Benjamin “Benji” Sidibeh Zetterlund won the award for Best Solo Performance when the Music course competed at this year’s Blue House Youth Jazz Festival. Now we want to get to know this talented drummer a bit better!

So, what did it feel like as a drummer to outshine all the guitarists, singers and saxophonists in the competition?

– Brilliant! At the same time, it feels a bit unexpected that the prize went to a drummer. I truly believe drums can be an incredibly expressive instrument, but I’ve also started trying to learn the piano, since it can evoke different emotions than drums. Still, it feels awesome to have competed against so many people who have melody and harmony – plus rhythm – and yet be able to do something that stands out using only drums.

What personal qualities do you have that make you suited to being a drummer?

– My teacher has talked a lot about how different groups of instruments have different roles, and that the drummer often acts as a kind of leader. I’m not saying I’m some sort of leader, but I do like having a bit of control and being able to drive an ensemble forwards. When I count in, the tune starts – I’m meant to lead everyone clearly into all the different sections. That role suits me somehow, even though I can’t really explain why. It just feels right.

How were you first inspired to play this instrument?

– My grandfather was from Gambia in West Africa, and that felt like a big part of who I was when I was younger. He had brought home a small hand drum, and I became completely hooked on the rhythms. I really wanted to focus on percussion – djembe and that sort of thing – so my mum put me and my little brother on the waiting list for the municipal music school. When we were finally accepted, I asked when we would get to start playing hand drums. The teacher then said we weren’t going to do that – so it ended up being the drum kit instead.

Do you prefer sticks or brushes – or maybe hands?

– Actually, hands sometimes. I played a bit with my hands on one of the pieces before the competition. Otherwise: brushes. I’m much worse with brushes than with sticks, though, so I’m trying to practise and improve. But sticks are probably what I use the most.

Do you have any drumming role models?

– Lots! But the one who inspires me the most right now is J D Beck – he mainly plays funk and jazz. He’s blended the two in a way I really like. I’m part of the internet generation, so a lot of my inspiration comes from different drummers on YouTube.

What role do you think the drummer should play in an orchestra?

– In larger groups, like big bands, the drummer is very much a leader. I haven’t played much big band myself, but I understand that the drummer’s job is to help the orchestra know when and how different things should be played – to play clearly and steadily, to show the subdivisions. The drummer holds everything together.

Do you feel that, at Åsa, you’re given room to help influence the arrangements?

– I think so. As a drummer, you can’t decide everything yourself – the other instruments also shape the overall sound. But since I can change how everything feels just by playing differently, I still have a big influence on the arrangements. The drums set the tone for the whole ensemble, even if we often decide together how I should play.

Do you know what the last thing the drummer said before he got fired was? “I’ve got an idea for a song.” Why are there so many bad jokes specifically about drummers?

– I think it’s about hierarchy. In a typical band, bass and drums tend to rank lower. The bass reinforces the chords, the drummer keeps time and leads between sections. Guitar and piano sit “on top”, and the vocals are at the very top. That means the drummer is seen as less “melodic” – and so it becomes easier to make fun of us. Even though that’s actually wrong, because everyone is equally important.

But you don’t feel bullied back there behind the kit?

– Not here at Åsa. Everyone is so musical, rhythmically as well. But I do sometimes notice that some people don’t really think about what’s actually being played rhythmically. For me, it’s often very clear. Others go more by feel, and then I can explain what actually happened rhythmically.

What are your future plans as a drummer?

– Drums are what I want to work with. I’ve applied to the Academy of Music for this autumn. After that, I’d like to work as a freelance drummer or session musician. I’m also considering moving abroad, for example to Germany – they have a very active music scene.

Text: Henrik Wising

If you haven’t already, check out Benji’s winning solo performance: