in Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria. His opening acts are the rock group Jack Mantis Band and blues singer Auriol Hays. gave Ben a call at his home in California to chat about about how he got his start, how music has changed his life, and how he's a big fan of one of South Africa's best exports: The Soweto Gospel Choir.
The laidback soulful singer also spoke about surfing in SA, just letting his stage-fright be what it is, and absorbing the culture of a new country. Ben's talent was evident from an early age. He played onstage at a time when most people are going through growth spurts and just getting to know themselves."I did kind of theatrical stuff when I was 12 or 13. I was always in choirs. I did my first singular show when I was maybe 18, 19, right around then. Oh Gosh...
"I have never been to South Africa, but you know, as someone who has travelled the world extensively it's nice that this is new for me. I kind of like letting a culture come to me and letting the locals bring leads to the culture. As much as the culture gives, I go chasing it. You can read a million things about all the wonders of a country, and I do, but I want to get there and just experience somewhere new for the first time.
As to whether or not he will be surfing South Africa's big waves in Jeffrey's Bay or taking a dip in Cape Town's infamously rough swells, Ben was a little hesitant."I have heard that it might be too much for a hobbyist surfer for like me. I've heard it is serious stuff there.""I'm very much looking forward to hopefully collaborating with the Soweto Gospel Choir on stage.