Original Jungle revolutionist Congo Natty headlines this year’s Catch A Fire in Cambridge marking 22 years of playing a melting pot of musical genres.
Growing up in Tottenham, his father came from Kingston, Jamaica and his mother from Wales and at the age of 10 he DJ-ed at a party for the first time.
Before hitting 20 he and friends started their own soundsystem, Beat Freak, playing hip hop, reggae and the house records that were just starting to penetrate the music scene.
From 1992 to 1994 he helped develop Jungle into the musical melting pot it is today with fusions of British, African, Indian, Jamaican, Chinese.
Of the genre he said: “I see Jungle as our soul in the 21st century. But this time it’s got no colour. It’s not the black man’s story no more. It’s our story.”
Joining him is rising British grime star Elf Kid, Toby Dumbuya, a 19-year-old, south-east London MC who earned acclaim last year when he released the music video for his debut single Golden Boy.
An original member of grime crew The Square, he has performed alongside grime veteran Skepta and MOBO award winner, Stormzy and was named one to watch on Red Bull’s 25 Under 25 list.
On grime he said: “There’s always another kid in their bedroom spitting bars, not knowing that he’s the next big thing. You can’t stop grime, it’s something we breathe.
“To be honest I want to see a female MC come through and murk next year. But we will have to see.”
Barely Legal, aka 23 year old DJ Chloe Robinson, will bring a first rate fusion of grime, jungle, drum and bass and hip hop to the proceedings.
Don’t let the age fool you, the Birmingham born London-based diminutive DJ has fast earned respect with the musical heavyweights bringing with her a rider of premium vodka, tropical Tropicana, Haribo and a crate to stand on so she can reach the decks.
Also appearing is supreme long standing favourite DJ Randall and MC Spyda along with DJ Siobhan Bell who dropped out of university to pursue music and has appeared alongside A$AP Mob and Skepta with a motto of: “There are no limits because you are a girl or young, just do what you feel and be as expressive as you can.”
Add to the line up David Boomah, an original lyricist, who has toured alongside the likes of Rebel MC and Shy FX and collaborated with artists like Tenor Fly, Topcat and UK Apachi.
Also appearing is Meta and Cardinal Sound.
Catch a Fire is at Cambridge Junction on Saturday June 4 from 10pm until 6am.
Tickets £15. No entry after 2am. No under 18’s. ?
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