Mr Bongo

Record label. Record store. Film label. DJ. Since 1989. Over the following years Bongo moved three times within Soho and opened in Shibuya, Japan.

We started life in 1989 as a small record shop underneath Daddy Kool’s Reggae Store on Berwick Street in London. We were the first shop to sell vinyl releases from independent hip hop labels such as Def Jam, Rawkus, Nervous and Big Beat outside of the USA. We also became an established bearer for hard-to-find, classic Latin music, particularly Brazilian, outside of the Americas. We moved our offic

es to Brighton in 1999 and closed all shops in 2003.

20+ years on we now have a recording roster featuring some of the best Brazilian, Latin, reggae, African and Jazz music by artists including Terry Callier, Jorge Ben, Joyce, Seu Jorge, Prince Fatty, Incredible Bongo Band and Marcos Valle. In 2004 we moved into world cinema, a venture that has grown to compliment the music. In keeping with the record label philosophy, we carefully select and source films from around the world and our catalogue now includes works by esteemed directors including Scorsese, Coppola, Has, Bertolucci, Rocha and Dovzhenko amongst others. We aim to unearth iconic, stylish, hard-to-find gems and cult classics and make them readily available to cinema lovers. We keep production costs relatively low by releasing the feature film without multiple extras allowing us to deliver the highest possible quality prints on DVD’s at the most competitive prices. We are modest compared to our competitors in the film world but hope that our rich history and knowledge has established us as an aficionado that punches above its weight (and is yet to reach its full potential). In 2011 we ventured into the realm of feature film production and theatrical releases with Justin Mitchell's Rio Breaks which premiered at the Odeon Leicester Square in June. We look forward to working on more projects like this. We also have a publishing arm with an in-house team that produces and licenses music for use by third parties. Our clients include advertising, film and TV companies around the world; brands such as Bacardi, Nike, Adidas, Fosters, Nissan and Guinness have used our music. We also deal with worldwide royalty collection for artists and organisations.

07/01/2025

This February we return with another deep dive into the rich magic of Malian music, curated by renowned compiler Florent Mazzoleni and Mr Bongo’s very own David Buttle.

The Original Sound of Mali 2 spotlights the wealth of post-independence music that emanated out of Mali, where traditional foundations and instrumentation, blended with modern musical advances and influence. Restoring and reissuing iconic tracks from Allata Broulaye, Bouba et Sokona Sacko, Rail Band, Les Messagers du Mali, Mystère Jazz de Tombouctou and many more, it’s a fitting followup in this signature series.

Pre-order now on vinyl 2LP, CD and digital. Shipping 7th February.

07/01/2025

As part of our Mr Bongo .fm takeover last year we were treated to a brilliant mix from Huw Bowles aka Huw72 from Beyond There.

Taking us back to the Mr Bongo Soho store days, Huw, who was shop manager and head buyer, put together a seamlessly mixed selection of some the biggest selling and iconic independent hip-hop tunes from the Lexington St and Poland St. Mr Bongo Soho record stores. A real trip down memory lane, Huw focussed in on the 1993-2004 era for this special hour of music.

You can now listen back to Huw’s mix on our soundcloud via the link in our bio. Big shouts to WWFM for handing us the reins for the day. The Mr Bongo takeover, with shows from , , , & , , Mr Bongo, .sofi and is also archived to listen back on their website.

06/01/2025

Our reissue of Alfredo De La Fe’s iconic 1979 album ‘Alfredo’ lands next month. An innovative exploration of Latin grooves with the violin placed centre stage, taking in salsa, disco, jazz and funk.

A violin virtuoso, Alfredo’s passion and presence saw him become a key member of the legendary bands, Típica 73 and the Fania All Stars. As a solo artist, his ‘Alfredo’ album blends his love of Latin music and the worlds of disco and jazz funk crafting two distinct sides to the LP. Nestled on side two is the string-powered, Latin disco groover, ‘Hot To Trot’ that became a certified disco hit and was a favourite of Larry Levan at the Paradise Garage.

