We belong to the first generation of African people who are trying to define our existence in Europe. What or who are we really? Afro Europeans, black Europeans, Europeans of African descent? Or do we stick to our sub communities defining ourselves as Norwegian-Kenyan or Swedish-Ghanaian and so forth.
While we are having this crisis of identity, “people” who would be members of our community if it was defined, have come and left not fully recognized for their achievements and contributions. But without there not being a fully defined community, to whom would this responsibility of recognition fall under?
I have gone out on a limb and dared to define a branch of the world African diaspora as the “Black Nordics”. I have even listed the TOP 50 BLACK NORDIC INFLUENCERS here on Altar Magazine.
The “Black Nordics”, as I call them, would be the black people residing in Northern Europe otherwise known as Scandinavia. This particular group of people stand out because of the already existing cultural peculiarities of Northern Europeans or Scandinavians. If you mix African culture with Scandinavian culture you get a special blend of peculiarity that is distinctively different in thought and lifestyle, in essence, you get the Black Nordic Culture.
As “Black Nordics” we need to start celebrating the great achievers and contributors of our community. We shouldn't wait to celebrate only when other communities pick one of us to uplift. We should pick our own winners for our own reasons.
PRELUDE:
Sons Of Soul selftitled debut album 1991
...as lead rapper of the group called Sons Of Soul,
Big Ben played a major role on the scene in the portrayal of the
genre.
Sons Of Soul circa 1989
Big Ben McCarthy
Words by Ndereyah, CCD
Now, moving forward. As “Black Nordics” we need to start celebrating the great achievers and contributors of our community. We shouldn't wait to celebrate only when other communities pick one of us to uplift. We should pick our own winners for our own reasons.
With all of the above said, I would like to pick and celebrate the life of Benjamin McCarthy who had a short but important career in early Swedish Hip Hop. He was lost and forgotten too soon as he left the scene and moved to America in the late 90s where later perished in 2021 during the pandemic.
Ben was special because in the early years of Hip Hop in Europe there were not many Americans on the ground. Most of the black teens representing the subculture here were of African origin, making African culture a major factor in how Hip Hop was portrayed and received on the continent. Look at France and The UK as examples.
In Sweden, as lead rapper of the group called Sons Of Soul, Big Ben played a major role on the scene in the portrayal of the genre. He was a tall, handsome Ghanaian who had come to Sweden with his mother, father and siblings in search of a better life. He was of African values. He quickly became a beloved figure in the local Hip Hop community, known for his great style, kind heart and selflessness. He spent a lot of his time just hanging out and mentoring young guys such as myself who were dreaming about becoming basketball stars or big rap artists in the late 80s and early 90s.
Big Ben, as he was nicknamed by friends and acquaintances, had made proof of those dreams. Not only was he a local rap star with a record deal releasing great music, he had also managed to enroll and play basketball for a division 2 college in Oklahoma, USA. Here in Stockholm he infected every black African teen around him with hopes and dreams. I personally was part of a group of black African teens that changed the course of Swedish Hip Hop and our inspiration came partly from our admiration for Big Ben.
Had Ben stayed in Stockholm, then the local rap scene would have been really different. There is still a lack of proper leadership.
One day Ben left for a semester of college and never came back. He soon became a legend on the scene, someone we shared stories about like he was transitioned even though he was very much alive at the time.
After college Ben moved to Los Angeles and worked as construction engineer and was providing a good life for his family. I had sporadic contact with him on social media
and he had never lost his passion for music, spending his free time writing rhymes and making beats. Always lending kind words of support, he had remained optimistic and never lost faith in his ability to make a difference in the lives of others. He was still a big brother lending advice to those around him as they pursued their own goals and dreams.
I have hopes of visiting Sweden soon, he would always say but sadly he never reached an opportunity to do so. Ben's life was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. He contracted the virus and despite fighting bravely for weeks, he eventually succumbed to its devastating effects, leaving a wife and two children behind.
The news of Ben's passing was met with shock and sadness in Stockholm. He had touched so many lives with his kindness and selflessness, and his loss was felt deeply by those who knew him.
But even in death, his legacy lives on. I for one continue to remember his words of wisdom and his infectious smile, and carry
his spirit with me as I pursue my own legacy.
Ben may have never achieved the fame
and success he had once hoped for, but he achieved something far greater - the love
and admiration of those who knew him. He was a hero to so many young rappers who later became the foundation of the rap
scene in Sweden. His memory will continue
to inspire and uplift for years to come.
Benjamin McCarthy, may he rest in power.