A decade ago Nasser Bouzida (also of Big Boss Man) disappeared into his studio and created a solo set of recordings which resulted in the birth of his alter ego The Bongolian. However, even a man as talented as him can't play all the instruments simultaneously so Nasser has assembled a high-calibre five piece live band with whom The Bongolian has toured USA, Europe and the UK.
More
Trevor Harding and Nasser go way back – since them both being in Ska group The Loafers, through the Skooby days (also with Gwyn Edwards) and in Big Boss Man, right up 'til today. Trev provides the solid bass groove on which to layer the screaming organ, synths and relentless drums. He also programs the satnav in the van.
More
With grooves as percussion-laden as the Bongolian's you need a full time man on the job when performing them live. Dan Rooms is a seasoned percussionist, who also played with jazz/funk bands such as The Sentinels and Paprika Soul back in the day, as well as performing percussion duties in indie band The Details more recently. He also runs the clothing label Slick Attire.
More
The Bongolian's Hammond-led live sound is reinforced with a wall of electric piano, samplers and synths, ably provided by Gwyn. 'Tutfy' Edwards has been in bands since his teens, most notably in Skooby, with The Bongolian himself and Trevor Harding.
More
Blonde bombshell Reinis peddles his ferocious drumming wares to many bands throughout London, having emigrated from his native Sweden, in 2003. He is also a fully-qualified Ninja who can kill an ox with a single blow. Or 'massage' it to death. In his own words 'it's velocity that counts'.
More