Pre-order now vinyl LP, CD and digital via the link in our bio. Shipping 21st February.

03/01/2025

Announcing the Deluxe Edition release of Project Gemini’s critically acclaimed second album, ‘Colours & Light’. Firmly rooted in the mood and melodies of the original album, the Deluxe Edition features an unreleased track from the album recording session ‘Darkness Rising’, alternate versions and a whole host of remixes.

Providing new interpretations of tracks from the album, Jack Sharp of Wolf People/Large Plants, Markey Funk, Wyndham Earl and Call Sender all stamp their signature sound on proceedings. A swirl of psychedelic rock, acid folk and cinematic brilliance, the deluxe edition which also includes all of the original album tracks, shines fresh light on what was already one of the standout releases of 2024.

Pre-order the digital album now and stream / download the first single ‘Darkness Rising'. Album drops 31st January.
https://projectgemini.bandcamp.com/album/colours-light-deluxe-edition

02/01/2025

Mr Bongo’s Winter Sale is now live! A whole host of great discounts on titles from labels we love and the Mr Bongo catalogue - while stocks last.

Shop the full selection:
https://www.mrbongo.com/collections/sale

20/12/2024

It’s always nice to take stock at the end of the year, looking back at all the music we’ve put out across the past 12 months. A huge thank you to all the artists, management, creatives and those behind the scenes that we have worked with to produce one of our strongest years ever. Also sending out a big thank you to everyone that has supported, bought, played and shouted about the music we have released.

We’ve got some really exciting music and projects locked in for next year and we can’t wait to share them with you!

19/12/2024

Stuck for that last minute Christmas gift, there’s one day left to order 1st Class, Royal Mail Tracked 48. We’ve got a whole host of tasty T-shirts available exclusively to the Mr Bongo website. From LTD edition collabs with , , , .london and Skull Snaps, to the classic Bongo designs. Link in bio - whilst stocks last.

18/12/2024

Three fresh selects from the new additions to the store in the lead up to Christmas.

First, this one would have made it into our best of 2024 chart if we had had it in earlier. A return of the sensational vocalist with eight tracks of sublime contemporary yet classic sounding soul, funk and boogie. A wonderful record from one of our favourite artists, highly recommended!

Second, a massive release by Libyan singer Cheb Bakr on the mighty . We heard Jannis play this a couple years ago closing Shapes Festival atop a mountain in snowy Switzerland and it blew us away. An entrancing and unique reinterpretation of Lumidee’s ‘Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)’.

Lastly, the amazing harpist has outdone herself on this sublime harp-jazz-Christmas album. One that is definitely listen-worthy all year round!

17/12/2024

T-shirts are now instock 👀

These limited edition ‘Pique’ beauties are produced using a premium quality, Continental Clothing short sleeve t-shirt in pink. It features front and back screenprinted artwork designed by .

The t-shirt is Earth positive, 100% organic cotton, climate neutral, vegan approved and sweatshop free.

Available in S, M, L & XL - whilst stocks last. Link in our bio.

13/12/2024

Rounding off the year with a final triplet of sought-after Brazil 45 represses from our signature series.

The legendary Elza Soares takes on Jorge Ben’s classic ‘Mas Que Nada’, with a B side housing Elizabeth’s horn-infused heater, ’Vou Falar - Lhe Francamente’. An absorbing, folk-leaning, call and response number from Elys Camargo, is paired with a sun-kissed, psychedelic stunner from Trio Esperança. Lastly, a double header in the form of Wilson das Neves’ outstanding cover of Average White Band’s ‘Pick Up The Pieces’ and a Mr Bongo HQ Brazilian funk favourite from Som Três.

Order now on 7” vinyl - https://www.mrbongo.com/collections/brazil-45s

13/12/2024

We’ve got some unmissable offers on as part of our Mr Bongo Christmas collections. Big savings on big releases, with bundles taking in the New Sound Of Brazilian, our Cuban Classics releases, the complete Mr Bongo Record Club series, hip-hop 45s, artist-led collections from Asha Puthli, Luke Una, Henri Texier, Project Gemini, SOYUZ and many more.

