Ben Sekali: Griffith residents are sure to know the name now after his jaw-dropping, and soulful performance on The Voice last night.
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Judges were utterly stunned by Ben Sekali's rendition of 'A Change Is Gonna Come' by Sam Cooke, with judge Joe Jonas turning his chair during the blind audition last night.
Judge Kelly Rowlands was visibly agitated by the hesitation exhibited by both Joe Jonas and Boy George, who were eager to listen to the entire song.
The Area News chatted with the local star to find out everything one must know to become a die-hard fan.
Mr Sekali started singing in his teens at his father’s (Iafeta Sekali) church in Griffith – the Griffith Samoan Assembly of God – where he sang with his sisters, and helped out with the harmonies.
Mr Sekali said that when he sings he tries to make the song “feel like it’s mine.”
“I just try to bring out every bit of emotion that’s in the lyrics – just try to be in the shoes of the singer and how that artist was at the time of writing the song,” Mr Sekali said.
“I try to sing from an emotional view; more deep speaking to the soul rather than just singing.”
Mr Sekali said he was overwhelmed and excited the moment judge Joe Jonas turned his chair on The Voice.
“To have someone of that status, such a well-known artist, to turn around, and then believe in me… I’m just a country boy,” Mr Sekali laughed.
“It was an opening of an opportunity far greater than what I expected.”
When asked who helped to shape him as a musician and helped him to realise his dream, Mr Sekali, without a beat said it was his father.
“My whole family has been loud and proud.”
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And, when asked where Mr Sekali sees himself progressing in the future, he gave a rather moving response.
“Wherever God takes me. Wherever God needs me. He’ll take me where I need to be.”
“Wherever I end up is where I’m supposed to.”
For his loved ones in Griffith, Mr Sekali has this message:
“I love you, family, and friends in Griffith. I wish I could come back home but I’ve got a lot of work to do here.”