Mungo's Hi Fi and Kiko Bun: Reggae Coronation (New Release)

Mungo’s Hi Fi continues their dub dynasty with their latest single ‘Miss Burnett’ with Kiko Bun, which was released last week. The single reminds us why the Glasgow collective is deserving of their reputation as one of the most iconic and original collectives in the dub and reggae scene…

Picture the scene, it’s 2002: the masses are being digitally hypnotised by Nelly and Kelly’s latest single ‘Dilemma’ on their CD and MP3 players, while flip phones ring with electronic screams; meanwhile, the little-known group consisting of Dougie No Pain, Craigy Wonder, Tommy danger and Breezak Bass release their first album ‘Mungo’s Hi Fi meets Brother Culture’ with London’s Dubhead records: an album combining reggae and dancehall, with dub.

The next two decades oversee Mungo’s Hi Fi gaining international recognition for their commitment to soundsystem culture - playing at festivals like Boomtown, Glastonbury, Eden and gracing the rave and club scene at venues like Warehouse Project, Jazz Café and Motion. Their story is as authentic as their sound: inspired by King Tubby, Prince Jammy and the UK’s Unity Sounds, the group built their first sound system from speakers found in a skip and began producing an old Atari. Mungo’s Hi Fi represents soundsystem culture from its DIY ethos to Jamaican roots.

In 2005 Mungo’s Hi Fi founded their record label Scotch Bonnet. Their label remains true to the collective’s unique and iconic sound while often inviting collaboration, for instance with the likes of Eva Lazarus, Gentlemen’s Dub Club, General Levy, and YT. When reflecting on Mungos’ genesis the collective has always aimed to rejoice in a variety of sounds and musicians through their constant collaboration and genre-blurring. Their early success in Glasgow and their regular sets often saw collaboration with visiting vocalists to hold the mic and join them in the studio.

Their most recent collaboration for their single is no different, celebrating reggae musician Kiko Bun. Kiko’s sound offers a contemporary voice while remaining cultivated by Jamaican Roots, Dub, Rocksteady and Boom Bap. Raised in North-West London Kiko Bun’s unique music and imagination can be attributed to his sophisticated tastes and inspirations, from the likes of The Fugees to The Roots, UB40, Toots And The Maytals and Amy Winehouse. His growing reputation has led to some huge collaborations with the likes of Chase and Status, Shy FX and Alborosie. The pairing on ‘Miss Barnett’ balances Kiko’s passion for music and Mungo’s upbeat sound and vision for the listening experience.