Old Johannian, Benjamin Willem, (Thomson 1997) has established himself as a world-class composer. With a career spanning over two decades, Benjamin’s portfolio reflects the exceptional calibre of talent nurtured within the St John’s College community.
Benjamin’s latest masterwork is the original score for the highly anticipated Netflix docuseries, The Trials of Winnie Mandela, set to premiere on Thursday, 23 April 2026. In this seven-part series, that was uniquely endorsed by Winnie Mandela herself, he crafts a soundscape that is both deeply rooted in heritage, and emotionally expansive. His composition uniquely bridges cinematic orchestration with the sounds of the liberation movement, incorporating historic struggle songs, isiXhosa cultural motifs, and the haunting resonance of the umrhubhe. The score features the intimate and powerful vocals of Zolani Mahola (former front woman of Freshly Ground) echoing the profound complexity of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s life.
Beyond this latest project, Benjamin’s impact on the film industry is extensive, with his work earning recognition across various prestigious platforms such as:
• Netflix
• National Geographic
• Amazon Prime
• Canal +
• SABC
• Multichoice
• Ster Kinekor
• Discovery Channel
From his early days as a pupil at St John’s to his current standing as a leading figure in the world of film composition, Benjamin Willem continues to reflect a pivotal moment in history through his music, proving that the roots of his community run deep in every note he writes.