These deals are only available over the Christmas period while stocks last - https://www.mrbongo.com/collections/gift-ideas

Final shipping dates for the UK below - please check the website for remaining international dates:
2nd Class - 18th December
1st Class, Royal Mail Tracked 48 – 20th December

12/12/2024

As part of our Japan tour with and we also collaborated on a very limited run of A3 screenprinted Mr Bongo x Higo Beat Japan Tour posters. Featuring three original and exclusive designs by Alex Evans - .studio. These posters were hand screen-printed in Japan on 270gsm vellum white paper in A3 size. Only a handful exist worldwide and they won’t be getting a repress.

Please note: This is a **COLLECTION ONLY** item from the Mr Bongo Brighton store. It is also a poster only - the item does not come in a frame. All three can be purchased as a discounted bundle or separately in each variation via the link in our bio.

12/12/2024

A piece of dance music history right here! The original multitrack for Atmosfear’s iconic hit ‘Dancing In Outer Space’, recently discovered in Andy Sojka’s garage. A Brit-funk anthem recorded at Gateway Studio in Clapham, that soon took over the world.

Produced by Andy Sojka, Jerry Pike and Lester Batchelor, it went on to have global influence. Supported by the likes of Larry Levan and David Mancuso on the mythical dancefloors of Paradise Garage and The Loft, it was also expertly remixed by Masters of Work and François K.

Following the Mr Bongo reissue in 2018, we spoke to Lester on how the track was initially received, “In general people didn’t know how to respond to it because it was so different to anything else that was out at that time. It was very quiet for a few weeks following release... then suddenly all hell broke loose and everyone wanted to know who, where, what and why, and when can I get a copy!”.

10/12/2024

Three fresh selects from the new additions to the site, to ease you into the week.

First up, Volume 2 of & ’s wonderful .beat compilation series, showcasing a unique era in the late ‘80s / early ‘90s when South Asian music was infused with acid house, new beat, and dub. Featuring , Bappi Lahiri and Johnny Zee amongst many others.

Next, present an absorbing, eclectic electronic EP by producer / DJ .sound. The Placid Wakefulness EP is a result of Michael’s work as a doctor and his academic research into how music can help aid peoples recovery. From ambient calm to club-adjacent rhythms and heavier electronic excursions this is a real sonic exploration.

Lastly, David Hill, and Mark Ainley dig the Chess subsidiary label Checker, for this marvellous gospel-soul compilation on . Well recommended!

06/12/2024

As part of our recent Japan tour with in partnership with , we collaborated on a run of limited edition merch for the occasion. A small quantity of extras were made for the worldwide market but they are super limited and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

First, the Mr Bongo x Higo Beat Japan Tour record weight. Custom made in Japan from brass by and engraved with tour logo artwork by .studio. Uniquely designed, one side works as a weight for 12”s / vinyl LPs / 7”s with small holes, and the other side houses an adaptor / weight for dinked 45’s. Only 50 exist worldwide. Comes in custom carry bag and box.

We also collaborated together on a limited edition T-Shirt. Screen printed on an organic cotton premium T, with front and back print artwork designed by Reason For Being.

Additionally, we had a run of 50 special Mr Bongo Record Club Vol, 7 cassettes produced - with an unmixed showcase of the seventh instalment in our trademark compilation series.

Be quick on these - https://www.mrbongo.com/collections/gift-ideas

06/12/2024

Our run of represses of some of the most sought-after and asked-for titles in our signature Brazil 45 catalogue continues with these three iconic Brazilian pairings.

First up, a double header taking in a sensational track from Georgette, long championed by Gilles Peterson and a Floating Points favourite by Claudia. Next, a slice of psychedelic samba from Sonia Santos is backed with a classic, hypnotic, call and response cut from the legend João Donato. Finally, a spellbinding coming together of Marcio Lott’s rarer than hen’s teeth, sun-soaked groover ‘Tema de Baby’ and the samba-rock fusion flavours of Silvio Cesar ‘A Festa’.

