A PERCUSSIONIST and bongo player who got his start at open mic nights in Southend is now playing with big artists across the world and planning a UK tour.
Ben Henderson, 27, is the self proclaimed “best percussionist in Essex,” with 11 years experience as a musician.
Getting his start at open mic nights in venues across Southend, the young musician has since played gigs across the world, and is set to tour the UK this winter with famous DJ Billy Da Kid.
Ben said: “I started on a wooden drum aged 13, originally using the drums as an outlet for my anger management, until I started to get the knack of it and picked up the drum kit at school.
“Eleven years ago I was performing at Starbucks open mic night as a bongo player, and was one of the youngest musicians on the scene at the time, working and crafting my way up.”
Some of Ben’s early gigs included open mic nights at Peggy Sue’s Music Bar in Leigh, and doing birthday parties weddings and other functions.
Read more
- Wheelie bin collections launch in Southend as councillors warn of 'teething issues'
- LOOK INSIDE: The huge Halloween experience at popular south Essex garden centre
- £1.1m Wendy's opens soon with residents awaiting 'fantastic chicken' in Basildon
- Windows replaced at new Wetherspoon pub in Basildon after £9k criminal damage
His big break came in 2023, when he flew out to Zante and performed at a beach party to 1,500 people with big artists such as Sigma, Route 94, and Belters Only.
The event marked Ben as the only percussionist to perform alongside Sigma, which he said was “my favourite gig I’ve ever done.”
Since playing in Zante, Ben has become well known through social media has has gained even more opportunities including GardenFest in Hockley, performing to between 400 and 500 people.
Together with DJ Billy Da Kid, Ben has toured the UK, stopping in Plymouth, Dartford, Northern Ireland, Wales and more, with another mini show around the UK planned for this winter.
Ben added: “My goal is to perform with Garage Nation at the O2 arena - that is the biggest pinnacle goal. I dream of being the first solo percussionist to sell out the venue.
“I want to be a role model for young musicians, showing that through hard work and never taking no for an answer, you can always follow your heart and do what you want to do.”
Share