Michael Benji DaRula Smalls participated in several performing arts programs from elementary school throughout college. From Student Body President, Honors String/Electric Bass Player, Drama/Theater, and school/community pageants, he was destined to be an entertainer. Sophomore year in high school, he moved to Jamaica Queens, New York to be better acquainted with his father’s side of the family. He was selected out of 200 students to be a part of the 1st graduating class at Frank Sinatra School of The Arts in Long Island City, New York. He participated in the Drama/Theatre & Instrumental Music Programs. His father soon passed and he moved back to his roots in South Carolina.
He went to Benedict College majoring in Mass Communications and Broadcasting. After college, he moved to Las Vegas to get a taste of the West Coast. At 23. Benji has since been in Atlanta, GA. He began performing at artist showcases and networking mixers to build his following and made a name for h himself and his brand, Benji DaRula CEO of Street Sweepaz, Da Mafia, iMOBEnt. He currently promotes, hosts, coordinates/plans events and outlets to empower indie artists to develop their brand, artistry, and legitimize their music. He is continuing to build his empire and currently working on new music and projects.
How have you been these days and during the pandemic?
I’ve been blessed & highly favored. I haven’t had any lack or misfortune and I’m grateful.
Who are some people who inspired you to get into the entertainment industry?
Nobody inspired me to get into the industry because I was born with these gifts. But I do get a lot of inspiration from Lil Kim, Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, and Missy to name a few.
What are some of the most memorable moments in your career so far?
One of my most memorable experiences I would have to say was my first paid major gig for Blatino Oasis In Palm Springs California.
What is the best memory you have from your childhood?
One of The best memories I have from childhood was when my mother used to surprise me and come to my orchestra performances.
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to keep going and trust my dopeness.
In what ways do you pay forward your success to others?
I do a lot of gift-giving and a lot of investing in my people if it makes sense. I also commit a lot of my time to coaching and mentoring people on financial literacy. And I coach a lot of artists on artist and brand development.
Whats next for Benji da Rula?
I really feel like it’s time for a major deal!
What advice would you have for those who look to follow your career path?
My only advice would be to invest, believe in, and bet on yourself.
Keep up-to-date on Instagram @iambenjidarula
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