Fusing their favourite elements of world music and sound system culture they explore new possibilities between musical cultures, fusing ancestral rhythms with modern dance music. Percussive rhythms and heavy bass drive this vibe train as this Hippo and his percussionist/production partner, Munki, draw influence from all over. Including, Afro/Latin/world music, Jazz, Hip Hop, House, Breaks, Dub, Drum and Bass & Jungle for their productions. The result? A uniquely high energy and psychedelic global bass sound – complete with the flair of live musicians and the exciting builds and drops of bass music!
Their lead vocalist, Feline, skillfully wraps his positive messages of peace, love and unity around these grooves as he both engages and energises crowds. He hosts the journey whilst their queen of the saxophone, Stacey Silvertongue, lays on the the luscious jazzy licks or deep, mysterious moments. Topped off with extra energy from the godfather of good vibes and king of one drum (the timba), Mook!
The Hippo Sound System is a collective formed in 2018
by Bristol UK’s notorious ‘samba junglist’
DJ Hiphoppapotamus. Touring the festival scene across the UK and Europe their explosive live performances have earned them a well trusted reputation for blowing up dancefloors, moving feet and uplifting souls! Their tracks have been featured on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Radio 6 by Jeremiah Asiamiah, Don Letts and Craig Charles. Don Letts also included their track “Into The Jungle” on his “Best of 2020” round up.
Gnawa ambassador S.I.M.O (Simo Lagnawi of Electric Jalaba) joins UK collective Hippo Sound System and producer Count Bassy to bring you a unique fusion of North African and Gnawa inspired blues with Global Bass!
This is a psychedelic journey into the desert where ancestral rhythms and traditional Gnawa instruments (such as the Gimbri and Krakebs) meet the thriving global bass culture, topped off with a powerful message of peace and unity from S.I.M.O who sings in both
Moroccan Arabic and English.
Having picked up so many musical friends along their journey, the Hippo Sound System are passionate about collaboration with both their recordings and performances. They often call upon guest features from artists such as K.O.G, Franz Von, Simo Lagnawi (Electric Jalaba), MC Spyda, Dr Syntax and many more. With almost no tempo untouched from 70-180BPM, they’re an extremely eclectic and versatile band that can customise sets for most stages and occasions. They have brought their good vibes to major stages at some of the best festivals in the UK, including Glastonbury, Boomtown, Secret Garden Party, Shambala, Green Man, Shindig, Beathearder and many more! Now building their international network and audience, as they prepare for the release of their debut album in 2023 on Colombian global bass label Galletas Calientes.
Watch the video from the 2019 Shambala round up
Watch their debut release and music video
Singles taken from the album “Origins”
Released on Galletas Calientes Records:
Follow Hippo Sound System on the web:
