The Bongolian

LISTEN TO The Bongolian

Spotify Apple Music Google Play Deezer Bandcamp iTunes Soundcloud

CONNECT The Bongolian

The Bongolian

Harlem Hipshake sees the welcome return of The Bongolian AKA multi-instrumentalist and Big Boss Man front man Nasser Bouzida. This, the sixth album under The Bongolian moniker, follows the highly acclaimed Moog Maximus.  

Harlem Hipshake finds The Bongolian deeply immersed in his lifelong love for the music of the sixties New York’s Latin Soul scene, particularly the music of Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria and Joe Bataan.  Principally a drummer, percussionist by trade, Nasser has once again delivered another set of heavy breaks and percussive grooves underpinning this brand-new collection of songs which he has written and produced. Whilst Nasser performs many of the instruments (as is usual with Bongolian albums) on the album, it also features a prominent use of additional UK musicians on brass duties. These include Terry Edwards (Trumpet, Trombone, Sax, Flute), Gareth James Bailey (Trombone) and Craig Crofton (Alto Sax), James Morton (Alto Sax), Andrew Ross (Tenor and Baritone sax) and Ralph Lamb (Trumpet).

From the East Side to the West Side, get ready for the Harlem Hipshake.

“the fabulously cool Harlem Hipshake is everything the title promises”. Shindig Magazine

I’m just loving this, so perfect, can’t stop playing it, just by listening to this makes you feel cooler.” Craig Charles (Funk & Soul Show BBC 6 Music)

“awesome album” Scootering Magazine

Back in 2001, Nasser Bouzida disappeared into his studio and created a solo set of recordings which resulted in the birth of his alter ego The Bongolian. Drawing on influences of Funk, Latin, Soul and Jazz, Nasser produced an inspired selection of recordings blending elements of grinding percussion and heavy Bongo rhythms. The eponymous debut ‘The Bongolian’ was released early in 2002 to much critical acclaim, and followed up by the albums ‘Blueprint’, ‘Outer Bongolia’ and ‘Bongos For Beatniks’ and Moog Maximus. The albums have become record box essentials for DJs, finding a wide appeal from Dance and Hip-Hop to Rare Groove and Funk 45s fans.

Nasser Bouzida is the leader and chief songwriter of Big Boss Man whose 4th album ‘Last Man On Earth’ which received strong support at BBC 6 Music (Cerys Mathews, Craig Charles, Gideon Coe, Nemone) with the band touring Europe extensively since its release. The Bongolian also collaborated with Fay Hallam for the album Lost In Sound (Fay Hallam & The Bongolian).

As part of Blow Up 25th anniversary celebrations Blow Up Records re-released a brand-new vinyl cut, as a limited 180g clear vinyl pressing of the classic third Bongolian album ‘Outer Bongolia’. The original vinyl pressing had long been long sold out and original copies were much sort after.

 

Selected quotes of releases from The Bongolian:

 “It’s official. The Bongolian. My new favourite band. You heard it here first” Craig Charles, BBC 6 Music Funk & Soul Show

 “A superb record” Nemone, BBC 6 Music (Moog Maximus)

“All I know is that it makes me want to dance” Craig Charles House Party (Radio 2)

“That is sheer musicality” Cerys Mathews BBC 6 Music  

“Terrific stuff, that is” Gary Crowley BBC London

“Beautiful new breaks” Nemone BBC 6 Music “A brilliant, brilliant funk” Chris Hawkins BBC 6 Music (Googa Mama)

“Guaranteed to keep the party going” Vive Le Rock (Moog Maximus)

 “This is the feel-good album. 9/10 ” Louder Than War (Moog Maximus)

“Forget your preconceptions, this is the REAL incredible bongo band.” CLASH Magazine

 “Nasser Bouzida is a man with talent to spare. A Latin-flavoured jazz-funk odyssey” (Outer Bongolia) Q Magazine

“The UK’s premier exponent of bongo-driven freakbeat” PLAN B

“A beautifully well-rounded album. Gorgeously psychedelic.” SUBBA-CULTCHA

” Mightily funky, Hammond driven bongo rhythms… part mod, part Sergio Mendes, very swingin’…” TIME OUT

Hipper, groovier, and funkier than ever before! Imagine Booker T & The MGs, The Duke Of Burlington, and Alan Hawkshaw taking a trip to the stars” DUSTY GROOVE

 

 

 

SHARE THIS:

NEWS

Cosmetique 'The Lace and the Longing' released today.
Big Boss Man 45s Double Groovy and Juju Funk released today in all good record shops.
Ali Heath 'When The Day Is Done' streaming from today. Hometown live show this weekend.
Big Boss Man 'Trans-Pacific Express' is streaming on digital music services ahead of limited vinyl 45 releases.
Big Boss Man 'Juju Funk' streaming from midnight
Ali Heath solo debut album pre-order now / single available to stream from midnight.
Big Boss Man - new vinyl 45 singles
Cosmetique second album to be released by Blow Up Records.
David Woodcock La Vieille Ville video premier today at 7pm GMT via You Tube.
David Woodcock to release Old Town on Christmas Eve.
Kubernetikós video by Aspic Boulevard premiered today by Prog magazine.
"A knock out delight!” 4/5 The Bongolian interviewed and Harlem Hipshake reviewed in the latest edition of Blues & Soul Magazine.
Prog Magazine reviews Aspic Boulevard 'Memory Recall of a Replicant Dream'.
Baltic Fleet self-titled debut album released on this day 2008.
Aspic Boulevard interviewed tonight by Italian broadcasting legend Red Ronnie, during the show "We Have A Dream".
The Weekenders Man Of Leisure released on this day 1995.
The Long Blondes 'Christmas Is Cancelled' single of the week The Independent FM / Dorian Cox interview is broadcast again tonight.
The Long Blondes 'Christmas Is Cancelled' is released.
El Beardo by The Bongolian hits the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show best of 2020 playlist
Dorian Cox of The Long Blondes interviewed tonight 10.30 (GMT) on TNN RADIO KX FM 104.7
Leeza London 'Blow Up Dance Party' (Independent FM, Los Angeles) tonight 8pm GMT - David Woodcock to be interviewed.
The Long Blondes 'Christmas Is Cancelled' to be released by Blow Up Records.
Baltic Fleet 'The Dear One' released four years ago today.
The Bongolian 'Harlem Hipshake': Shindig video exclusive and first album review. Read all about it!
The Bongolian 'Harlem Hipshake' new album announcement.
The Bongolian 'Outer Bongolia' Limited Clear 180g Vinyl
The Bongolian 'Moog Maximus' Limited Clear 180g Vinyl

RELEASES

Moog Maximus

Outer Bongolia

The Bongolian

Blueprint

Bongohead

Bongos For Beatniks

Give It To Me (On The Left Side)

I’m a Bigger Badder Bro Than Any Game of Thrones

Strange Lovers

The Riviera Affair

VIDEOS

Keep up to date with latest Blow Up news