Press Release

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 Bongolian’ and ‘Bongos For Beatniks’. 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.

‘MOOG MAXIMUS‘ sees the welcome return of The Bongolian, AKA multi-instrumentalist and Big Boss Man front man Nasser Bouzida. His fifth album under the Bongolian moniker continues the musical journey where his last album ‘Bongos For Beatniks’ left off, taking us through the fractures of time like fellow traveller H. G. Wells. Nasser has now landed in ancient Rome, or is it on a set from Westworld? All we know our hero is armed with a bank of vintage synthesizers with a legion of heavy grooves in this a wildly eclectic fusion of Funk, Soul, B-Boy Breaks, Jazz and Sci-Fi Boogaloo.

Radio support for Moog Maximus inlcuded Gideon Coe, Cerys Matthews, Nemone & Chris Hawkins on BBC 6 Music (featuring twice on BBC 6 Music’s ‘Recommends Day’) and from Gary Crowley on BBC London. A stand out track for the Summer single ‘Googa Mama‘ is already storming the Blow Up dancefloor – think 60s Soul meets Sci-Fi Boogaloo!

“Nasser Bouzida is a man with talent to spare. A Latin-flavoured jazz-funk odyssey“ Q MAGAZINE

“Forget your preconceptions, this is the REAL incredible bongo band” CLASH

“Gorgeously psychedelic” 4½ SUBBA-CULTCHA

“Mightily funky, Hammond driven bongo rhythms… part mod, part Sergio Mendes, very swingin’…” TIME OUT