Band

Congo Natty

Mapped through Raggajungle, Drum and Bass influences; 6 albums in the Staimusic archive; upcoming live dates.

Congo Natty
Biography

Congo Natty: history and sound

Congo Natty is an artist with a long musical history. Besides being renowned for his heavyweight beats and unstoppable flow, what versions of his iconic tracks resonate most with listeners? From platinum albums and smashes that fill the dancefloor to golden classics sampled in later records, this reggae star's abundant output presents some tough choices. But which albums and songs make the cut for any compilation of the best of Congo Natty? Here are a few surefire picks from this influential pioneer.
Congo Natty: The Reggae Revolutionist
Congo Natty, born as Michael West, is a British jungle and reggae artist best known for his unique fusion of reggae and jungle music. With a career spanning over 25 years, Congo Natty has left its mark on the music industry and pushed the boundary of sound with his innovative style. In this blog post, we will delve into the biography of Congo Natty, the evolution of its music genre, must-listen songs, famous concerts, and a critical review of its work.
1. Musical Biography:
Congo Natty was born in London in the early 1960s and grew up in the north of the city. Influenced by his Jamaican roots, Natty began his musical journey by DJing in local sound systems and attending reggae concerts. He gained popularity with his first release, Tribal Bass, which introduced jungle music to the UK. It was a perfect blend of fast-paced beats, soulful vocals, and spiritual lyrics that became an instant hit. He continued to release hits like Junglist, Police in Helicopter, and Jah Warriors in the next few years. Today, Congo Natty is considered one of the pioneers of jungle music and a trailblazer for reggae revival.
2. Music Genre:
Congo Natty's music genre is a fusion of roots reggae and jungle music. It takes inspiration from traditional Jamaican music, Rastafarianism, and Afro-Caribbean culture. Jungle music, on the other hand, is characterized by fast breakbeats, bass-heavy rhythms, and raw, underground sound. Congo Natty was one of the first musicians to blend these two contrasting genres and create a unique sound. He has also incorporated dub, hip hop, and EDM into his music, making his style more eclectic and experimental.
3. Best Songs:
Congo Natty has released many hit songs over the years, but some of his best works include Junglist, Police In Helicopter, Jah Warriors, and UK Allstars. These songs showcase his signature sound, which combines soulful reggae vocals with hard-hitting jungle beats. Junglist, for example, is a classic jungle track that features choppy drum breaks, a pulsating bassline, and Natty's inimitable chant. Jah Warriors is a spiritual anthem that celebrates the struggles of the Rastafarian community and calls for unity and peace.
4. Famous Concerts:
Congo Natty has performed at many famous concerts and festivals around the world. Some of his most notable performances include Glastonbury Festival, Notting Hill Carnival, and Boomtown Fair. At these shows, he has collaborated with other artists like Mala, Skream, and Shy FX to create an unforgettable experience for the audience. His performances are known for their high energy and infectious rhythm that gets the crowd moving.
5. Critic Review:
5. Critic Review:
Congo Natty's music has been praised by critics for its originality, depth, and social commentary. His blending of different genres is considered a breakthrough in the music industry, and his lyrics often touch on issues of racism, poverty, and inequality. However, some critics have also criticized his music for being too repetitive and lacking in depth. Some have also suggested that his work is only accessible to a select group of listeners, and he needs to reach a broader audience.
Congo Natty is a revolutionary artist who has not only created a unique sound but also given a voice to marginalized communities. His blend of reggae and jungle music is a testament to his creativity and his dedication to pushing boundaries. His music has left an indelible mark on the industry and has been an inspiration for many musicians. If you haven't already, give his music a listen, and let yourself be transported to a different world.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Junglist
Congo Natty Junglist
Emperor Selassie I
Congo Natty Emperor Selassie I
Athos
Congo Natty Athos
Kunte Kinte
Congo Natty Kunte Kinte
Bingy Man
Congo Natty Bingy Man
His Imperial Majesty
Congo Natty His Imperial Majesty