Zebaldt Ngaruka
Hot on the heels of his American trip, renowned musician Venaune Ben Kandukira, famously known as Big Ben, is set to perform in Gloucester, United Kingdom this weekend.
Big Ben, who was initially booked to perform at a private wedding ceremony in Thames River on 3 August, got an unexpected invitation to also perform at Gloucester on Saturday.
The musical performance is under the banner ‘Bring Big Ben’s music to a wider audience’.
In an interview with VIBEZ!, the musician said his invitation was triggered by the high demand for his music in the UK.
“The organisers decided to host a separate, larger performance to meet the public demand. My music is for the people, and if they demand it, I have to deliver,” he said.
The musician started his international tour in the United States in July, and England is his latest stop.
Big Ben’s music has resonated with audiences globally, leading to a whirlwind of performance bookings.
Asked how long his international tour would be, he said the UK tour is currently underway, and the duration and venues beyond Gloucester are still being finalised.
“The spontaneous nature of these invitations makes it challenging to provide a concrete itinerary. However, there is strong interest in bringing the music to Zimbabwe and South Africa in the near future,” Big Ben said.
The ‘Moro Moro’ hitmaker said although Gloucester fans may be new to his latest music, the playlist will include his old songs.
The 2016 Artist of the Year says he has received numerous requests on social media to perform tracks like Hitono Omutima, Okinikini, and Efundula.
Big Ben said he plans collaborating with artists in the UK, and hopes to explore new partnerships.
He said his music has attracted a dedicated following in the UK, Canada and the USA, adding that his
popularity has encouraged him to expand his global reach.
Two Namibian musicians living in the UK, Diop Katuuo and Skelly Muuondjo, will be the opening acts at the Saturday night show.