Taking the Didgeridoo to the World. Kristian Benton is fast becoming one of the worlds most sought after didgeridoo performers and craftsman. Kristian’s art, music and language studies are his personal connection to his own ancestors the Ngemba people of northwest NSW. After over twenty years of dedication to his art and learning his culture, Kristian’s perseverance is paying off. His musical and artistic talents are a gift he shares throughout his local community .Gumbaynggirr country on the north coast of NSW as well as his homeland of inland NSW and all around the world.
Kristian’s talent for finding and making concert quality instruments goes side by side with his expertise in playing them. This is an unbeatable combination and a valuable asset as this allows him to make didgeridoos to very specific standards for his own satisfaction and enjoyment. Through this he is able to refine both his skill in crafting fine instruments and also his playing ability. Not many Didgeridoo/ Yidaki crafters can claim to excel in both areas.
Kristian Benton was born in 1975 and grew up in central NSW in Orange (Wiradjuri Country). He has released three successful albums to date (Yidaki Vibes, Spirit Alive and Learn the Didgeridoo) and is hoping to release his forth and finest album later this year.
In the last four years Kristian has traveled to many international destinations and has had some amazing and unforgettable performances and experiences. In 2011 Kristian went to Abu Dhabi and Dubai where he traveled all over the UAE performing live, on television, on radio, for government functions, at international schools and also for a local school in the desert.
In 2012 Kristian was invited by the Australian government to go to South Korea and represent the country as an indigenous artist/performer along with Jessica Mauboy and the amazing artist Billy Missi at the World Expo in Yeosu. Kristian made a total of four trips to South Korea and toured all over the country performing and holding workshops. One of the many amazing highlights Kristian had in South Korea was meeting and performing for Princess Mary and Prince Fredrick of Denmark. From there he had a trip to Mongolia where he performed at the Gala dinner to celebrate the 40th anniversary between Mongolia and Australia and he also performed at the WOW (World of Women) film festival.
In 2013 Kristian went to South Africa where he performed for the Australian High Commission, the Mining Indaba and also performed and held workshops for television and local schools.
Kristian is going back to South Africa for the Kalahari Desert Festival in late March 2014 and also has more local and international touring lined up for the rest of 2014.
Kristian Benton
Yidaki Vibes Didgeridoos
Kristian’s music on itunes
“Sticks with Spirit”
