(Trinidad Newsday) A series of Facebook posts by Trinidad soca star Rodney “Benjai” Le Blanc implying he has cancer has left scores of people saddened.
The first post came on Monday night and stated: “If I told you I don’t got long on this earth What would you say! IF I TOLD YOU I GOT CANCER.”
The second came hours after stating: “No regrets none whatsoever thanks for everything ! And thanks for the support no matter what I got my heaven!”
The following was posted Tuesday morning: “THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT THANKS ALOT! Woke up this morning and immediately went to you tube and listened to (progress) by king Austin! I immediately went into tears the price of progress is high so high! Food for thought people should listen what he sang trust me listen!”
One hour later came: “THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT! It can happen to anyone so live each day to the fullest! I have no regrets! I don’t want no new friends! Who don’t like me keep not liking me ! It’s all good life goes on and I am glad I’m appreciated by many! And I will remain real to the end cause my end is just a next phase in life for me! I know that I live that I am that.”
When contacted on Tuesday night, all that his manager Seon Isaac would say is, “I will choose not to make any statement at this time. But something will be released by Friday.”
However, Benjai’s uncle Bunny Brown said none of his family who he called were aware of any of Benjai’s posts, far less his condition, but became concerned when the Facebook posts were read to him.
But late Tuesday night Benjai posted: “People I’m Ok there are so many people that need our support! Compassion is needed more today! Look at the response to (WHAT IF)! Ps I’m ok just food for thought!”
For this Carnival season, Benjai has released Do It Again, Low Key, Teflon Don, Bathe Dem, Say What They Want and with GI, Woi Woi Woi, but the normal heavy rotation that he would get hasn’t yet started.
His first big hit Over and Over was back in 2002. But in 2009 when Benjai took the Groovy Monarch stage at the National Stadium, many thought that his delivery of Carnival come again (Drunk Again) should have given him the title.
Two years later, he placed second in the groovy category with his popular hit Trini, won the Young Kings title and placed second in the Road March competition with his other hit song that year, Wine to the Side.
Other Benjai hits over the years include Tanty Say, Amnesty, People’s Champion, I am a Feter, Phenomenal and Come Out To Play.
Benjai has been part of the Asylum Band, the HD family and Roy Cape All Stars. But in recent times he has opted to be a solo performer.
