Benny Wenda

Benny Wenda is the West Papuan independence leader who is currently living in exile in the UK. After arriving to the UK, Benny set up the Free West Papua Campaign, which is to spread awareness of the human rights situation in Western New Guinea.

Benny and his wife Maria perform traditional West Papuan music as The Lani Singers and released their first album in 2008, titled ‘Ninalik Ndawi’ (Freedom Song).

At Port Eliot Festival this year, Benny will be hosting Song Lines of West Papua alongside author Jay Griffiths, linking Benny’s music with readings from Jay’s third book, Wild: An Elemental Journey, which includes her visit to West Papua.

“Deeply affecting…it’s impossible to hear the artless charm of this music without a profound sense of human vulnerability.”
– The Wire

www.bennywenda.org