Ben Drums Up a New Website

We sent Kora on a magical mystery tour to explore PNG music legend Ben Hakalitz’s new website. 

(story by Kora; direction and editing by Glenn Armstrong) 

Ben Hakalitz’s new website arrives at an opportune moment: a renowned Papua New Guinean musician builds a digital home for his craft, his brand, and his legacy.

From the initial navigation, the site presents confidently—drum kits, signature series, contact details, and a clear brand identity (“Hakalitz Drums”). The visuals are striking: high-quality images of Ben in a studio setting, signature cymbals and snares branded under his name, and a strong sense that this is both a musical platform and a heritage project.

What works well

  • The clear brand name “Hakalitz Drums” ties the musician with a product line and professional identity.

  • The site shows his international credentials—his work with major artists, his presence in Australia—and roots that in his PNG heritage.

  • There is a sense of call to action: purchase drums, merch, contact for sessions, explore the artist’s profile.

Opportunities for enhancement

Good websites evolve over time. Here are some opportunities for Ben to explore:

  • A stronger “About Ben” section could deepen his story: origins in Bougainville, journey to drumming with major acts, how PNG roots informed his style.

  • A blog or news feed: updates on tours, workshops, cultural projects. That helps turn the site from static advert to living platform.

  • Video-content landing page: showcasing live performances or drum sessions would add dynamic engagement. Possibly a podcast. Content creation is a great thing – it can be used across multiple platforms, eg: Facebook, TikTok – which draws people to the website.

  • Clearer cultural framing: given his PNG heritage, a section dedicated to how his roots influence his music would help global audiences connect on both sound and story.

Overall, the website succeeds in presenting a polished brand; the next step is to deepen authenticity and connection with the story behind the rhythm. 

Where to find Ben’s new website:
www.hakalitzdrums.com.au

Artist profile: Ben Hakalitz in context

Ben Hakalitz comes from the Selau language group, Sorom village on Bougainville, on his paternal grandmother’s side; and on his paternal grandfather’s side from the Haku language group, Ovina village north on Buka Island, Bougainville. His mum is from Garaina, Morobe Province.

Over a career spanning 30 years, Ben has built a reputation as one of Melanesia’s most respected drummers.

Key highlights:

  • Long-term drummer for the celebrated Australian Aboriginal band Yothu Yindi.

  • Touring and session work with major acts, and contribution to film and cultural projects.

  • Ben also founded Tribe of Jubal – a project that saw the release of a CD T’mme Yakinso in 2007 featuring Ben alongside such music legends as Pius Wasi, Richard Mogu and Vanessa Quai. Tribe of Jubal blended Melanesian traditional rhythms with contemporary funk and jazz, creating a unique "Melan'Funk" sound, using a combination of traditional instruments like harps, flutes, and drums with modern instruments. 

  • And now, the launch of his signature drum/cymbal line (“Hakalitz Series”), showing transition from performer to brand-owner.

What stands out about Ben is the way his drumming bridges worlds: the traditional rhythms of PNG, the studio polish of international pop and rock, and the entrepreneurial leap into his own instrument brand. His story is not only about performance—it’s about cultural translation and heritage in motion.

Why this matters

For Papua New Guinea’s music industry, Ben’s digital presence is significant. It shows how an artist can own their identity and craft online, and how local heritage becomes global relevance. For our blog and readers, Ben’s example offers a template: how PNG talent can move beyond “performer in the village” to “global artist with brand and story.”

Final thoughts

Ben Hakalitz’s website is a milestone in his journey—and a strong foundation for what’s next. With a little more storytelling and engagement, it can become more than a shop front; it can become a cultural hub. As his brand grows, his PNG roots will be his greatest asset: the authenticity behind the beats.

🎵 Quick Facts: Ben Hakalitz

  • Full name: Ben Hakalitz

  • From: Sorom village, Selau district, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

Known for:

  • Drummer for Yothu Yindi — one of Australia’s most iconic Indigenous bands

  • Touring member of PNG’s legendary Sanguma Band from 1986 – 1988.

  • Collaborations with artists across the Pacific, Australia, and Asia

  • Developer of his own instrument line — Hakalitz Signature Series (in partnership with Red Cymbals Australia)

Career highlights:

  • Performed on world stages including Europe, the U.S., and the Pacific region

  • Featured in major cultural projects linking Melanesian and Aboriginal music

  • Renowned for blending traditional PNG rhythms with modern rock, reggae, and fusion styles

  • Advocate for cultural pride, youth music education, and the Pacific creative industries

Fun fact:

Ben once described his drumming style as “a heartbeat from Bougainville — steady, strong, and proud.”

🥁Another reveal! (cue the drum roll)

Ben has recently reformed the Tribe of Jubal band under the name Melanesian Funk Collective or Melanfunk for short.

The band currently does festivals and corporate shows, but with a new album in the works, we can expect to hear more in the coming months.

👏Closing Reflection

Ben Hakalitz’s rhythm is more than percussion — it’s a bridge between islands, generations, and sounds. Through every beat, he carries the pulse of Bougainville and the wider Pacific, translating tradition into a language that resonates across borders. His journey from the villages of Papua New Guinea to world stages shows what happens when talent meets vision — when a drummer becomes not just a performer, but a cultural ambassador.

In a region where the arts are too often under-celebrated, Ben’s story reminds us that rhythm is heritage, and heritage, when amplified, becomes universal.

Learn more: hakalitzdrums.com.au 



 

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