The Benjamin Sisters
The Benjamin Sisters | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Vocal trio |
| Years active | 1968–1987 |
| Known for | Harmonized singing on Pakistan Television |
The Benjamin Sisters (in Urdu: بنجمن سسٹرز) were a Pakistani female vocal trio composed of siblings Nerissa, Beena, and Shabana Benjamin. Their introduction to the Pakistani entertainment industry was facilitated by the distinguished sitar maestro Javed Allah Ditta.
Singing style
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, they gained significant recognition by performing mainly as a chorus ensemble on Pakistan Television. Their popularity extended across Pakistan and into adjacent regions of North India, leading to what became known as the Benjamin Sisters Phenomenon. Their musical journey was supported by their father, Victor Benjamin, who was an accomplished xylophone musician. The sisters honed their vocal skills through participation in The Christ Church Sunday School choir.
From 1968 through 1987, the trio featured in music education programs broadcast by Pakistan Television under the guidance of renowned music director Sohail Rana. Their repertoire consisted largely of songs in Punjabi and Urdu, primarily covering existing compositions rather than original creations. This approach was evident in their early television appearances, such as on the talk show Silver Jubilee (1983), where they performed renditions of songs associated with show guests as a form of tribute. A hallmark of their style was their harmonized singing that produced a unified "single voice" effect. Throughout the 1980s, they further solidified their acclaim by delivering patriotic anthems including Iss parcham kay saye taley, hum ek hain, Ay roohe quaid aaj ke din ham tujh sey wada kartey hain, and Khayal rakhna khayal rakhna.
Family background
Originating from a Pakistani Christian household, the Benjamin Sisters disbanded in 1987 following Nerissa's marriage at the height of their fame. As noted in 2011, Nerissa is engaged in teaching at St. Patrick's High School located in Karachi, Beena has established a career as a voiceover artist and video jockey, while Shabana Kenneth manages her household. Nerissa is a mother to three children: Melissa, Chris, and Ashlin; Beena has one daughter named Alysia; Shabana is mother to two sons and one daughter—Sherwin, Victor, and Mary.