I’m Andrea Benham, a recording artist who is loving life, hitting musical milestones – and rocking life with monocular vision (vision in only one of my eyes).
I consider myself a true survivor who has faced and overcome unimaginable challenges with strength and determination. This is my story.
Confronting the unexpected
In a span of just one year, I experienced not one, but two major accidents that would change the course of my life forever.
In 2014, while working for the Department of Child Protection for the State of New Jersey, I was rear-ended while driving a client to an appointment. This seemingly minor incident would lead to a cascade of health issues, as I struggled with debilitating back pain and eventually underwent a spinal fusion surgery. The road to recovery was long and arduous, but I persevered through physical therapy and was on the brink of returning to work.
However, fate had another cruel twist in store for me: while out purchasing new sneakers for physical therapy, I was struck by a driver who ran a stop sign. The impact was severe and caused extensive injuries, including brain trauma, facial damage, and the loss of vision to my right eye. I was left in a coma for a month, fighting for my life.
The doctor solemnly delivered the harsh reality of my condition to my distraught parents: the extent of my injuries was severe, and he could not guarantee my survival. The outcome remained uncertain.
But I was in excellent, capable hands. The doctor’s honesty and dedication to my care served as a beacon of hope, offering a glimmer of optimism in the face of adversity. The team’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to my well-being brought me through to the other side.
Facing tough decisions on the road to recovery
But it wouldn’t be without its challenges: with the support of my family and the assistance of organizations like MusiCares, I began another long road to recovery.
Through intensive rehabilitation and the guidance of my doctors, I slowly regained my physical and cognitive abilities.
And I was ready to regain my sense of confidence and self-assurance. I was already living with monocular vision, but made the difficult decision to have my damaged eye removed and replaced with a prosthetic. I sought out a renowned specialist for a consultation and was referred to an ophthalmic prosthetics specialist who could create a custom-made prosthetic that matched my functioning eye.
Gaining a renewed sense of self
I met with Danz, a skilled artisan in the art of prosthetics who had worked with countless people with monocular vision like mine.
Together, we meticulously crafted a prosthetic eye that seamlessly blended with my natural features. The attention to detail and care put into creating the prosthetic left me in awe – I marveled at the resemblance to my original eye.
About a month later, I underwent the procedure to have the prosthetic eye implanted. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous.
I regained a sense of normalcy and wholeness I had thought lost forever. With my new prosthetic in place, I felt a newfound sense of confidence and empowerment.
As I embarked on this new chapter in my life, I was grateful for the expertise and care provided by the doctors and the prosthetics specialist. Their dedication to their crafts had not only restored my physical appearance, but also restored my faith in the power of resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
The mystical powers of the prosthetic eye had given me a renewed sense of self, allowing me to face the world with confidence and grace.
Finding solace in music
In the face of adversity, I found solace in music. I returned to my passion for singing and songwriting, using my experiences as inspiration for her art. With the support of producers like Giuseppe D. and John Kano, I released songs that not only showcased my talent but also carried a powerful message of strength and hope.
2024 and 2025 have been nothing short of stellar for me. From chart-topping dance singles to exciting industry partnerships, I firmly established myself as one of the most promising talents in the music world.
My empowering and infectious single “I Got This” sets the tone – it’s an anthem of resilience and confidence that resonated with fans around the world.
But that was just the beginning. I followed up with “Fences,” a track with catchy beats and poignant lyrics that not only wowed my audience but also hit #3 on the U.S. dance charts! This marked a major milestone in my career, solidifying my place in the dance music scene. This single proved my unique ability to blend powerful messages with irresistible melodies.
Then came my highly anticipated single “Accessible,” a collaboration with InnosearchAI. The track, which I wrote and recorded for the company, seamlessly combines my signature style with fresh, forward-thinking soundscapes. Fans have already fallen in love with its captivating energy, and it’s clear that “Accessible” is set to become a staple in my growing discography.
My newest singles, Free and Misunderstood Blonde, were released earlier this year.
Making connections and looking ahead to what’s next
In addition to the musical milestones, I also made significant strides in my professional career. In November, I became a Pro member at RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), a huge accomplishment that connects me with a network of industry professionals and provides exciting opportunities to further elevate my music and career while advocating for representation of artists with a range of disabilities – including monocular vision.
From new music to fresh collaborations, fans can expect more chart-topping hits and exciting announcements in the near future. If these last few years were any indication, I am poised to take the music world by storm once again.
Keep an eye on me, a rising star – because every day is shaping up to be even more spectacular than the one that came before!
About the author
Andrea Benham is a recording artist born in Princeton, New Jersey, with songs that are signed to MisWax Records, Kult Records, DreaMuzic and Taste the Jam. She also works as a substitute teacher.
As a result of an accident, she has monocular vision (vision in only one eye).
Andrea’s debut single, Reincarnation, was followed by Overcome, My Life, Reincarnation 2K12, I Won’t Cave, Flight, I Got This, Fences, Walk Away, You Might Be The One, Love You, and Melt. Her newest singles, Free and Misunderstood Blonde, were released in early 2025.
All of Andrea’s singles have reached national and international radio play. She has performed in the USA, England, Ireland, Spain and Amsterdam. She is a member of RAMPD, as well as Women In Music, NARAS, and ASCAP
To learn more about Andrea, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. To explore Andrea’s music, find her on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart and Amazon Music.
