DJ Interviews: Mr. Bongo

Graham aka DJ Greymatter of the Basement Soul party in Brighton sat down with Jeannie Hopper for this 2007 interview giving insight into what was going on at the fabulous Mr. Bongo Records where he'd been working the last few years.



The Mr. Bongo record label, now based in Brighton, remains strong 15 years on and still presents an enormous wealth and breadth of contemporary Brazilian music to wider audiences. Releases include albums from hip hop artist Marcelo D2, who sold over 500,000 units of his first album in Brazil and Seu Jorge (City of God, Life Aquatic), both produced by Mario Caldatto (Beastie Boys). Add to that a back catalogue containing work from legends such as Tito Puente, Marcos Valle, Masters at Work, Ive Mendes, Banda Black Rio, Doris, Labi Siffre, Terry Callier, plus six installments of the Brazilian Beats compilation, Tetine with their uncompromising Funk Carioca sound, the Batucada LPs, the legendary Wildstyle soundtrack and Incredible Bongo Band 'Bongo Rock' LPs, and the lost cinema classic I Am Cuba (Soy Cuba). The year 2007 sees releases from Mitchell & Dewbury Band, Jose Conde, Prince Fatty, Brazilian Beats n Pieces (a 'cut and paste' mix of the best of brazilian beats series), Afroreggae and more.

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