Georges Taï Benson, Ivorian media icon, dies at 80

Georges Taï Benson, a prominent figure in Ivorian media, passed away on September 25, 2026, at the age of 80. A pioneer of Ivorian television, Benson's career spanned six decades, during which he served as an animator, producer, and talent scout.

Benson joined RTI in 1965 and became well-known for iconic programs such as ‘Rythme et Tradition’, ‘Benson reçoit’, and ‘Benson d’or’. Beyond hosting, he played a significant role in discovering talents like Alpha Blondy and Chantal Taïba. One of his most notable journalistic moments was an interview with Bob Marley in Miami in 1979.

Following his death, a delegation from the Cénacle des Journalistes séniors de Côte d'Ivoire, led by president Lucien Houédanou, visited his family home in Cocody on October 3 to offer condolences and express solidarity with the bereaved family.