Ben explained what it was like performing at the inaugural competition, why he started studying at SAE and how he got involved working with legendary producer Jim Bonnefond, made famous for his work with Kool & The Gang.

The Busking World Cup is a new annual event held in October, and is supported by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The celebration of global street music attracted over 600 artists from around the world, before being whittled down to 134 for the finals in the city of Gwangju.

After successfully coming through three rounds of performances – Northern Rivers singer-songwriter Ben Jansz, was announced at the grand final as one of the top four buskers in the world. The soulful performer was delighted to be recognised.

“It was absolutely amazing to be on big stages in a foreign country sharing my art,” Ben enthused. I feel so at home on stage, it was a nourishing, inspiring, and invigorating experience performing in front of so many people.”

“It was absolutely amazing to be on big stages in a foreign country sharing my art,” Ben enthused. I feel so at home on stage, it was a nourishing, inspiring, and invigorating experience performing in front of so many people.”

At SAE Byron Bay, Ben is studying for a Diploma of Audio Production. He was motivated to study and further his technical skills after a three month tour, and a conversation with his partner.

“I wanted to start recording some music, and my partner said she wanted to study film at SAE, ” Ben explained. “I’d previously spent a lot of time in the studios at SAE Byron Bay doing recordings for other artists, so I was aware of the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities available. It seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up.”

While at SAE, Ben got the chance to connect and work with legendary producer, Jim Bonneford, who has collaborated with artists including Kool & The Gang, and The Cockroaches – who famously became The Wiggles.

“I absolutely love working with Jim, he was my first lecturer,” Ben said. “It’s been great building a relationship with him over the last ten months.”

Following Ben’s first trimester at SAE, Jim announced he was retiring from teaching, leading to the singer-songwriter asking the producer if he’d support him recording a couple of albums.

“After Jim came to one of my shows, he said he really liked my stuff, and was open to doing some recording together,” Ben said.

“Jim has been recording me while I’ve been in the studio. I then go away and mix and produce the music,” Ben added. “It’s been a really beautiful collaboration where we both mix the music at the same time as well. All my learning at SAE has been life changing as an artist – it’s been awesome.”