Benjamin Clementine, Music, Debrett's 500 2016, People of Influence

Benjamin Clementine

Singer, Songwriter and Poet

Singer-songwriter and poet Benjamin Clementine was raised in Edmonton in north London, but was discovered busking on the Paris Metro, having endured a period of homelessness. First gaining attention for a performance on Later with Jools Holland, the 27-year-old has gone on to win the Mercury Music Prize for his debut album At Least For Now and been fêted for his unique singing style and unorthodox song structure. His vocals have been compared to Antony Hegarty and even Nina Simone, and he typically performs in bare feet. Brought up by a strict, religious family of Ghanaian descent, Clementine has revealed he was bullied at school but found solace in music. He told an interviewer: ‘When I sing it makes me feel like there’s a reason I was born.’