GROWING up under African communist dictators and the final chapter of apartheid rule left a massive impression on Terence Reis.

As a youngster in Mozambique he picked up on the many rich strands of traditional music blended with Western pop and rock, which became an ever increasing passion.

"Being in Africa has definitely given me inspiration for my music," said the actor-turned singer songwriter, who for the last six years has made his home in East Kent.

"It is a violent place, yet has a kind of frontier spirit about it which I can relate to."

His base in Canterbury may be a world away from his childhood experiences on the savannah, yet it has proved musically fruitful.

Since setting up folk roots band Waterhorse two and a half years ago he has found himself in a rich vein of creativity.

The group has gained a dedicated following playing a range of Kent venues, starting out on the pub scene and moving up to dates in London, the Bournmouth Festival headlined by Bob Dylan and last year's Canterbury Festival.

Support slots with cult punk artist John Otway plus a show at the renowned 100 Club in the city have also boosted their profile.

Their self-financed debut EP, Nature Laughs Last offers a strong mix of folk and country style which met with favourable reception from fans.

"This is the first thing we recorded as it's just so expensive to go in the studio. We don't have the shop window of TV or record company backing, but we were pleased with it as we were aiming to make it sound as close to how we do live.

"The feedback from everyone has been really good and we have built up a core of people that are into what we are doing."

The band came together initially after Terence had scanned local music shop ads. The first member he came across was vocalist Sarah Nicholls whom he met singing at a piano at a party. "She has quite a personality and is a real firecracker!"

From there the nucleus of the six-piece band was formed and although there have been some line-up changes and a hard slog "battling in pubs against people there to take the mickey and competing with jukeboxes and pool tables" it’s been an adventure Terence would not wish to trade.

He still makes use of his acting training, which he acquired in Johannesburg, with a sideline in voice-over work and occasional TV and film roles. However, music pretty much dominates all his time.

"For me the thrill of being in the band has been that you never know what will happen when five or six people are playing together. You can’t be predictive about it, which makes it exciting."

Waterhorse play Pizza Express in Maidstone on Friday, January 18. Tickets £10. Box office 020 8688 5916.