Ivorian media legend Georges Taï Benson dies at 80 in Abidjan

Georges Taï Benson, a prominent Ivorian journalist, TV presenter, and music producer, died on September 25 at age 80 in Abidjan. He was a Grand Officer of Ivorian Cultural Merit and a Knight of the National Order. Benson began his career at RTI in 1965 and created iconic shows like "Variétoscope." He was also a visionary producer who discovered Alpha Blondy and famously interviewed Bob Marley in 1979. He died shortly before a scheduled heart procedure. Known for his advocacy of recognizing talent during one's lifetime, Benson's final wish was for honors "à titre costume" rather than posthumously. He left behind nearly six decades of service to Ivorian media and culture.