Pre-order now on 7” vinyl, shipping 24th January. https://www.mrbongo.com/collections/brazil-45s

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http://www.mrbongo.com/

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Announcing the Deluxe Edition release of Project Gemini’s critically acclaimed second album, ‘Colours & Light’. Firmly rooted in the mood and melodies of the original album, the Deluxe Edition features an unreleased track from the album recording session ‘Darkness Rising’, alternate versions and a whole host of remixes. Providing new interpretations of tracks from the album, Jack Sharp of Wolf People/Large Plants, Markey Funk, Wyndham Earl and Call Sender all stamp their signature sound on proceedings. A swirl of psychedelic rock, acid folk and cinematic brilliance, the deluxe edition which also includes all of the original album tracks, shines fresh light on what was already one of the standout releases of 2024. Pre-order the digital album now and stream / download the first single ‘Darkness Rising'. Album drops 31st January. https://projectgemini.bandcamp.com/album/colours-light-deluxe-edition

Mr Bongo’s Winter Sale is now live! A whole host of great discounts on titles from labels we love and the Mr Bongo catalogue - while stocks last. Shop the full selection: https://www.mrbongo.com/collections/sale

Mr Bongo Christmas Collections

We’ve got some unmissable offers on as part of our Mr Bongo Christmas collections. Big savings on big releases, with bundles taking in the New Sound Of Brazilian, our Cuban Classics releases, the complete Mr Bongo Record Club series, hip-hop 45s, artist-led collections from Asha Puthli, Luke Una, Henri Texier, Project Gemini, SOYUZ and many more. These deals are only available over the Christmas period while stocks last - https://www.mrbongo.com/collections/gift-ideas Final shipping dates for the UK below - please check the website for remaining international dates: 2nd Class - 18th December 1st Class, Royal Mail Tracked 48 – 20th December

Our run of represses of some of the most sought-after and asked-for titles in our signature Brazil 45 catalogue continues with these three iconic Brazilian pairings. First up, a double header taking in a sensational track from Georgette, long championed by Gilles Peterson and a Floating Points favourite by Claudia. Next, a slice of psychedelic samba from Sonia Santos is backed with a classic, hypnotic, call and response cut from the legend João Donato. Finally, a spellbinding coming together of Marcio Lott’s rarer than hen’s teeth, sun-soaked groover ‘Tema de Baby’ and the samba-rock fusion flavours of Silvio Cesar ‘A Festa’. Pre-order now on 7” vinyl, shipping 24th January. https://www.mrbongo.com/collections/brazil-45s

Following the success of ‘The Original Sound of Mali’ compilation, we return with another explorative delve into the wonders of Malian music compiled by French writer, journalist and Grammy-nominated compiler Florent Mazzoleni and Mr Bongo’s very own David Buttle. Restoring, reissuing and contextualising iconic tracks from Ousmane Kouyaté & Ambassadeurs Internationaux, Rail Band, Les Messagers du Mali, Mystère Jazz de Tombouctou and many more, the second compilation in this series dives ever further into the richness of post-independence music emanating out of Mali. Capturing the raw energy of Mali in this period, the second volume features a spread of sounds that radiated from Mali’s newly recorded musicians. The afrobeat rhythms of Ousmane Kouyaté and mesmerising Malian classic from Bouba and Sokona Sacko, sitting side by side with the swirling hypnotism of Tentemba Jazz du Mali and a ngoni-infused, percussive dancer from Allata Broulaye. Elsewhere, the deep African desert music of Mystère Jazz de Tombouctou rubs shoulders with the grandeur of the Rail Band, powered by Salif Keita’s iconic vocals. Pre-order now on vinyl 2LP and CD, both of which include booklets with extensive liner notes from Florent Mazzoleni - https://bfan.link/the-original-sound-of-mali-2

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