South African Ben Rodrigues’ new single ‘Was It Real’ goes viral

If you didn’t know the name Ben Rodrigues before, you do now.

Hailing from Durban, the 19-year-old became an overnight viral success with his smash hit Was It Real.

The musician racked up over a million Spotify streams and is currently charting on the 947 Top 40 with CTM. 

Speaking to Nick Explicit on the chart show, Rodrigues says it feels great to hear his music out there and to see people enjoying it. 

“I have been doing music for the last nine years now and over the last few months have popped off in the South African music industry. Super, super excited to see where this is all going.”

- Ben Rodrigues

He says the power of social media has allowed him to come up as an independent artist, something that would not have been possible 20 years ago.

“Things like TikTok and Instagram really make it all possible for people, especially from South Africa... it gives us the platform to really show our art and our music without having to sign it away.”

- Ben Rodrigues

Watch the full interview below: