The Bongolian (Big Boss Man)

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.