Benny and his wife Maria play traditional West Papuan music as the Lani Singers.
Benny plays ukulele and Maria plays acoustic guitar. They are occasionally joined for live performances by additional members who play bass, guitar, and a traditional Papuan drum called a Tiva. The group have played at a number of music festivals in the UK including Glastonbury, Musicport, Port Eliot Festival, the Mayor of London's Thames Festival and Celebrating
Sanctuary.
The Lani Singers were also special guests of English
Heritage for the world renowned Summer Solstice at
Stonehenge in 2009, attended by over 30,000 people.
Sanctuary.
The Lani Singers were also special guests of English
Heritage for the world renowned Summer Solstice at
Stonehenge in 2009, attended by over 30,000 people.
Releases
The Lani Singers have released one album, Ninalik
Ndawi (Freedom Song). The album was released
in November 2008 through the British independent
record label Dancing Turtle Records and was produced
by Engin Hassan. As well as Benny and Maria, it also
featured English musicians Roger Harmar on fretless
bass and Nick Radcliffe on slide guitar. The album was
described by the Guardian newspaper in the UK as
'a gently haunting, rhythmic set that results from a
remarkable personal story, and a little-reported struggle'.
The Lani Singers have released one album, Ninalik
Ndawi (Freedom Song). The album was released
in November 2008 through the British independent
record label Dancing Turtle Records and was produced
by Engin Hassan. As well as Benny and Maria, it also
featured English musicians Roger Harmar on fretless
bass and Nick Radcliffe on slide guitar. The album was
described by the Guardian newspaper in the UK as
'a gently haunting, rhythmic set that results from a
remarkable personal story, and a little-reported struggle'.
Radio
The group have performed live sessions and interviews on ‘World Routes’ on BBC Radio 3, and ‘A World In London’ on BBC Radio London.
