David Benjamin The Conch Shell Man

by Leroy “Wadix” Charles

The Conch Shell has been used for centuries by the indigenous people of the Caribbean. In the French West Indies, it was widely heard around ports and was and continues to be a major feature at cricket grounds in the English-speaking Caribbean.

The Maroons used the Conch Shell to communicate messages during the 18th and 19th Century in Dominica. It was the major communication devise used by fish mongers to indicate that their fresh catch was available for sale. Conch shell blowing is an integral part of the culture in Dominica. It continues to be a compelling instrument and highly featured during ‘Chanté Mas’ (Masquerade song) accompanied by Lapo Kabwit (Goat skin) drums during carnival.

From the vibrant West Coast village of Mahaut in the Commonwealth of Dominica hails the Benjamin family, with a rich history of cultural exploits. Mahaut, known as the village that never sleeps, produced several sporting and cultural giants and was the home of the pride and joy of Mahaut, ‘Belles Combo’. Belles Combo was one of the most versatile bands of Dominica’s Cadence Lypso era.

For generations, this multi-talented family dominated bèlè dancing in Dominica. Mr. Olaryn Benjamin, a fisherman by profession and his wife Celestine Benjamin, both now deceased, were members of the Mahaut Cultural group. Following on the heels of the parents, they were the most feared bèlè dancing couple in Dominica, for several years.

They bore eight children, most of whom continued the cultural tradition. Among them, David would accompany his father on his fishing expeditions. On return from their day’s catch, he would be responsible for the sale of their day’s work. This was the genesis of a rare and distinctive talent, the conch shell blowing. His brothers would alternate occasionally and they all distinguished themselves in the art of conch shell blowing. They followed their parent’s footsteps and joined the traditional ‘Chanté Mas’ group ‘Mahaut Lapo Kabwit’, in 1995. David developed into an extraordinary musical force with the conch shell blowing. He was different. He created rhythmical patters unlike any other conch blower. His maneuvers of the conch shell continued to fascinate audiences around Dominica. He aggressively pursued his dream to be the best conch shell player on the island and intently practiced on various genres of recorded music.

He rebranded the ‘Mahaut Lapo Kabwit’ to the ‘Mahaut Bouyon Lapo Kabwit’. Accompanied by two of his brothers, his son, his nephew and other members from the animated community of Mahaut, they rapidly grew in popularity and became a household name. They possessed a unique sound, and led by the multi-talented David, they were a staple at the annual ‘Chanté Mas’ celebrations. They performed annually for several village carnivals.

David’s unique style was noticed by prolific song writer and lead vocalist of WCK fame Derick ‘Rah’ Peters, and he collaborated with the original Bouyon pioneers at Creole in the Park and th

This was the birth of David Benjamin, the ‘Conch Shell Man’. He performed on his first two recordings with Original Bouyon Pioneers, among them were the mega hit ‘Characters”. This breakthrough was unparalleled and he would later perform on a recording with WCK entitled “Bouyon to the World” in 2016. He also performed with Maussers at the NCCU Cadence Lypso Competition in 2018. However, 2019 was the turning point in the career of David Benjamin when he became the first ever Val Ferry ‘Conch Shell’ blowing champion at Stardom Calypso Tent. He joined with the Kings of Cadence Lypso and Midnight Groovers at an entertainment venue in his home town neighborhood of Jimmit and sent fans into a frenzy, compelling the band to include him as an act at the World Creole Music Festival that year. He later performed in Trinidad along with Signal Band as part of the Dominica contingent at the CARIFESTA celebrations.

Later that year, he was contacted by music engineer and producer Dada Lawrence to perform on a project ‘Famalay’ which featured the Dream Team of Soca, to include world renowned Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous and Bunji Garlin. Dada Lawrence was recalled by Machel, on the heels of his huge success from the previous year, having worked with Soca King, Machel Montano and winning the coveted road march title of Trinidad.

The new project was entitled “Conch Shell” and the live infectious conch shell rhythm performed on the song by David struck gold instantly. David was then contacted to perform with the Soca King and the Soca Dream Team at the 2020 Carnival in Trinidad.

He thrilled thousands of soca lovers during his five-week tour of the twin republic. Pandemonium broke loose in Trinidad as David conquered every challenge that was thrown at him. He was hailed as the No. 1 Conch Shell man in the world by Machel Montano. He performed at over 20 events over the carnival period including the famous ‘Jouvert’. He felt like a true Dominican Ambassador as he received super star status.

He was contracted to perform with Machel Montano during the entire 2020 year according to his Calendar of Activities; but like a thief in the night, Covid-19 had other plans. A year which promised so much was reduced to social distancing and the wearing of masks.

David Benjamin is married and has four children. He would like to teach the art of blowing conch shell to the younger generation and he hopes to take part in future competitions and sends out the challenge to anyone who can beat the ‘Conch Shell Man’.