‘I feel blessed to be where I am’

With his immense talent, honed by past residencies at the most popular nightclubs in London, DJ Ben Dela Pena is blessed with all that it takes to entertain people.

By Layla Haroon

Published: Mon 28 Dec 2009, 9:00 PM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 11:22 PM

This weekend, he is bringing a good ‘hands in the air’ party vibe to Abu Dhabi with the funky dance music of Ministry of Sound for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. City Times caught up with him prior to his upcoming performance.

How did you get into DJing?

I grew up with R&B and hip-hop music. My sisters and their friends would play records and they soon started pushing vinyl my way. Legends such as Cutmaster Swift, Red Alert, Funkmaster Flex and Kid Capri were the scratch DJs back in the mid-80s that influenced me to acquire the Technic 1200s. The technique that went into what they did with the vinyl record was mind-blowing. It was the beginning for me…

Electronic dance music has an ever-evolving plethora of genres, styles and sub-styles. In which genre would you pigeon-hole the style of the mix you play?

I would classify my style of music as, ‘solid house music with soul’. I like to always have an infectious, funky and full of energy groove with a vocal edge to it!

What do you and the current wave of London based producers and DJs bring to the sound?

We do bring a certain London-edge to our side, but more or less a mixture of different sounds. House music is so diverse and takes influence from different genres in general - electronic meets minimal elements, soulful vocals and funky tech grooves. It’s everything but on a house tip!

By setting up your own studio at home, you must be making as much crazy music as you can.

Yes! And not just house music, I am making random music like funk and hip-hop as well. You only have to listen to Black Eyed Peas and Kanye West to know that music has no rules.

How did the process of work differ with a professional like Timo Garcia for Denmark and with an upcoming talent like Graeme Lloyd for Digital Delight?

Graeme and Timo have a great influence on my sound. I learnt some of my production skills from Graeme’s academy that teaches music production and DJing. I worked with Timo in his studio at his home. I could see Timo had more experience, which was a thrill to watch and learn. I must say, they are the future of house music in London. In Denmark we got a sub-squelchy and classic synth and that plugged into the groovy, funk-edged sound in Digital Delight.

So what kind of sound are you looking forward to in Come Over Here with Chris Mimo?

Chris is one of the hottest properties to come out of the London scene. We are done with the track with particular emphasis on lots of energy, rolling bass and big synths. A remix has been done for it, which we both can’t wait to hear when it gets released.

Is this the first time that you are working with Big In Ibiza Records?

Yes. I am an ardent admirer of Big In Ibiza’s house sound. There are many great DJs and producer who sweat by this label. Jonathan Ulysses, Erick Morillo, Sander Kleinenberg and many more…

What is it that makes Plan B in Brixton the most unique venue in London for you?

Plan-B is unique. No doubt. The club is not too big or small, but has a flawless sound system. The vibe grabs you as soon as you walk into the club. Great rosters of DJs have been playing at the club.

What are your thoughts on commercialism and how does it sit with you to work with people like Ministry of Sound?

I don’t mind it. Ministry Of Sound is the best brand to advertise and promote the great sounds of dance music. As a DJ you got to be diverse, so my sound will play those commercial hits once in a while to get the club going. I can’t think of a better brand than Ministry Of Sound for dance music.

Is there anything you hate about being a DJ?

Honestly, no. Being a DJ is one of the best ways I can express the music I love and enjoy. I feel blessed to be where I am.

Tell us something about yourself that would come as a surprise to your fans?

I am a good boy!