caribbean contributors to Welsh society, acknowledging his role in blending reggae, metal, and cultural narratives to foster unity.[39] Skindred's discography promotes anti-racism and cultural pride, drawing from Webbe's experiences as a Black artist in Wales to encourage cross-community solidarity.[40] Webbe has also advocated for mental health awareness in the music industry, particularly through his support for PRS for Music, which provides royalties to songwriters. During his acceptance speech at the 2024 Heavy Music Awards, where Skindred won Best UK Artist, Webbe emphasized PRS's role in sustaining artists during personal and professional lows, stating it had been a lifeline "in the darkest times of my career."[3] In 2025, Webbe continued his advocacy via Skindred's upcoming album You Got This, set for release in April 2026, which features empowering anthems inspired by themes of overcoming adversity, including a title track born from witnessing stroke recovery and personal motivation.[41]Discography
Solo Discography
Benji Webbe's solo career began with the release of his debut album, I Haven't Been Nicking in Ages, on August 21, 2015, a self-released reggae project that marked a return to his roots in the genre.[42] Produced by Monsta Boy (also known as Steve "Stickz" Heyliger, a longtime collaborator from Skindred), the album consists of 15 original tracks blending roots reggae with personal introspection, emphasizing themes of redemption, overcoming adversity, and reflection on early life challenges such as petty crime and personal struggles.[43] The title track itself serves as a humorous yet poignant nod to Webbe's past, symbolizing growth and reform.[44] Key tracks highlight the album's emotional depth and rhythmic drive. The opener, "No More Fighting" (4:47), sets a tone of resolution with its uplifting basslines and Webbe's soulful vocals addressing conflict resolution. "Getting Stronger" (3:21) follows as an empowering anthem of resilience, while "Girl Like You" (4:34) and "This Love" (4:29) explore romantic devotion amid reggae grooves. Interludes like "Interlude 1" (0:25) provide brief dub-inspired breaks, and later cuts such as "Keep On Loving You," "Tonight," and "Precious Love" reinforce the record's focus on love and perseverance. Recorded with a raw, authentic production style that prioritizes live-feel instrumentation, the album runs 57 minutes and showcases Webbe's versatility beyond metal, earning praise for its heartfelt authenticity.[42][45] In 2020, Webbe issued Isolation Project 2020, a 10-track collection of reggae-infused covers of classic rock and pop songs, self-recorded during the COVID-19 lockdowns as a creative outlet. Highlights include renditions of "Since You Been Gone" (Rainbow cover, 3:20), "Don't Stop Me Now" (Queen, 4:02), "Mr. Blue Sky" (ELO, 3:48), and "Ace of Spades" (Motörhead, 2:48), transforming the originals with laid-back reggae rhythms and Webbe's distinctive patois delivery. The project, lasting 39 minutes, lacks original themes but reflects personal adaptation and positivity amid isolation.[46] As of November 2025, Webbe has not released any additional major solo albums or EPs beyond these, focusing primarily on his band work while occasionally issuing standalone singles like "Love Is a Game" (2021).[47]Skindred Discography
Skindred, led by vocalist Benji Webbe, has released several studio albums since its formation, blending ragga metal, nu metal, and reggae influences. Their discography reflects a consistent output of high-energy recordings, with notable commercial success in the UK rock charts and international recognition in alternative metal circles. Key releases include debut album Babylon and recent works like Smile, alongside EPs and singles that have garnered radio play and fan acclaim.[48]Studio Albums
| Title | Release Year | Label | UK Chart Peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babylon | 2002 | Roadrunner/Lava | (Rock & Metal Albums) | Debut album; peaked on US Heatseekers chart.[49] |
| Roots Rock Riot | 2007 | Bieler Bros. | - | Second studio album; featured singles "Rat Race" and "Trouble."[50] |
| Union Black | 2011 | Bieler Bros. | 56 | Included tracks like "Warning" and "Guntalk"; first UK Albums Chart entry.[51] |
| Kill the Power | 2014 | Cooking Vinyl / Double Cross Records | 28 | Emphasized heavier riffs; title track became a live staple.[52] |
| Volume | 2015 | Napalm | 29 | Produced by Romesh Dodangoda; tracks include "Under Attack." |
| Big Tings | 2018 | Napalm | 26 | Explored dubstep influences; led single "Dub" charted in rock singles. |
| Smile | 2023 | Earache | 2 | Highest charting album; featured "Gimme That Power" with Brass Against.[53] |
| You Got This | 2026 | Earache | TBA | Upcoming; set for release on April 17, 2026; announced with title track single.[5] |
EPs
- Shark Bites and Dog Fights (2009, Bieler Bros.): 8-track mini-album/EP with aggressive tracks like "Mali" and "Game Over"; peaked on US Heatseekers.
Singles
Skindred's singles often precede albums and include promotional releases with music videos. Notable ones include:- "Nobody" (2005, from Babylon): Peaked at No. 14 on US Mainstream Rock.
- "Pressure" (2006): Radio hit from early catalog.
- "Rat Race" (2007, from Roots Rock Riot).
- "Warning" (2011, from Union Black).
- "Kill the Power" (2013, from Kill the Power).
- "You Got This" (2025): Lead single for upcoming album; official video released November 2025.[54]